New UK charter to boost seafarers’ rights and welfare

A new Seafarers’ Charter has been launched in the UK, which the government says will guarantee fair wages, proper rest periods and suitable training to thousands of seafarers.

Backed by DFDS Ferries, Condor Ferries, Brittany Ferries and Stena, the charter is part of the UK’s response to P&O Ferries’ appalling decision to fire nearly 800 of its staff without consultation or notice last year.

The charter was launched alongside a similar initiative by the French Government during a visit by Maritime Minister Baroness Vere to Paris last week (24 July 2023) to meet her counterpart Minister Berville.   

“Fair pay and protection against unlawful discrimination are the basic rights of any employee,” Baroness Vere said during the visit. “Our seafarers deserve nothing less. I therefore expect companies across the maritime sector to sign up to this Charter, letting their staff know they’re serious about protecting their rights and welfare.  

“Today, in Paris, alongside Minister Berville, we strengthen our commitment to protect those working in the Channel and we’ll continue collaborating with our international partners on this vital issue.”

The new Seafarers’ Charter requires employers to: 

• pay seafarers for overtime at a rate of a least 1.25 times the basic hourly rate  
• ensure adequate training and development is provided  
• provide employees with a full, indefinite contract  
• allow seafarers to receive social security benefits, including sickness benefits, family benefits, and medical care 
• adopt roster patterns considering fatigue, mental health and safety 
• provide adequate rest periods between shifts and rosters  
• carry out regular drug and alcohol testing  

Christophe Mathieu, Brittany Ferries CEO, comments: “When it comes to seafarers’ wages and working conditions, we believe that all ferry companies should aim for the highest bar and not participate in a race to the bottom.

“That’s why this charter is such an important step forward for us. We never forget the importance of seafarers and are proud to be part of the fight to protect their rights, on both sides of the Channel.”

In March (2023), the Seafarers Wages Act came into force to protect domestic seafarers in the UK. The law makes it illegal to not pay the thousands of seafarers regularly entering the UK at least the equivalent of the UK National Minimum Wage.