Time at sea feels endless—but the contract measures every hour.

In this episode of SEAFARERS WAY – The Contract at Sea, Captain Rommel explains how the POEA/DMW Standard Terms and Conditions define basic wage, payment timing, allotments, working hours, overtime, rest, leave pay, and shore leave—and why many misunderstandings onboard start with time and pay.

This episode discusses:

• What “basic wage” really means—and why it matters

• When wages are paid and until when employment continues

• Why allotments are mandatory and how they protect families

• Regular working hours versus overtime

• Emergency duties, rest periods, and holidays at sea

• Leave pay and shore leave—what the contract allows and why

This is not a discussion about complaints or disputes.
It is a calm, seafarer-to-seafarer conversation about understanding how work and time are structured under the contract—so expectations remain clear on both ship and shore.

Because your time has value.
And knowing your contract does not make you difficult—it makes you prepared.