A shipowner  is the owner of the ship or another organization or person, E.g.:- the manager, agent or bareboat charterer, assuming responsibility for ship operation from the owner and who, on assuming such responsibility agrees to take over duties and responsibilities imposed on shipowners under the MLC. This applies even if any other organizations or persons fulfill certain duties or responsibilities for the shipowner. Irrespective of the particular commercial or other arrangements regarding ship operations a single entity, the shipowner, is responsible for seafarers living and working conditions and it is also a requirement for the shipowner or their representative to sign all seafarers’ employment agreements.