The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Hours of Work) Regulations 2018

Entitlement to annual and additional leave

15.—(1) An employed seafarer on a ship to which this regulation applies is entitled to—

(a) paid annual leave that is to be calculated on the basis of two and a half days for each month of employment in the leave year and pro rata for incomplete months; and

(b) additional paid leave of eight days in each leave year and pro rata for incomplete years.

(2) Leave to which a seafarer is entitled under this regulation—

(a) may be taken in instalments; and

(b) may not be replaced by payment in lieu, except where the seafarer’s employment is terminated.

(3) Justified absences from work are not to be considered annual leave for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a).

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, “justified absences from work” include any absence authorised by—

(a) any enactment;

(b) any contract between the seafarer’s employer and the seafarer;

(c) any collective agreement or workplace agreement; or

(d) custom and practice.