On 24 July 2023, the Department for Transport published a new voluntary Seafarers' Charter which is intended to guarantee fair wages, proper rest periods and suitable training for seafarers (DoT Press Release).
The Seafarers' Charter is part of the government’s Nine-Point Plan to enhance seafarers' employment protections and protect their welfare, which was developed in response to P&O Ferries' decision to terminate almost 800 staff without notice. Other measures forming part of the Plan include the Seafarers' Wages Act 2023 (see FC Feature 28 March 2023) which guarantees minimum wage payments for seafarers, and the government's proposals to adopt a statutory code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement (see FC Feature 24 January 2023).The Seafarers' Charter is backed by a number of ferry companies and a similar initiative is being introduced by the French government. The 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; and
- carry out regular drug and alcohol testing.
For the application of statutory employment protections to seafarers, see Territorial jurisdiction generally, and Q&A here for further details.
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