The welfare of seafarers and fishers working in UK waters and visiting UK ports has been reinforced with the renewal of a key agreement between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).
Re-signed this year, the updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirms the organisations’ joint commitment to improving welfare services, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring the UK continues to meet its obligations under the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) and the Work in Fishing Convention (C188).
The MNWB — formally recognised as the UK’s National Seafarers’ Welfare Board since 2021 — acts as the umbrella charity for UK merchant navy and fishing fleet welfare, representing 48 member charities. Under the renewed MoU, the MCA and MNWB will tighten coordination, boost information sharing, and jointly monitor the adequacy of welfare services across UK ports.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather said the agreement underscores the government’s commitment to raising standards for workers at sea: “Seafarers are the backbone of our maritime economy. It’s fantastic to see the MCA and MNWB reinforcing their partnership to deliver meaningful improvements in welfare and working conditions.”
MNWB CEO Stuart Rivers welcomed the renewed recognition of the Board’s central role: “This MoU not only acknowledges our longstanding partnership but also highlights the vital contribution of our member organisations and Port Welfare Committees.”
MCA CEO Virginia McVea emphasised the importance of shared responsibilities: “This updated memorandum reaffirms our collaboration with the MNWB and our joint mission to support those working at sea. The National Seafarers’ Welfare Board plays a crucial role in ensuring frontline welfare services are available to all seafarers visiting the UK.”
Under the agreement, the MCA will continue to sit on the MNWB Council of Management and participate in Port Welfare Committees and working groups. Both organisations will work together to:
- · Maintain an integrated, nationwide approach to seafarer and fisher welfare
- · Promote collaboration across national, regional and local levels
- · Monitor and improve welfare facilities in ports, including identifying gaps or underused services
- · Ensure no seafarer or fisher is left without support in line with international conventions
- · Foster cooperation with other ILO Member States on maritime welfare initiatives
