RMT Survey: Seafarer Internet Access

Circular No: NP/018/23

 

TO ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Our ref: S6/11

 

17th January 2023

 

Dear Colleagues

 

RMT Survey: Seafarer Internet Access

 

In line with the instruction of the National Executive Committee, I am circulating a survey on internet access to all seafarer members.

 

The shipowner is required to make these services available to you when you are off duty and your Union is seeking information on seafarer members’ onboard internet access, cost and connectivity. RMT members can take the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SeafarersWeb

An amendment to Regulation 3.1 of the Maritime Labour Convention was agreed by governments, seafarer representatives and employers at the ILO in May last year. It creates a new requirement on employers to provide reliable and improved internet connectivity for seafarers for personal use during their rostered periods of work at sea. This amendment will come into legal force in 2024.

 

RMT is campaigning now for you to receive Wi-Fi and other improvements to seafarer internet access, cost and connectivity at sea. These services have a direct effect on seafarer fatigue and well-being and your Union will be campaigning for shipowners to provide these essential services free of charge when they come into legal force.

 

Information from RMT members on their experience and any costs of internet access at sea will be essential in securing these upgrades and for internet access to be provided to you free of charge when you are at sea.

 

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

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Mick Lynch

General Secretary