Sailor’s Service from Medieval Times to Modern Maritime Labour Conventions

The Medieval statutory regulations at the east coast of the Adriatic Sea, especially in Dubrovnik, that are analysed in this article are related to sailor’s service, agreement of service, types of contracts, single voyage contracts, time contracts and profit share, sailors’ working responsibilities, breach of contractual obligations etc., all of which enable an interesting insight and open the question of possible parallels with contemporary seafarers’ labour relations. In 2006, the International Labour Organisation adopted the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) which sets out terms and conditions for employment of seafarers, regarding the minimum age for employment, medical conditions to be met by seafarers, employment of seafarers through an appropriate system with no charge to the seafarers, entitlement to wages in accordance with employment agreements, etc. Special focus is dedicated to their hours of work and rest in order to ensure safety of navigation. MLC entitles seafarers to adequate compensation in cases of injury, loss or unemployment arising from ship’s loss or foundering, in addition to the right to free repatriation of seafarers, except in cases of serious breach of seafarer’s contractual obligations.