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Seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare has been boosted following the signing of a formal agreement between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).

The Memorandum of Understanding sets out ways both will work together to coordinate their approach to the provision of welfare for seafarers and fishers.

It sets out the specific responsibilities of the two organisations, as well as committing to sharing information about matters affecting seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare, seeking advice and consulting on other issues.

The MoU formally designates the MNWB as the UK’s National Seafarers’ Welfare Board in accordance with ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. The MCA and the MNWB have been working together on welfare matters for years. In recognition of an already strong relationship, this formal agreement demonstrates the UK government’s ongoing commitment to seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare and has most recently included support to get crews home during the pandemic.

The potential of a working partnership with the MNWB has already been seen – alongside The Seafarers’ Charity – with the provision of free mobile WiFi units for those seafarers stuck on ships during the pandemic, so they could stay in touch with friends and family. The government initiative showed how a partnership can be to the benefit of all seafarers.

Robert Courts, Maritime Minister said: ‘The MCA and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board have been doing a fantastic job of supporting seafarers during the pandemic.

‘Signing a formal agreement reinforces our commitment to put welfare at the heart of the maritime industry both domestically and internationally, giving seafarers that extra assurance as we rebuild the sector and look to the future.’

Julie Carlton, Head of Seafarer Safety and Health at the MCA’s UK Maritime Services, said: ‘This is an important step in ensuring we continue to work closely together, making the best use of the expertise and capabilities of each organisation. It will also help ensure seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare continues to be supported in our ports and through other services.’

Capt. Andrew Cassels, MNWB Chairman said: ‘We are delighted that the MCA has formally recognised the ongoing, collaborative work of the Board by formally designating the MNWB as the UK’s National Seafarer’s Welfare Board. In particular, the agreement recognises the important contributions made by our many Constituent member organisations and voluntary Port Welfare Committees.’

As part of this relationship, the MCA will nominate a senior member of staff for appointment to the MNWB’s Council of Management, and representatives to attend Port Welfare Committees, Forums and Working Groups.

The Memorandum of Understanding sets out the following in terms of the joint approach:

• Ensure an integrated approach to the provision of welfare to seafarers and fishers.
• Provide the most effective use of resources and expertise to ensure compliance with seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare provisions of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and ILO C188 Work in Fishing Convention.
• Promote collaboration of UK seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare at national, regional and local levels to ensure that effective procedures are in place and implemented.
• Review existing welfare facilities in ports to ensure the correct provision in the right places.
• Promote awareness of each organisation’s role in the provision of welfare to seafarers and fishers to improve collaboration and communication where necessary.
• Help to ensure that no seafarer or fisher is left without welfare support in the context of the responsibilities of the UK Government as set out in ILO MLC, 2006 and C188.
• Promote cooperation with other Member States of the ILO to promote the welfare of seafarers and fishers at sea and in port.