|
Brussels, |
|
Seafares
Seafarers are at the heart of the EU’s maritime transport strategy, ensuring the safe, sustainable, and efficient movement of goods and people across Europe and beyond.
The EU actively works to guarantee decent working conditions, fair mobility, and internationally recognized qualifications for those working at sea.
Strategic Importance
The EU maritime workforce is aging, and there's growing competition for qualified seafarers globally. In response, the EU has made maritime skills and careers a key component of its Blue Economy and Mobility Strategy. Ensuring fair treatment, global competitiveness, and high safety standards for seafarers is not just a social policy—but a strategic economic and geopolitical priority.
The EU actively works to guarantee decent working conditions, fair mobility, and internationally recognized qualifications for those working at sea.
- Minimum Standards and Working Conditions
The EU ensures compliance with the
👉 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)
which sets out essential rights for seafarers regarding hours of work, rest, health, safety, and social protection. - Training and Certification
The EU aligns its training frameworks with the
👉 STCW Convention
to ensure seafarers have the skills and competencies needed in a fast-evolving industry. - Recognition of Qualifications
Through a system of mutual recognition, EU Member States and certain third countries acknowledge seafarer certificates under
👉 Directive (EU) 2019/1159, - Social Legislation
The EU has adopted specific legislation to guarantee
👉 minimum standards for training, rest, and medical fitness,
as well as conditions for employment and repatriation. - Fair Recruitment and Career Development
The Commission encourages measures to promote attractive maritime careers, focusing on gender equality, youth employment, and continuous learning—key for an industry under digital and environmental transition. - Safety and Oversight
With support from the
👉 European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA),
the EU monitors safety standards, facilitates inspections, and ensures Member States meet international obligations for seafarer welfare and shipboard conditions.
Strategic Importance
The EU maritime workforce is aging, and there's growing competition for qualified seafarers globally. In response, the EU has made maritime skills and careers a key component of its Blue Economy and Mobility Strategy. Ensuring fair treatment, global competitiveness, and high safety standards for seafarers is not just a social policy—but a strategic economic and geopolitical priority.
