Nautilus International welcomes Maritime Minister Kier Mather with four-point action plan

Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson has written to newly appointed Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP, setting out the union’s immediate priorities for strengthening the UK's maritime sector and protecting seafarers' rights.

Mr Dickinson outlines four critical areas where urgent government action is needed:

Fair Employment and Seafarer Protection remains the union's top concern. The letter calls for swift delivery of the Employment Rights Bill and implementation of a mandatory Seafarers' Charter to protect all seafarers working from UK ports.

Modernising Maritime Training and Skills requires enhanced government support, with Nautilus backing the Maritime Skills Commission's recommendations for 100% SMarT funding for officer training and establishment of a National Maritime Training Organisation to improve accountability for cadet training and sea time.

A Just Transition to Green Shipping demands investment in people alongside technology. Nautilus supports a comprehensive green skills programme ensuring no UK seafarer is left behind in the transition to decarbonise shipping and achieve net-zero emissions.

Sustainable Growth and National Resilience focuses on domestic workforce investment as crucial for both economic growth and national security, supporting the ambitions of Maritime 2050 and the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

The union has acknowledged the government's strategic shift for the maritime sector and expressed eagerness to engage fully in developing new policies focused on People, Investment, Growth and Skills.

Mr Dickinson expressed the unions commitment to working collaboratively with government to strengthen the UK's position as a world-leading maritime nation.

Nautilus Members: Join the debate at Nautilus UK Branch Conference in Liverpool this November, where these critical issues and other matters affecting maritime professionals will be discussed. Your voice matters in shaping our union's future strategy and advocacy work. Register now to ensure your views are heard.