Go to content

Complaints procedure

The MLC incorporates a complaints procedure on-board and ashore. For complaints on-board every seafarer must receive a copy of the Model on-board complaint procedure.

Seafarers on board of Dutch-flagged ships or seafarers on board of foreign-flagged ships in a Dutch port may lodge a complaint. This is only possible after you have followed the on-board complaints procedure unless you have good reason not to. The complaint must be made in Dutch or in English and the subject of the complaint may not have taken place more than 6 months ago.

  • You can use the form 'Complaint report by seafarer' below and e-mail the form to psc@ilent.nl
  • It is also possible to submit your complaint by letter or by phone to:

Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport | Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate
IPC 525
P.O. box 16191
2500 BD The Hague
phone +3188 489 0000

Your complaint will only be investigated if it is related to:

  • Minimum age
  • Medical certification
  • Qualifications of seafarers
  • Seafarers' employment agreements
  • Use of any licensed or certified or regulated private recruitment and placement service
  • Hours of work or rest
  • Manning levels for the ship
  • Accommodation
  • On-board recreational facilities
  • Food and catering
  • Health and safety and accident prevention
  • On-board medical care
  • On-board complaint procedures
  • Payment of wages
  • Financial security for repatriation
  • Financial security relating to shipowner’s liability

For ships under Dutch flag only: an unlawful order by the captain.
Foreign seafarers may also lodge a complaint with the competent authority in their country of residence. These addresses can be found on the website of the ILO.

Documents