UK to extend seafarer protections beyond territorial waters

UK to extend seafarer protections beyond territorial waters
The Editorial Team June 5, 2026 https://safety4sea.com/uk-to-extend-seafarer-protections-beyond-territor...

The UK government has announced new proposals aimed at strengthening protections for thousands of seafarers working on routes between the UK, France and the Channel Islands, in a move designed to improve pay, rest periods and employment standards across key short-sea services.

Announced on 5 June 2026, the measures would extend minimum protections beyond UK territorial waters for the first time, building on earlier legislation that introduced a national minimum wage equivalent for seafarers operating in domestic waters.

Under the proposals, seafarers on frequent cross-Channel and Channel Islands services would be guaranteed pay equivalent to at least the National Minimum Wage for the duration of their voyages, alongside legally defined minimum rest periods and maximum working hours at sea.

The government said the changes are intended to ensure fairer and more consistent working conditions across the sector, and to close existing gaps in protections that apply once vessels leave UK waters.

Alongside the legislative proposals, the government confirmed it will publish details of operators that meet the requirements of the Seafarers’ Charter, a framework setting higher standards on welfare, employment conditions, training and professional development.

The aim, officials said, is to improve transparency and allow passengers and customers to identify operators adhering to enhanced labour standards.

The initiative forms part of a wider policy push following the Employment Rights Act 2025, which introduced stronger safeguards on collective dismissal and restricted so-called “fire and rehire” practices, except where no reasonable alternative exists.

The government said it will review the Seafarers’ Charter within the next two years and continue consultations with industry stakeholders and trade unions to ensure standards remain relevant as the maritime sector evolves.

Officials also highlighted the importance of the maritime industry to the UK economy, which contributed £18.7 billion in gross value added in 2019, arguing that improved labour standards will support long-term sector sustainability and growth.

Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) welcomes proposals to protect seafarers

Responding to this news, Stuart Rivers, CEO of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board which is the UK’s umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleets that serves 47 member charities, said:

“We welcome today’s announcement as a positive step forward for seafarers. Welfare should be at the heart of every decision affecting people who work at sea, because behind every crossing, every shift and every journey is a person whose wellbeing, dignity and family life matter.”

Seafarers are too often unseen, spending long periods away from their families, yet they keep goods moving, communities connected and the country supplied. Without them, the supply chain would grind to a halt. That is why it is so important that welfare is not treated as an afterthought, but as a central part of how we value and support the people our maritime economy depends on. …Rivers highlighted.

Following an assessment of applications submitted by operators, the government has confirmed that DFDS, Brittany Ferries and Stena Line have successfully achieved Seafarers’ Charter status for their services operating between the UK, France and the Channel Islands.

P&O Ferries has also made significant progress, demonstrating compliance with all requirements except one aspect of social welfare provision on its UK–France routes. The government said it will continue to work with all operators to ensure the highest possible standards of seafarer protection are maintained.

We are moving faster and going further than ever before to cement seafarers’ rights in law – introducing protections beyond UK territorial waters for the first time and setting a new gold standard for the industry. …said Maritime Minister Keir Mather.

To ensure protections keep pace with a changing industry, the government will review the Seafarers’ Charter within the next two years and continue engaging with both industry stakeholders and trade unions throughout the process, ensuring standards remain up to date and responsive to evolving conditions.

Furthermore, the UK Chamber of Shipping has commented following the Government’s announcement of a consultation into Seafarer’s Protections;

The UK Chamber of Shipping spokesperson said:

Seafarers are the backbone of the UK’s maritime industry, and it is right that their welfare remains a priority. We look forward to engaging constructively with Government and unions through the consultation, while supporting a competitive, sustainable, and globally connected UK shipping sector.