OFFICERS USED AS RATINGS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2020 :: RMTnews 12 R MT is tackling an increasing problem in the shipping industry where employers are filling Ratings vacancies with newly qualified Officers. Earlier this year the union wrote sister union Nautilus International and the Merchant Navy Training Board chair Kathryn Neilson to raise serious concerns over this unacceptable practice which denies jobs and income to Ratings in the shipping industry. In response, commitments to discuss this matter were given but meaningful discussions have not materialised. Last month the CEO of crewing agent Clyde Marine, which provides agency crew to most of the ferry companies where RMT has recognition, published an article in which he casually stated that Clyde Marine has been “using a significant number of ex Officer Cadets to fill ratings vacancies recently and it is very pleasing to see them develop and improve their seamanship skills”. This evidence confirms RMT suspicions that using Officers to fill vacancies for Ratings positions is becoming common practice. RMT opposes newly qualified officer cadets or any other officers from taking up Ratings’ jobs and has raised Clyde Marine’s candid admission with the Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the problem exposed a deeper inequality in our shipping industry whereby Ratings training is a cosmetic after thought amongst government and employers whilst the training of Officer Cadets is governed by targets and receives the vast majority of public funding. “The crew change crisis triggered by Covid-19 painfully illustrates that this country needs to immediately train and employ UK Ratings on a scale not seen since the 1980s and we will continue to press this demand as part of the fight for the future of UK Ratings,” he said. If RMT officers, reps or members have evidence of employers using Officers to do Ratings’ jobs, you are advised to; • Immediately inform the Industrial Relations Department j.rolles@rmt.org.uk so the union can raise this through the formal dispute procedure. • Copy the evidence to the National Policy Department d.crimes@rmt.org.uk so that the case is recorded and used in the campaign to stop this practice. T he Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published a new book book aimed at seafarers and those in managerial and organisational roles who have a duty of care for seafarers ensuring that seafarers are safe and in good health. Seafarers play a key role in the success of the maritime industry and their wellbeing cannot be overlooked for those at sea wellbeing comes with its own challenges as with Seafarers undergoing long periods of isolation with limited access to normal services. This book is written by experts in the industry with contribution by others including RMT. It includes useful checklist for quick reference and will help employers to fulfil their responsibilities to their employees and enhance their employees physical and mental well-being at sea. Seafaring is a very demanding profession. Being far away from family and friends, being unable to leave the workplace and having fewer choices during non-working hours can affect physical, mental and emotional health. For seafarers, whilst on board, the ship is not only a place of work but also a home. Wellbeing means a state of good health and fulfilment. It is not just the absence of illness, but also about achieving a positive mental state to thrive and be fulfilled at work. This practical guide will offer guidance for seafarers on fitness and diet, general health, personal and social wellbeing, mental health issues, and relationships and communication. With an extensive appendix there is practical guidance to help seafarers with everyday life. RMT assistant national secretary Mark Carden would recommend that the union promote both versions of this excellent publication through its national network and the union is currently bulk ordering for wider distribution. “This practical guide will offer guidance for seafarers on fitness and diet, general health, personal and social wellbeing, mental health issues, and relationships and communication. “Easy to read and full of illustrations, this pocket book will be an essential resource to offer support to seafarers to promote a state of healthy wellbeing at sea,” he said. OFFICERS USED AS RATINGS WELLBEING AT SEA: A POCKET GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS