3 September 2025
RMT Press Office:
Maritime union, RMT has marked Merchant Navy Day by demanding urgent action from industry and government to secure jobs, training and fair conditions for UK seafarers.
Merchant Navy Day, held every 3 September, commemorates the sinking of the SS Athenia on the first day of the Second World War and honours the 46,000 merchant seafarers who lost their lives in both world wars.
While paying tribute to the historic contribution of merchant navy Ratings to the economy, security and maritime traditions of all nations in the UK, the union warned that seafarers today are being forced to work on ageing vessels under discriminatory and exploitative employment contracts.
Ships carry 95% of Britain’s imports and exports, yet the UK Ship Register is continuing to compete with low-cost Flags of Convenience that deny Ratings decent jobs and training.
RMT warned that these practices are rife across ferries, offshore supply and deep-sea shipping, undermining safety standards and exploiting seafarers.
Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary said: “Merchant Navy Day is a time to honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in both World Wars and to recognise the men and women who keep this country supplied today.
"The best tribute we can give is by campaigning for action today, to end the Flags of Convenience, invest in new ships and training, and push for the delivery of a Seafarers’ Charter across the industry that uplifts the conditions of those working at sea.
"Our seafarers deserve secure jobs, decent pay, safe ships and a future to look forward to.”
The union welcomed progress with Labour on a mandatory Seafarers’ Charter in the ferries sector but called for firm commitments in the King’s Speech to extend employment rights and protections of seafarers across the offshore energy and deep-sea sectors, alongside investment in new vessels and port infrastructure.
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