Cruise Academy is committed to providing safe, ethical, and transparent recruitment and placement services for all seafarers. We operate in alignment with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), including the 2025 amendments entering into force in 2027 concerning violence, harassment, discrimination, and seafarer protection.
Although Cruise Academy does not issue employment contracts, manage pay, or arrange repatriation, we participate in the sourcing, screening, and referral of seafarers for shipboard employment. As such, we recognise our responsibilities under MLC Regulation 1.4 and maintain the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and duty of care.
1. Zero Tolerance for Violence, Harassment, Abuse, and Discrimination
Cruise Academy upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy towards:
- Physical or verbal violence
- Sexual harassment or sexual assault
- Bullying, intimidation, coercion, or threats
- Discrimination based on nationality, gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic
- Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern
We will not knowingly place any seafarer into an environment where these behaviours are tolerated.
2. Rights of Seafarers
All seafarers we place are informed of their rights under MLC 2006, including:
- The right to a safe and respectful working environment
- The right to be free from violence, harassment, and discrimination
- The right to accessible onboard and shore-based complaints procedures
- The right to raise concerns without fear of retaliation
- The right to confidential, impartial support if they experience harm
These rights are communicated via our pre-departure information materials and/or micro-training modules.
3. Fair and Transparent Recruitment Practices
Cruise Academy does not charge seafarers any recruitment or placement fees. We do not withhold documents and do not participate in any practice that would exploit, mislead, or disadvantage seafarers.
Our recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and job-related requirements, and we maintain transparent evaluation criteria for all candidates.
4. Due Diligence on Employers
We work only with cruise operators and manning partners that uphold the principles of MLC 2006 and maintain:
- Valid MLC certification
- Fair, safe, and compliant working conditions
- Clear reporting and welfare mechanisms
- Zero-tolerance policies on violence and harassment
If we become aware of serious or systemic concerns within a partner organisation, we will suspend referrals until issues are addressed.
5. Complaints and Reporting Mechanisms
Cruise Academy provides accessible channels for seafarers to raise concerns or report incidents of violence, harassment, abuse, unethical recruitment, or any MLC-related issue. Seafarers may contact us confidentially at: md@cruise-academy.co.uk
All complaints will be handled promptly, sensitively, and without retaliation. Where appropriate, we will escalate concerns to the hiring cruise line or manning partner and support the seafarer through the process.
Cruise Academy maintains a confidential complaints log and documents how each matter is addressed.
6. Data Protection and Privacy
We respect the privacy and confidentiality of all seafarers. Personal data is managed securely and only shared with authorised partners for legitimate recruitment purposes, in accordance with UK GDPR and applicable data protection laws.
7. Continuous Improvement
Cruise Academy regularly reviews its recruitment practices, training materials, and compliance procedures to ensure alignment with evolving MLC requirements, including the 2025 adopted amendments.
We remain committed to supporting safer, fairer, and more dignified careers at sea.