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
Nautilus Covid-19 FAQs
Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) article sets out general guidance for UK-based members Read MoreCruise quarantine rules
UK withdraws red list quarantine exemptions for Cruise industry crew from 19 May 2021 Read moreScotland quarantine
Scotland withdraws quarantine exemptions for cruise crew, stating seafarers must comply with its guidance Read moreNetherlands vax plan
Netherlands to launch tailor-made rolling Covid-19 vax plan for seafarers from mid-June 2021 Read moreNew Covid test rules
New Covid testing arrangements in force from 6 April 2021 for seafarers entering UK Read moreTest and quarantine
Updated Union guidance for seafarers on Covid-19 mandatory test and quarantine exemptions 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 moreDue diligence tool
UN launches due diligence tool for companies to protect seafarers' rights Read morePandemic training funding
Maritime charities extend pandemic funding for seafarer retraining Read moreFinancial support
Union flags financial help available to furloughed seafarers from several Nautilus partner maritime charities. Read moreFree family counselling
Free relationship counselling offer in collaboration by Seafarers UK and Relate for seafarers and famillies Read moreVaccine advice to members
Nautilus recognises that everyone has a free choice to be vaccinated or not.
There is no legal requirement to be vaccinated and an employer cannot force a seafarer to get vaccinated. However, seafarers work and live with colleagues in small spaces with limited access to specialised medical care ashore – access which has been restricted by some governments.
If a member refuses vaccination while countries demand it to allow entry or airlines insist upon it to allow travel and there is no medical reason for non-vaccination (e.g. Immunosuppression), the employer and employee, as a first step, will need to discuss solutions like placement on other vessels in other zones. Members who are in those circumstances are advised to consult Nautilus for advice.
While the vaccine should not be compulsory, there are specic characteristics of the maritime sector which call for a specic position encouraging vaccination as seafarers must travel to do their job. Vaccination is an obvious mitigation.
Don'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).