Nautilus coronavirus resources
Covid-19 information hub for seafarers. Everything you need to know about Covid-19 in one place, including our latest news and updates on how it is affecting maritime.
Find out what help is available, your rights, important Union contacts and the latest updates below.
Essential information
Advice to members
Health overview: WHO guidance: IMHA advice for shipping companies and seafarers Read moreSeafarer exemptions
UK confirms seafarer keyworkers exempt from mandatory Covid test rules for inbound travel Read morePassenger locator form
UK mandatory arrivals form rolled out as part of new mandatory 14-day quarantine programme Read moreTravel certificates
Seafarers can be issued with certificates confirming their transport keyworker status for travel Read moreCrew change
Nautilus Federation unions back ships officers as governments drag feet over crew changes Read moreSeafarers' 'key workers'
UK government designates seafarers as key workers after pressure from Nautilus and other transport unions Read moreNo UK quarantine
Seafarers will be exempted from planned UK travel restrictions that could include a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Read moreFinancial support
Union flags financial help available to furloughed seafarers from several Nautilus partner maritime charities. Read moreCovid grants
Nautilus members in financial straits are eligible for a Covid-19 hardship grant administered by SAIL Read moreFree family counselling
Free relationship counselling offer in collaboration by Seafarers UK and Relate for seafarers and famillies Read moreMental health
Volunteers are wanted for a covid-19 mental health study by University College London Read moreCertification rights
Crew stuck onboard due to Covid-19 can revalidate UK Certificate of Competency online Read moreCrew leave
ILO gives green light for Covid-19 crew Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) annual leave exemptions Read moreOral exams and NOE's
UK MCA further information on prioritisation and processes relating to online oral examinations Read moreCruise industry update
EU guidance for the safe resumption of cruise operations circulated by the International Maritime Organisation Read moreSupport for members
How your union is giving highest priority to protecting seafarers' jobs during the pandemic Read moreCadet support
Nautilus calls on shipowners and training providers to bring British cadets home, if they wish, at next available port Read moreSMarT funding update
Nautilus and partners win extension for SMarT funding for cadets during lockdown Read moreCrew contracts
ITF green lights crew Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEA) contract extensions Read moreGuidance for employers
New coronavirus Covid-19 guidance for maritime employers issued by ICS at IMO launch Read moreDon't forget...
Members with any concerns about coronavirus should contact their industrial official or the Nautilus 24/7 helpline.
Members are also urged to check their ship owner's responsibilities under flag state laws, including those imposed under implementation of the MLC on matters such as health and safety, medical care, sick pay and repatriation. Flag states that have ratified the MLC are required to ensure that ship owners provide their seafarers with adequate measures for protection of their health, and that they have access to prompt and adequate medical care whilst on board. This reflects the general duty of care of employers to provide a safe place and system of work for their employees.
If your flag state does not uphold its responsibilities under MLC it can be reported to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Contact your union for help in this situation. If your ship owner does not comply with its MLC responsibilities, you can make a complaint to your manager/master, flag state or port authority.
Contact us
In an emergency on board seafarer members can call our free Nautilus 24/7 help line or livechat with a real person who can put you in touch with the relevant staff.
You can also contact your organiser in business hours in the first instance with any concerns. To find out who your organiser is log in to My Nautilus or email industrial@nautilusint.org. Please remember to keep your contact and employment details up to date in our members area as well.
Got symptoms?
Seafarers are urged to follow the recommended coronovirus handwashing hygiene measures for prevention, and those of their national government as the pandemic evolves. Essential information to shipping companies on prevention is also available from the International Maritime Health Organisation (IMHA).