Ship Management International reports that the UK has strengthened its commitment to supporting seafarers and fishers with the renewal of the formal agreement between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).
The updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), re-signed this year, reinforces both organisations’ shared dedication to improving welfare services, enhancing facilities, and advocating for those working at sea. The MNWB, formally recognised in 2021 as the UK’s National Seafarers’ Welfare Board under the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, continues to hold its central role in coordinating national welfare efforts.
Through this renewed agreement, each organisation’s responsibilities are clearly defined, with an emphasis on stronger coordination, better information exchange, and joint consultation on matters that directly affect the welfare of seafarers and fishers. Working alongside the MCA, the Department for Transport, and its own extensive membership network, the MNWB aims to ensure that frontline welfare providers are well supported across all UK ports.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather noted that seafarers remain essential to the UK’s maritime economy, describing them as the backbone of the industry and acknowledging the importance of collaborations like the MCA–MNWB partnership in advancing welfare standards.
Stuart Rivers, CEO of the MNWB, highlighted the importance of the renewed agreement, emphasising the recognition of the Board’s national role and acknowledging the significant contributions of its member organisations and Port Welfare Committees.
Virginia McVea, CEO of the MCA, underscored the value of the continued cooperation between the two organisations, noting that the updated MoU strengthens their joint commitment to ensuring that those working at sea receive consistent welfare support in UK ports.
As part of the agreement, the MCA will maintain senior representation on the MNWB’s Council of Management and continue its participation in local Port Welfare Committees, forums, and working groups. The MoU sets out a shared commitment to integrating welfare efforts across national and local levels, maintaining compliance with international labour requirements, monitoring the adequacy of port welfare facilities, promoting awareness of each organisation’s role, and ensuring that no seafarer or fisher is left without support.
The National Seafarers’ Welfare Board oversees a network of 15 Port Welfare Committees across the UK, as well as a committee in Gibraltar. These committees bring together representatives from the MCA, unions, shipowners, port authorities, port health teams, and welfare charities, forming a collaborative framework dedicated to strengthening welfare provision in the ports they serve.
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Source: Ship Management International
