Tag: Nautilus

Cunard Line decides to switch its three ships from the UK Ship Register to the Bermuda flag Nautilus International has urged the government to come up with a clear shipping policy - or run the risk of more companies joining Cunard Line in flagging out of the UK.The union has written to shipping minister Mike Penning expressing alarm at Cunard's decision to switch its three ships from the UK Ship Register to the Bermuda flag.'The loss of the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will not only have a significant impact in terms of tonnage lost from the UK flag, but has truly immense significance in terms of the iconic symbolism of these ships, the long history of Cunard and the economic contribution that they make as UK-registered vessels,' said general secretary Mark Dickinson.'I believe that the loss of these prestigious ships brings the UK Ship Register - and our associated maritime policies - to something of a crossroads,' he added.'Not only does it mean the loss of more than 328,000gt of UK-registered tonnage, but it also raises genuine concerns that where Cunard is treading, others will follow.'Nautilus is concerned that the UK is drifting on maritime policy, ...

Stena Line decides to operate the HSS Stena Explorer service on a seasonal basis only Nautilus International has expressed disappointment at Stena Line's decision to operate the HSS Stena Explorer service on a seasonal basis only.Stena Line has written to the Union to confirm that the fast craft service between Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire will operate until 13 September 2011 and not recommence until May 2012 with all 53 crew jobs being placed at risk of redundancy.A 30-day consultation has begun and the Union will be looking to find alternative solutions to the current downturn in trading.'It is always disappointing when we face challenges like this and we are seeking urgent talks with the company,' said industrial officer Steve Doran.'We believe that any drop in revenue from the fast craft service is only a temporary issue due to the current financial crisis and there is evidence elsewhere that trade has already begun to recover.'Our aim will be to ensure that we retain the professional mariners that this nation is dependent on as so many of our goods are transported by the sea,' he confirmed.In a letter to the Union, Stena Line claimed that on average just over 70% of the ...

Nautilus has reached agreement with Swiss general union for about 800 members Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Nautilus International seafarers' union has recently announced a further geographical expansion with the forming of a Swiss section. Discussions have also been held on collaboration with the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) which has been talking to RMT - organises UK ratings as well as railwayworkers - and the United Road TransportUnion.Labour movement sources regard a merger between at least some of these unions as an immediate prospect, although Nautilus is having reservations about a full-scale tie-up.Seafarers from Switzerland have long had a presence on both deep sea and European river trade services. Nautilus has reached agreement with Swiss general union for about 800 Unia members to make the switch. Nautilus will now incorporate a Swiss branch with a national committee. The hope now is to recruit more widely among Swiss seafarers and boat personnel whoare not currently unionised.Nautilus is the successor to the old National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers, which merged with its Dutch counterpart Federatie van Werknemers in de Zeevaart in 2009. It currently has about 23,000 members. Nautilus general secretary MarkDickinson said: " The agreement ...

It is essential to ensure that their legitimacy is enshrined in law Officers union Nautilus International has given support to the UK government over its plans to establish a legal framework for armed guards on ships.While accepting that armed protection is now widespread, with UK flagged vessels among the growing number that routinely employ private security personnel on ships that sail through waters where pirates operate, Nautilus nevertheless says it is essential to ensure their legitimacy is enshrined in law.Amending existing statutes to allow for firearms on merchant ships is absolutely essential, said Andrew Linington , the Anglo-Dutch unions campaigns and communications director.