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:
For the application of statutory employment protections to seafarers, see Territorial jurisdiction generally, and Q&A here for further details.
Want to view more content like this? Or view the previous features? Sign up for a Free Trial to our service.