Merchant Navy Salary: Understanding Minimum Wage by Age Band and Eligibility

Merchant Navy Salary and the UK Minimum Wage

Understanding your merchant navy salary starts with knowing the statutory minimum wage rates that apply to seafarers. The UK government has specific rules for workers at sea, and these rates are tied to your age band and the type of work you do. This guide explains how the national minimum wage equivalent works for seafarers, what rates you can expect, and how they compare to international scales.

Age Bands and Eligibility for Seafarers

The Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024 (as amended in 2026) set out the national minimum wage equivalent hourly rates for seafarers. These rates are based on age bands, similar to the standard National Minimum Wage but tailored for maritime workers:

• Aged 21 or over: £12.71 per hour
• Aged 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices in their first year or under 19)

These rates apply to seafarers working in UK territorial waters or on the UK continental shelf, as confirmed by GOV.UK guidance. The guidance makes clear that most workers on ships within UK waters on a domestic voyage are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage, regardless of the ship’s flag or where the worker ordinarily lives.

How the National Minimum Wage Equivalent Works

The calculation for whether you have been paid the correct rate involves adding your basic rate and any additional UK remuneration, then dividing by your hours of UK work. If the resulting hourly rate is less than the applicable age band rate, you have not been paid the minimum wage equivalent. This is detailed in the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024.

It is important to note that the entitlement applies to “hours of UK work” – meaning time spent working in UK territorial waters or on the continental shelf. If you work on international voyages, different rules may apply. The Offshore Employment Order 1999 extends minimum wage protection to most workers in UK waters, including those on oil and gas installations.

International Scales and Advertised Salaries

While the statutory rates above are the legal minimum, many merchant navy salaries are advertised at higher levels, especially for officers and those on international contracts. The ITF ILO Minimum Wage Scale (effective 1 January 2026) provides recommended monthly basic pay in US dollars for various ranks. For example:

• Master: $2,325 per month basic pay
• Chief Engineer: $2,113 per month
• Chief Officer: $1,501 per month
• Able Seafarer (AB): $690 per month
• Ordinary Seafarer (OS): $513 per month

These figures are not UK statutory rates but are often used in collective bargaining agreements. When comparing a merchant navy salary, remember that the ITF scale includes additional elements like leave pay and overtime, which can significantly increase total compensation. For UK-based roles, advertised salaries may be quoted annually or per voyage, and you should check whether they meet or exceed the hourly minimum wage equivalent for your age.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

Your actual take-home pay depends on several factors beyond the basic hourly rate:

• Overtime: Often paid at 1.25 times the normal rate, as per MLC standards.
• Leave pay: Typically 2.5 days per month at 1/30 of monthly basic wage.
• Public holiday pay: Compensated at overtime rate.
• Deductions: Tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions (if applicable).

For seafarers on UK contracts, the employer must ensure that total remuneration for UK work hours meets the national minimum wage equivalent. If you believe you are underpaid, you can contact the ACAS Helpline on 0300 123 1100 or make a complaint to the Fair Work Agency.

Practical Advice for Job Seekers

When evaluating a merchant navy salary offer, always check:

• Your age band and the applicable statutory rate.
• Whether the role involves UK territorial waters or international voyages.
• How overtime and leave are calculated.
• Whether the contract references UK law or international standards like the ITF ILO scale.

For more detailed guidance, see our pay guides and topics pages. You can also check the UK Minimum Wage homepage for current rates.

Remember, the figures provided here are for orientation only. Actual pay depends on your specific role, region, hours, and contract terms. Always verify your contract and current statutory rates with your employer or a legal advisor.