UK and France Launch Seafarers' Charters to Improve Working Conditions 

The Governments of the United Kingdom and France have joined forces by launching The Seafarers' Charter to improve conditions for seafarers. 

The UK government's Charter was launched on 24 July, alongside a similar initiative by the French government during a visit by Maritime Minister Baroness Vere to Paris today to meet her counterpart, Minister Berville. 

Thousands of seafarers will be “guaranteed” fair wages, proper rest periods and suitable training. 

Baroness Vere said, "Fair pay and protection against unlawful discrimination are the basic rights of any employee. Our seafarers deserve nothing less,"   

"I therefore expect companies across the maritime sector to sign up to this Charter, letting their staff know they're serious about protecting their rights and welfare,"  She added that the UK and French governments are "united" in their "commitment to continue to protect those working at sea."  

The Seafarers' Charter requires employers to: 

• Pay seafarers for overtime at a rate of a least 1.25 times the basic hourly rate. 
• Ensure adequate training and development is provided 
• Provide employees with a full, indefinite contract. 
• Allow seafarers to receive social security benefits, including sickness benefits, family benefits, and medical care. 
• Adopt roster patterns considering fatigue, mental health and safety. 
• Provide adequate rest periods between shifts and rosters. 
• Carry out regular drug and alcohol testing. 

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The Seafarers' Charter is part of the UK's response to P&O Ferries' disgraceful decision to sack over 800 members of its staff in 2022. It has been developed with input from the maritime industry and is in line with the provisions to support seafarer employment protections and welfare and has been backed by DFDS Ferries, Condor Ferries, Brittany Ferries and Stena.  

John Napton, CEO, Condor Ferries, said: Condor Ferries is a proud and responsible employer dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for all staff and crew across our network. We, therefore, fully support the Seafarers' Charter," 

The Charter builds on the UK government's wider Nine-point plan to protect seafarers and boost employment protections, ensuring seafarers are paid and treated fairly – irrespective of flag or nationality. 

HRAS Comment:  

This Charter makes it clear to employers that the human rights of their workforce must be treated with the utmost importance.  

Whilst only voluntary, it is a crucial move towards protecting seafarers. As well as monitoring its impact, Human Rights at Sea looks forward to keenly observing which maritime organisations join the charter scheme and those who do not. Our charity remains hopeful that it will become mandatory across the globe.