A LANDMARK agreement has been signed to boost the welfare of seafarers and fishers around the UK, including those visiting Harwich International Port.

The formal agreement between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) sets out ways both will work together to coordinate their approach to welfare provision.

The two organisations created the ‘memorandum of understanding’, which sets out their specific responsibilities, as well as committing to sharing information about matters affecting seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare.

Robert Courts, maritime minister, said: “The MCA and the MNWB have been doing a fantastic job of supporting seafarers during the pandemic.

“Signing a formal agreement reinforces our commitment to put welfare at the heart of the maritime industry both domestically and internationally, giving seafarers that extra assurance as we rebuild the sector and look to the future.”

The potential of a working partnership with the MNWB has already been seen – alongside The Seafarers’ Charity – with the provision of free mobile WiFi units for those seafarers stuck on ships during the pandemic.

The scheme enabled them to stay in touch with friends and family while having to remain out at sea.