Legal Question: Mate or Sailor?

Questioner

I am officially a helmsman on a tanker type C2.2 in my service book I am a helmsman. Can my employer offer me a sailor contract while I am officially a higher rank, or can I 'demand' that I want a helmsman contract

Lawyer

From your question I gather that you have been working for this employer for some time. Therefore, there is already a (verbal) employment contract and there is no need to simply sign a new (written) employment contract. I advise you to sign a contract in an existing employment relationship only if it provides clarity on points of contention or improves your legal position.