Committees and Panels

Issues covered include: defence of the realm, security of trade and energy supply, security at sea, counter-piracy and counter-terrorism, maritime intelligence.

The sub-committee meets shortly in advance of meetings of the BIMCO Documentary Committee in order the prepare the UK shipowner policy positions on the matters for consideration. It reports to the Legal, Insurance and Documentary Committee (LIDIC).

This Committee covers seafarers’ living and working conditions, Maritime Labour Convention 2006, equality, National Minimum Wage, union relations, seafarer immigration, recruitment and training, Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, European social dialogue, occupational health and safety and human element.

The panel covers all regulated aspects of the carriage of passengers and of ro-ro freight; licensable activities on board passenger ships; border controls on passengers, vehicles, and ro-ro freight moving into and out of the UK and carriage of pets.

The panel covers issues such as harbour tug operations and safety, and the training and certification of seafarers in that sector.

The sub-committee makes proposals for UK Chamber policies on matters concerning the occupational safety and health of seafarers, including safe working practices on board ship, safe manning levels, measures for avoiding fatigue and proposals for health and safety legislation.

Issues covered include: UK corporate tax on shipping companies; Tonnage Tax, UK double taxation treaties; VAT, excise duty, and other UK taxes as they apply to ships, ships’ stores, and to sales made on board ships; regulatory framework for other statutory charges on ships in the UK, such as port dues; international trade access; sustainability reporting and transition finance; UK competitiveness for shipping.

Issues covered by the committee include: anti-bribery legislation, marine insurance, liability and compensation, salvage, suppression of unlawful acts, carriage of goods, charterparties, competition policy, international conventions covering the maritime sector, documentary matters.

This panel covers all maritime regulatory issues of relevance to the OSV industry including vessel standards, rig-ship interaction, employment and environmental issues, taxation and security.

Provides a forum to exchange relevant information and advise on the Chamber’s approach to political developments and advocacy efforts.

Issues covered include: emissions, climate change, pollution, ballast water convention, all aspects of ship safety, technical and navigation, offshore renewable, offshore operations, marine planning and coastal management.

The sub-committee considers areas of the world where special hazards to seafarers may arise as a result of warlike activity or piracy and makes proposals for appropriate actions. It reports to the Employment Committee and provides the chamber’s representation on the Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC), in which the unions also participate.