Crew Contracts & Flag States: Know Your Rights Before You Sign

Yacht crew contracts, flag state jurisdiction, and maritime law directly affect the safety, rights, and legal exposure of both seafarers and yacht owners. In this episode of Maritime Legal, host Jessica Galea, Partner at Dingli & Dingli Law Firm, is joined by Dr. Lorna Mifsud Cachia, Managing Partner and Head of Litigation, and Dr. Marcus Degiorgio, Associate in the Litigation Department, to explain how employment contracts operate as binding legal instruments under maritime law and why mistakes at the signing stage often lead to serious disputes later. The discussion focuses on one of the most common legal risks in yachting: unclear or multiple employment agreements. The speakers break down how dual contracts, unclear employer identity, and poor execution can expose both crew and yacht owners to civil disputes, regulatory breaches, and criminal liability. This episode also explores how flag state jurisdiction applies when incidents occur onboard yachts, including in foreign territorial waters, and why registering under a reputable flag state such as Malta provides legal oversight, reporting mechanisms, and enforceable protections for all parties involved. Topics covered include crew contract validity, flag state enforcement, harassment and misconduct onboard, criminal jurisdiction at sea, and the importance of transparency, good faith, and legal clarity in yacht operations. This episode is essential listening for yacht crew, yacht owners, managers, captains, and maritime professionals seeking to understand their legal rights and obligations before signing an employment contract. This episode of Maritime Legal is proudly supported by the Malta Ship Registry. https://maltashipregistry.gov.mt Recorded on location at Marina di Valletta, Malta.  https://marinadivalletta.com Learn more about Dingli & Dingli Law Firm:  https://www.dingli.com.mt