45 Maritime policy

Submitted by Nautilus International

Congress deplores the Government’s failure to develop and maintain a ‘joined-up’ approach to maritime policy. Whilst welcoming the increase in UK-flag shipping since the introduction of the tonnage tax scheme, Congress notes with concern the continuing reduction in the UK maritime skills base and the failure of the Government to respond to policy proposals submitted by all sides of the shipping industry early in 2007. Congress also notes with concern the continuing instances of exploitation and abandonment of seafarers in UK ports and waters, as well as the significant number of accidents in which problems of excessive working hours and fatigue are key factors. Congress also deplores the damaging impact of measures such as the continued restriction of the Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction taxation arrangements and the marked expansion in the issuance of certificates of equivalent competency to allow a pool of low-cost labour to be created for UK shipping. Congress therefore calls upon the General Council to:

i) lobby the Government for further measures to safeguard UK seafarer employment and training

ii) seek increases in the staffing and resources of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure that it is adequately prepared to implement and enforce the international Maritime Labour Convention to protect the rights of seafarers on UK ships and on foreign ships visiting UK ports

iii) press for action to end the scandal of seafarer fatigue and to enforce realistic crew levels and effective hours of work and rest.