Your pay

Fishers · Know your rights

You have the right to be paid regularly, and to send money home without paying for it.

What you should get

• If you are paid a wage: a monthly or other regular payment (C188, Art. 23).
• A way to send all or part of your pay, including advances, to your family at no cost (C188, Art. 24).
• No recruitment or placement fees taken from you, directly or indirectly (C188, Art. 22).
• From 1 January 2028, on vessels covered by CMM 2024-04: decent and regular pay (for example monthly or quarterly) that you can actually access, and appropriate insurance (CMM 2024-04, para. 7e).

Check for

• The amount, or how your share is calculated, is written in your agreement
• Every deduction is explained in writing
• You get a record each time you are paid

What you can do

• Keep every payslip, transfer receipt and message about pay.
• If someone asks you to pay to get the job, say no and report it.

Sources: ILO C188, Art. 22–24 (NORMLEX) · WCPFC CMM 2024-04, para. 7(e)

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and by the vessel's flag. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/fishers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org