PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
DAY OF THE SEAFARER 2015 (23 June 2015)

That this House supports the International Maritime Organisation's Day of the Seafarer on 25 June 2015; notes that 1.5 million merchant seafarers move 90 per cent of the world's traded goods every year in an exceptionally hazardous and unevenly regulated industry; is concerned that there is a global shortage of seafarers ahead of a forecast doubling in sea trade over the next 20 years; further notes that UK seafarers account for only 1.5 per cent, or just under 23,000, of the international workforce, the result of a 60 per cent fall since 1982; further notes that the welcome quadrupling in the number of ships registered under the UK flag resulting from the introduction of the tonnage tax in 2000-01 has accrued a £1.6 billion tax concession for the international shipping industry; further notes that over 2,300 of the 7,500 vessels inspected by the International Workers Federation across the world in 2013-14 breached provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention, particularly on the payment of wages; and calls on the Government to support Day of the Seafarer by committing to pursue domestic and international policies that further improve employment, safety and equality rights of UK and international seafarers.

Sponsored by:
Cat Smith (Labour)