Under the MLC 2006 (Regulation 4.3 - Health and safety protection and accident prevention), seafarers have the right to a safe and healthy workplace and to protection against occupational accidents and diseases. Their rights and expectations include:

• A safe and hygienic workplace: the ship must be designed, constructed and maintained to provide a safe working environment, with the accommodation, machinery, deck and cargo areas free from hazards.
• Occupational safety and health (OSH) protection: the shipowner must implement an occupational safety and health policy and programme (including risk assessment, safe working practices, personal protective equipment, and the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases), in line with the ILO/IMO guidelines and the ISM Code.
• Training and information: seafarers must be given appropriate safety and health training, instruction and information, including on the hazards of their work and the protective measures.
• Accident prevention and reporting: the ship must have procedures to prevent, report and investigate accidents and occupational injuries, and to take corrective action.
• Medical care: seafarers have the right to medical care on board and ashore, and to be provided with a medical chest and the means to obtain medical advice.
• Rest and working hours: adequate rest periods and limits on working hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
• No discrimination and protection from harassment/bullying: a safe and respectful working environment.
• The right to complain and to be protected from victimisation when reporting unsafe conditions.

These rights are enforced through the flag State (MLC certificate/DMLC), port State control, and the shipowner's compliance, and are verified during inspections.

• The MLC 2006 (Regulation 1.2) prohibits discrimination in respect of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, and requires equal treatment.
• Steps taken include:
• Non-discriminatory recruitment and employment practices (equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, wages and conditions).
• A common working language and clear communication: the ship should have a working language (often English) understood by all crew, and instructions/safety information provided in a language the seafarers understand, to reduce misunderstandings and exclusion.
• Cultural awareness and respect: promoting a respectful, inclusive environment, with policies against harassment, bullying and discrimination, and training on cultural sensitivity.
• Equal access to training, welfare and facilities regardless of nationality/gender.
• Fair and transparent complaint and grievance procedures so that any discrimination can be reported and addressed without victimisation.
• Manning agencies and shipowners following non-discriminatory practices and the MLC's requirements.
• Flag and port State inspections verifying that the ship's policies and practices are non-discriminatory and that the crew are treated fairly.

These measures foster a safe, harmonious and effective crew, reduce conflict and accidents, and comply with the MLC and human-rights standards.