Maritime Charities Group – Seafarer Demographics Survey

Circular No: NP/142/24

 

TO ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Our ref: S1/1

 

5^th June 2024

 

Dear Colleagues

 

Maritime Charities Group – Seafarer Demographics Survey

 

The Maritime Charities Group, which includes the Merchant Navy Welfare Board that your union sits on, has commissioned new research into the UK merchant seafarer population and those working in the fishing industry. 

 

The researchers carrying out the project want to hear from serving and retired seafarers, including Ratings and apprentices in every sector of the shipping industry, about their welfare needs, where they work, and the challenges and changes facing UK seafarers and their families today.

 

To ensure that the voices of serving, trainee and retired Ratings are heard, a document outlining the information sought is attached.

 

I strongly urge RMT seafarers, including apprentice and retired seafarers to contribute to this important study by the maritime charities we work with. Participation would be online and take 30-60 minutes. Please contact mcgseafarerstudy@outlook.com by no later than Friday 14th June 2024 to arrange a date to meet them.

 

The data produced by this survey will be extremely useful in organising the Ratings workforce and in RMT’s campaigns for more jobs, training and improved welfare services at work and in retirement for seafarers and maritime apprentices across the UK shipping industry.

 

I would be grateful if you could bring the content of this circular to the attention of all Shipping Branch members. You will be kept advised of all further developments.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary