RMT marked Merchant Navy Day by demanding urgent action today to secure jobs, training and fair conditions for maritime workers.

Seafarers are being forced to crew ageing vessels under discriminatory and exploitative employment contracts, the union warned.

RMT has called for an end to the use of low-cost flags of convenience — the practice of ships registering under the flags of other countries to save money — as it denies ratings decent jobs and training and means unfair competition for those on the UK Ship Register.

The union warned that flag-of-convenience registration is rife across ferries, offshore supply vessels and deep-sea shipping. 

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey 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.”