The Employment of Merchant Seamen

Jonathan S. Kitchen

Introduction: Theoretical Perspectives and Explanations. 1. The Division and Organisation of Work 1.1. Ships in the UK Shipping Industry 1.2. Job Classification and Description 1.3. The Hierarchy of Promotion and Command 1.4. Numbers Employed and Employment Trends 2. Manning: The Regulation of Numbers Employed 2.1. Legal Regulations on Manning 2.2. Industrial Relations of Manning and Manpower Policies 3. Recruitment, Discrimination and Restrictions on Employment 3.1. Legal Aspects of Recruitment 3.2. Industrial Aspects of Recruitment 3.3. Restrictions on Employment 3.4. Discrimination in Employment 4. Qualifications and Training 4.1. The Background 4.2. Deck and Engineer Officers 4.3. Other Officers 4.4. Ratings 4.5. Conclusions on Certification and Training 5. Collective Bargaining 5.1. The Early Years 5.2. Modern Changes 6. The Contract of Employment 6.1. The Background 6.2. The Modern Situation: Crew Agreements 6.3. Other Forms of Contract 6.4. Other Required Documents 7. The Terms and Conditions of Employment 7.1. The Crew Agreement 7.2. NMB Agreements 7.3. Company Contracts 7.4. Special Agreements 7.5. Other Terms and Conditions 7.6. International Provisions Covering Terms and Conditions 8. The Law Relating to Seamen’s Wages 9. Safety, Health and Welfare 9.1. Safety 9.2. Health and Welfare 10. Discipline, Discharge and Dismissal 10.1. Discipline 10.2. Discharge and Dismissal 11. Conclusions