Article 171 of the Saudi Labor Law
المادة 171 من نظام العمل · الباب الحادي عشر: عقد العمل البحري
Article 171 sets the mandatory particulars a maritime work contract must contain and requires it to be drawn up in three copies: for the shipowner, for the master on board the ship, and for the seaman.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يجب أن ينص في عقد العمل البحري على تاريخ إبرامه ومكانه، واسم المجهز، واسم البحار ولقبه وسنه وجنسيته وموطنه، ونوع العمل المكلف به، وكيفية أدائه، والشهادة التي تتيح له العمل في الملاحة البحرية، والتذكرة الشخصية البحرية، ومقدار الأجر، ومدة العقد، أما إذا كان العقد لسفرة واحدة فيجب تحديد المدينة أو المرفأ البحري الذي تنتهي عنده الرحلة، وفي أي مرحلة من مراحل تفريغ السفينة أو تحميلها في هذا المرفأ ينتهي العمل، وغير ذلك من تفاصيل العقد.
ويكون العقد من ثلاث نسخ: نسخة لمجهز السفينة، ونسخة للربان للاحتفاظ بها على ظهر السفينة، ونسخة للبحار.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 171 explained in plain English
Article 171 of the Labor Law sets the minimum particulars that must be included in the maritime work contract, which is the contract concluded between the shipowner (the employer in maritime work) and the seaman. The aim is for the contract to be written in enough detail to protect both parties and prevent later disputes over the nature of the work, the pay or the length of the commitment.
The particulars that must be stated in the contract are:
- The date and place the contract was concluded.
- The shipowner's name.
- The seaman's name, surname, age, nationality and domicile.
- The type of work the seaman is assigned and how it is to be performed.
- The certificate that allows him to work in maritime navigation, and the personal maritime ticket.
- The amount of pay.
- The contract term.
If the contract is for a single voyage rather than a fixed term, the contract must specify the city or seaport at which the voyage ends, and state at what stage of unloading or loading the ship at that port the work ends. This is consistent with what Article 170 provides, which requires the contract to state whether it is for a fixed term or a voyage, and that seamen's contracts be recorded in the ship's registers or attached to them in clear form. Article 171 adds the phrase "and other details of the contract," meaning the list above is a minimum to which the parties may add other terms.
The second paragraph requires the contract to be drawn up in three copies:
- A copy for the shipowner.
- A copy for the master, which he keeps on board the ship.
- A copy for the seaman himself.
In this way the seaman is assured of keeping a document proving his rights, and the master is assured of a reference on board the ship during the voyage. Article 172 completes this protection by requiring work rules and conditions to be announced on board the ship, such as working hours, wages, leave and the end-of-service award. If a seaman receives a contract lacking particulars or is not given his copy, it is appropriate for him to ask the shipowner for it, and where needed he may consult a lawyer specialized in labor cases.
Practical example
A shipping company in Jeddah contracted with the seaman Salem to work on one of its ships for a single voyage. The company drew up the contract stating the date and place of signing, the company's name as shipowner, Salem's name, surname, age, nationality and domicile, that he is assigned to work as a technician in the engine room, with the number of his navigation certificate and his personal maritime ticket and the amount of his pay. Because the contract is for a single voyage, it provided that the voyage ends at the port of Dammam and that Salem's work ends when unloading of the cargo there is complete. The contract was then signed in three copies: the company kept one, the second was given to the master to keep on board the ship, and Salem received the third, which is what Article 171 requires.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Active contributorFrequently asked questions about Article 171 of the Saudi Labor Law
What particulars must a maritime work contract contain?
The contract must state the date and place it was concluded, the shipowner's name, the seaman's name, surname, age, nationality and domicile, the type of work and how it is performed, the certificate for working in maritime navigation, the personal maritime ticket, the amount of pay, the contract term, and other details of the contract.
In how many copies is a maritime work contract drawn up and to whom are they given?
The contract is drawn up in three copies: one for the shipowner, one for the master which he keeps on board the ship, and one for the seaman.
What must the contract specify if it is for a single voyage?
It must specify the city or seaport at which the voyage ends, and at what stage of unloading or loading the ship at this port the work ends, which Article 170 also confirms.
Can terms other than those mentioned in Article 171 be added?
Yes. The article ends the list of particulars with the phrase "and other details of the contract," so the particulars mentioned are a mandatory minimum to which the parties may add other details relating to the contract.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.