UK National Seafarers' Welfare Board Agreement

In May 2021, an agreement was signed with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in which the MNWB was recognised by the UK Government as the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board. It sets out an agreed framework between the parties and assists in clarifying the various roles and responsibilities that the parties have in respect of MLC, 2006 and ILO C188.

The key components of the agreement are listed below, and define the scope of MNWB's role as National Seafarers' Welfare Board.

Memorandum of Understanding

To fulfil its role as National Seafarers' Welfare Board, the MNWB has signed an agreement with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, which is the UK Government's department responsible for MLC, 2006. 

The agreements reached between the parties are intended to:

1. Ensure an integrated approach to the provision of welfare to seafarers and the most effective use of MCA and MNWB resources and expertise in order to comply with seafarer welfare provisions of MLC, 2006 and C188 Work in Fishing Convention.

2. Help promote collaboration at national, regional and local levels to ensure that effective procedures are in place and implemented with regard to promoting seafarers’ welfare within the UK.

3. Keep under review the adequacy of existing welfare facilities in appropriate ports, monitor the need for the provision of additional facilities and withdrawal of the use of under-utilised facilities.

4. Promote awareness of each organisation’s role in the provision of welfare to seafarers and fishers to improve collaboration and communication where necessary.

5. Help to ensure that no seafarer or fisher is left without welfare support in the context of the responsibilities of the UK Government as set out in ILO MLC, 2006 and C188

6. Promote co-operation with other Member States of the ILO to promote the welfare of seafarers and fishers at sea and in port.

Key Objectives of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, acting as the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, are to:

1. 1. Manage and support Port Welfare Committees (local Welfare Boards) to develop effective local welfare services.

   2. Ensure that all welfare needs are met through the most effective deployment of resources.

   3. Facilitate the work of Constituent organisations through the provision of grants and specialist support services.

   4. Provide a dedicated welfare support and referral service for UK seafarers and their dependants.

   5. Encourage and enable closer collaboration amongst both Constituent organisations and Port Welfare Committees.

   6. Represent and raise awareness of seafarers’ welfare issues at national level.

   7. Assist MCA with the compilation of collective welfare data for reporting on ILO MLC, 2006 Regulation 4.4. and equivalent reporting for fishing vessels.