March 17 marked three years since one of the darkest days in modern British maritime history. Three years since 786 dedicated maritime professionals were escorted off their vessels by security guards wielding handcuffs, having been told via Zoom that their careers with P&O
Ferries were over.
No notice. No consultation. No dignity.
I still remember the shock waves that rippled through our maritime community that day. The outrage was palpable, crossing political divides and uniting the nation in condemnation. Yet for all the promises and tough talk from the previous government, precious few tangible protections emerged for seafarers in the following years.
By contrast, in just a matter of months, we have now witnessed the progression of the UK's Employment Rights Bill (ERB) — legislation that represents a genuinely generational shift in employment rights with significant positive implications for our members and all seafarers.
The ERB closes critical loopholes that P&O Ferries so callously exploited. It strengthens collective dismissal laws, requiring operators of foreign-flagged vessels with operational links to the UK to notify the UK government before dismissing 20 or more employees. It tackles 'fire and rehire' practices and doubles the maximum protective award available to employees at employment tribunals — making it harder for unscrupulous employers to simply 'price in' the cost of sacking workers.
The Seafarers Wages Act, which came into force last December after being delayed by the 2024 General Election, already requires most operators of a service with more than 120 UK port calls to pay their seafarers at least the equivalent of the UK National Minimum Wage. These are substantial steps forward, and the current government is delivering on its promises.
But our work is not finished. At Nautilus International, we continue to press for further protections to prevent any repeat of the P&O Ferries scandal. We want the directors of P&O Ferries held accountable for breaking the law.
We are also calling for powers that would allow the government and unions to take immediate, pre-emptive legal action against employers contemplating mass dismissals. We want to see sick pay, holiday pay, training and pension rights included in mandatory employment standards for all seafarers. We are advocating for a reduction in the threshold for these regulations to apply — from 120 to 52 UK port calls per year — ensuring that more seafarers benefit from these vital protections.
The maritime sector is the lifeblood of our island nation. The security, resilience and prosperity of the UK depend upon it.
Three years on from that shameful day, I remain as determined as ever to fight for the rights of maritime professionals. The progress we have made with this government represents a significant victory, but it is not the end of our campaign.
To our members at Nautilus International: your solidarity has been our strength. Together, we have begun to transform the landscape of seafarers' rights in the UK; whilst forging ahead with our work in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and in our global partnerships with the Nautilus Federation, European Transport Workers' Federation, and International Transport Workers' Federation. We will continue this vital work, to ensure that what happened three years ago cannot happen again, and by rebuilding a sector where skilled maritime professionals receive the respect, recognition and rewards they deserve.
Together we have begun to transform the landscape of seafarers' rights in the UK, whilst forging ahead with our global partnerships
Nautilius general secretary Mark Dickinson
From the general secretary January February 2025
As we step into 2025, I extend warm wishes to every member of the Nautilus International family. The new year presents us with an opportunity to reflect on our shared achievements and set the course for an ambitious and impactful year ahead.
The Nautilus Strategic Plan and the 2030 Vision ensure our focus is clear: sustainability, growth, advocacy, and innovation will anchor our efforts as we continue to empower maritime professionals at sea and ashore.
Together, we are committed to championing the rights and welfare of maritime professionals worldwide.
Building a sustainable future
Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. Financially, we have invested in our future to ensure the long-term viability of Nautilus International and the Nautilus Welfare Fund. Initiatives like the new retirement accommodation at Mariners' Park and reducing agency costs in our care home are crucial to safeguarding the charity's sustainability.
The opening of our new head office on Merseyside symbolises our approach. This state-of-the-art facility represents a historical lineage that stretches back to the formation in Liverpool of the Mercantile Marine Service Association in 1857. It is a proud reminder of our roots and a beacon for our future aspirations.
Expanding our reach
Membership growth remains a top priority. While our organising successes, such as the progress at Lloyd’s Register in the Netherlands and the settlement of the long-running dispute at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in the UK, are reminders of our collective strength, there are constant pressures on membership levels due to decades of underinvestment in recruitment and retention of seafarers. There is, however, immense untapped potential for Nautilus to organise among maritime professionals ashore. We aim to expand our reach, ensuring Nautilus remains relevant and inclusive for all maritime professionals, whether at the start of their careers at sea, as they move ashore, or in retirement.
In the UK, legislative developments like the Employment Rights Bill offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen workplace access and trade union organising. We must seize these opportunities to recruit new members, but also to enhance the services and benefits we offer and continue to build our collective strength and voice.
Innovating for our members
Innovation is integral to delivering even greater value to our members. This year, we will champion key projects such as the Nautilus Sea Service Record and the Nautilus Credit Union partnership with Commsave. These initiatives exemplify our commitment to enhancing services that drive recruitment, retention, and relevance in a rapidly evolving maritime industry.
Living our values
At Nautilus, our values guide everything we do. Professional excellence, respect and inclusion, sustainability and growth, advocacy, and social responsibility form the foundation of our work. These values will be instrumental as we pursue ambitious goals, including maintaining our Investors in People Gold Award status, fostering equity and inclusion, and advocating for a Just Transition in the maritime sector.
The challenges of 2025 will demand the full dedication of our members, staff, and the Union’s leaders. I ask of our members that they embrace the challenges and opportunities we face with purpose and determination. Whether it's by participating in campaigns, helping recruit new members, or sharing your experiences and insights, your contributions are vital to our collective success.
Here's to a successful 2025! Let's make it a year to remember. In solidarity.
