If you have a complaint as a seafarer, for example about working conditions on board, you can submit it to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) in the Netherlands. You must first follow the complaints procedure on board the ship.

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How to submit a complaint to the ILT

Online

Use the online form Report or complaint about a ship under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

By post

Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT)
IPC 525
Postbus 16191 
2500 BD Den Haag 
the Netherlands

By phone

+31 88 489 0000

Persons who can submit a complaint

The following persons and organisations can submit a complaint to the ILT:

  • Crew members of ships flying the Dutch flag.
  • Crew members of international ships in ports in the Netherlands.
  • Unions or associations, such as trade unions.
  • Professional institutions, such as the ILT.
  • Anyone with an interest in the safety of the ship or the health and safety of seafarers.

Seafarers based outside the Netherlands can also submit a complaint to the competent authority in their own country. A list of countries and contact details is available on the International Labour Organization (ILO) website.

Conditions for submitting a complaint

If you have a complaint, you must first follow the complaints procedure on board, unless you have a valid reason not to.

An example procedure can be found in the Model on-board complaints procedure.

Other conditions include:

  • The cause of the complaint must be under 6 months old.
  • Complaints must be submitted in Dutch or English.
  • Seafarers must not suffer any disadvantage after submitting a complaint.

Complaints the ILT investigates

The ILT only investigates complaints about:

  • Orders from the ship master of a ship flying the Dutch flag that conflict with the law of the Netherlands.
  • Accommodation.
  • Employment contracts.
  • Working hours and rest periods.
  • Payment of wages.
  • Agencies providing or mediating crew.
  • Medical certificates.
  • Health, safety and accident prevention.
  • Complaints procedures.
  • Qualifications.
  • Medical care.
  • Human rights or workers’ rights.
  • Minimum age.
  • Recreational facilities.
  • Crew composition.
  • Food and catering.

ILT is not an advocate

The ILT is not an advocate for seafarers. Seafarers must defend their own rights, for example by taking legal action.