INTRODUCTION
Britain is an island nation that relies on ships and seafarers for the safe and efficient movement of more than 90% of its imports and exports.

But the continued flow of UK maritime expertise is in danger. One of the biggest employers and trainers of British seafarers – The Maersk Company – has announced redundancies for almost one-third of its UK seafarer workforce. The number of British ratings has fallen from 30,000 in 1980 to less than 9,000 today and on current trends, the number of British officers could almost halve within the next 20 years – threatening the UK's future as a major world maritime centre.

REASON FOR CAMPAIGN
In April 2007, seafarer unions and shipowners presented the government with a joint package of proposals to improve the support for seafarer training. Despite repeated promises of an 'imminent' decision, we are still waiting two years later. So in April 2009, a new package was tabled. It's never been needed more than today.

ACTION
Nautilus has joined forces with the RMT and is striving to revive public and political awareness of the British Merchant Navy and to secure measures that will help our seafarers compete on a level playing field with the rest of the world.

We are also lobbying government to give extra support for seafarer training and employment. We urge seafarers to contact their local MP.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
If you're working in the maritime sector and not already a member of Nautilus International, join now by clicking here. Why should you become a member? Click here.