UK seafarers, serving and retired, and their families are invited to take part in a major new study of their welfare needs.
Launched by the Maritime Charities Group (MCG) as part of ongoing research into the demographic profile of the UK's Merchant Navy and fishing fleet, the 20-minute study is open to seafarers who are UK Nationals only, with responses intended to help shape the future of welfare support offered by national maritime welfare charities.
Active seafarers, former crew, families, and maritime welfare service providers are invited to have their say in one of four surveys − tailored to each group − before the deadline of Monday 30 September 2024. All shared information is strictly anonymised and confidential.
This latest study responds to the multitude of challenges faced by the UK's seafarers, from the cost-of-living crisis and the global pandemic to the impact of wars in the Red and the Black seas, mass redundancies and a crewing crisis.
The survey gives UK nationals an unprecedented opportunity to have their voices heard on a range of issues at sea, in port, and at home. By taking part, seafarers can express their concerns and shape the future of maritime welfare charity services for all in need of extra support and help in times of trouble. Services being considered include ship visiting and other port-based welfare services, pastoral support, retirement accommodation, helplines, and advice on housing and welfare benefits for the next generation.
MCG chair Dr Tim Slingsby said: 'We're very pleased to launch this major new survey, and it's crucial we hear the voices of seafarers, their dependents and the maritime charities that provide vital welfare services. This research will help maritime welfare charities plan for the future, based on what seafarers really feel and what they need. We encourage shipowners, unions and other industry stakeholders to help share this survey with their members and crews.'
The survey is a comparable study to that being carried out with the UK's Royal Navy and Royal Marines by Greenwich Hospital and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, in partnership with the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Take the survey here.
MCG is also carrying out separate interviews and focus groups with seafarers, former seafarers, partners/family members, and maritime charity service providers. Please contact the research team directly if you wish to take part in an interview/focus group or if you would like to receive further information on this study by emailing mcgseafarerstudy@outlook.com
Member support
Nautilus members experiencing difficulties in the workplace such as bullying and harassment are reminded they can get support from with their Union by contacting their industrial representative. They also have access to Nautilus 24/7, a service that helps Nautilus members in emergencies around the clock.
Members can access assistance via the Nautilus 24/7 service by:
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send an SMS text message to+44 (0)7860 017 119 and we'll get back to you
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email helpline@nautilus247.org
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Skype (username nautilus-247)
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Encourage seafaring colleagues to join Nautilus and be part of a strong bargaining unit to ensure strong pay and conditions
Image: Nautilus Council member Jessica Tyson at the 2023 General Meeting, presenting what is now a resolution commiting the Union to supporting the yacht sector.
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