King Charles III assented to a nine-prong plan that included the Seafarers’ Wages Act on March 23rd, 2023 meant for tackling wage variations and seamen rights in the marine industry. Coming into force in June 2024, the Act requires operators to publish seafarers’ wages by and within the ambit of NMW. Their authorities include imposing surcharges and refusal of access while their criminal sanctions are levied against them. MCA acts as an enforcer.
Draft Guidance and Considerations
The draft Guidance dated November 2023 clarifies the forthcoming Sea-Farer’s Wage Regulation. They need to examine their compliance levels, revisit crew pay, and ensure timely submissions of returns to evade charges. This means harbour authorities should know their responsibilities, as well as charge, surcharges to avoid legal action.
Seafarers’ Charter
Introduced in July 2023, the voluntary Seafarers’ Charter enhances employment conditions, emphasizing overtime pay, training, indefinite contracts, and social security benefits. Operators meeting Charter standards can apply for verified status. Ongoing collaboration with France aims to protect seafarers, with plans for a statutory code of practice.
These initiatives mark crucial steps toward fair wages and improved conditions for seafarers, urging proactive compliance from operators and harbour authorities.
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Source: Hill Dickinson
