SEAFARERS could face another P&O-style scandal if Tory ministers do not strengthen legislation intended to protect ship crews, maritime union RMT warned today.

In a letter to Transport Secretary Mark Harper, general secretary Mick Lynch said that the Seafarers’ Wages Bill, in its current form, only provides a limited extension of the national minimum wage to workers leaving British ports to service international routes.

The legislation, set for its report stage in the Commons today, should refer to the broader terms and conditions contained in Downing Street’s proposed seafarer welfare charter, Mr Lynch said.