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INTRODUCTION
Britain relies heavily on ships and seafarers for the safe and efficient movement of more than 90% of its imports and exports.
But with government spending cuts threatening to reverse the Merchant Navy?s recovery of the last 10 years, and to cut vital support for UK seafarer training and employment, Britain's status as a leading world maritime centre is being severely compromised.
REASON FOR CAMPAIGN
Under its public spending cuts, the UK government has announced that:
?the RFA will suffer considerable reductions to fleet and sea staff. Read more here.
?Seafarers? Earning Deductions, under a review of tax allowances, and the tonnage tax scheme are being scrutinised for possible abolition
?the future of the Support for Maritime Training Scheme (SMarT) is being reviewed
?vital safety services such as emergency towing vessels (ETVs) and offshore fire fighting could be withdrawn. Find out more.
?the number of coastguard maritime rescue coordination centres may be halved, meaning a loss of around 226 jobs
?Maritime & Coastguard Agency survey and certification work may be handed over to classification societies
Recent events show that demand for emergency services in UK waters is as high as ever. And the MCA is already under immense financial pressure and is experiencing shortfalls in search and rescue provision.
And if that?s not enough, the Crew Relief Costs Scheme - which assists shipowners with travel expenses for officers and ratings joining and leaving ships abroad - is no longer being supported, despite the Chamber of Shipping highlighting how the scheme is the only permitted state aid that directly supports the employment of British seafarers.
The Union is concerned that this is all being driven by cost cutting rather than based on assessment of need. Nautilus is proud of its non-political status ? we support shipping and seafarers regardless of which party is in power. And that is why we are urging ministers to rethink the cutbacks in maritime-related spending.
ACTION
Nautilus argues that recruitment and training needs to be maintained in order to prevent not only a national, but an international seafaring skills crisis.
Shipping expenditure forms only a fraction of the overall DfT budget yet it is one of the biggest earners for the UK. We understand that cuts are taking place in all sectors but it is of paramount importance to focus on core areas and maintain the skills base.
The government needs to work with the maritime industry to develop an agreed maritime policy with clearly defined objectives for the future of the UK fleet and national seafarer skills base. The government needs to show its commitment to the maritime sector, as it is vital for the future of Britain.
INTRODUCTION
Britain relies heavily on ships and seafarers for the safe and efficient movement of more than 90% of its imports and exports.
But with government spending cuts threatening to reverse the Merchant Navy?s recovery of the last 10 years, and to cut vital support for UK seafarer training and employment, Britain's status as a leading world maritime centre is being severely compromised.
REASON FOR CAMPAIGN
Under its public spending cuts, the UK government has announced that:
?the RFA will suffer considerable reductions to fleet and sea staff. Read more here.
?Seafarers? Earning Deductions, under a review of tax allowances, and the tonnage tax scheme are being scrutinised for possible abolition
?the future of the Support for Maritime Training Scheme (SMarT) is being reviewed
?vital safety services such as emergency towing vessels (ETVs) and offshore fire fighting could be withdrawn. Find out more.
?the number of coastguard maritime rescue coordination centres may be halved, meaning a loss of around 226 jobs
?Maritime & Coastguard Agency survey and certification work may be handed over to classification societies
Recent events show that demand for emergency services in UK waters is as high as ever. And the MCA is already under immense financial pressure and is experiencing shortfalls in search and rescue provision.
And if that?s not enough, the Crew Relief Costs Scheme - which assists shipowners with travel expenses for officers and ratings joining and leaving ships abroad - is no longer being supported, despite the Chamber of Shipping highlighting how the scheme is the only permitted state aid that directly supports the employment of British seafarers.
The Union is concerned that this is all being driven by cost cutting rather than based on assessment of need. Nautilus is proud of its non-political status ? we support shipping and seafarers regardless of which party is in power. And that is why we are urging ministers to rethink the cutbacks in maritime-related spending.
ACTION
Nautilus argues that recruitment and training needs to be maintained in order to prevent not only a national, but an international seafaring skills crisis.
Shipping expenditure forms only a fraction of the overall DfT budget yet it is one of the biggest earners for the UK. We understand that cuts are taking place in all sectors but it is of paramount importance to focus on core areas and maintain the skills base.
The government needs to work with the maritime industry to develop an agreed maritime policy with clearly defined objectives for the future of the UK fleet and national seafarer skills base. The government needs to show its commitment to the maritime sector, as it is vital for the future of Britain.
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