The introduction of the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations has marked a key step in ensuring that seafarers are rewarded fairly for the work they entail. The Regulations were brought in to address issues in the industry relating to the payment of wages to seafarers, the purpose is to ensure wages are fair but also aligning with international standards set by other organisations, such as the International Labour Organisation. The Regulations apply to all seafarers employed on vessels registered in the United Kingdom regardless of the individual’s nationality.
The Regulations include:
- Minimum Wage – the regulations have established minimum wage for seafarers, aligning with the living wage standards in the UK. This ensures that all seafarers are in receipt of a salary that respects the cost of living.
- Wage Transparency – the regulations ask that Employers provide clear wage statements to seafarers, the statement must include hours worked, rates of pay, overtime pay and deductions.
- Timely Payment – the regulations dictate that electronic payment methods must be used to ensure seafarers receive salary payments in a timely manner, they also mandate that salary payments must be made no later than seven days after the end of the payment period.
An amendment to the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations will come into force on 1 April 2025 in relation to the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The amendments are:
- For individuals 21 and over, the National Living Wage increases from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 per hour
- For individuals aged 18 to 20, the National Minimum Wage increases from £8.60 per hour to £10.00 per hour
- For individuals under 18, the National Minimum Wage increases from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour
- For apprentices, the National Minimum Wage increases from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour
