Seafarers are set to benefit from improved welfare and working conditions thanks to new legal protections proposed by the UK government.
These amendments, part of the Employment Rights Bill, will establish a legally binding Seafarers’ Charter, which aims to enhance seafarers’ rights, particularly for those working on vessels regularly calling at UK ports. The charter will set higher standards for their rights and wages, even beyond UK waters.
Key protections include
- setting maximum periods of work at sea and minimum periods of rest
- robust requirements to manage seafarer fatigue
- reinforced training requirements for operators, such as familiarisation with the vessel, to support safety and skills
The Department for Transport (DfT) will consult with industry and unions to ensure the new powers are implemented effectively. This marks a significant step in addressing seafarer welfare and safety, particularly concerning roster patterns and fatigue.
The reforms are part of the government’s broader plan to improve working conditions and raise living standards across the UK. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that these measures are crucial for ensuring fair pay and security for seafarers, aligning with broader goals to strengthen the UK economy and protect workers’ rights.