*This episode was recorded in summer 2024 but is being released in 2025 due to unforeseen circumstance. Information was correct at time of recording.

Read more of Joe's story online at Nautilus International here 👇:

Read more here: 👇

Nautilus was proud to contribute to a seminar organised by The Nautical Institute: ‘The Maritime Labour Convention 10 Years On – Is It Working For The Seafarer?’ Charles Boyle, director of legal services, spoke alongside Tim Springett, Sara Jones and Tim Hill MBE about what is involved in ensuring the continued impact of the MLC, which is often called the ‘Seafarers Bill of Rights’ The seminar explored both the challenges and successes of the MLC, drawing heavily on personal experiences to suggest how further improvements could be made to improve the lives of maritime professionals.

To celebrate the completion of building work at Mariners' Park, we welcomed Katie Higginbottom, Head of Trust at the ITF Seafarers' Trust. As well as containing the Union's new head office, the building also includes 27 high-quality supported living apartments for retired seafarers. Seafarers planning their retirement who would like to visit Mariners' Park are welcome to contact the Nautilus Welfare Fund for more information and a tour by emailing welfare@nautilusint.org, or visiting

Nautilus International has interviewed ITF Inspector Matt Parsonage, who following seven years as an electro-technical officer, now works to promote the rights of seafarers on flag of convenience vessels calling into ports across the Liverpool area. Read the full interview at: Get in touch with Matt Parsonage – or your nearest ITF inspector – by visiting the ITF Seafarers website, looking up the details in the ITF Seafarers' Bulletin magazine or downloading the ITF Seafarers app from the Google Play or Apple stores. Union members should get in touch with their union representative first. If you are part of Nautilus International, speak to your industrial organiser or, in an emergency, contact Nautilus 24/7.

RT @ITFglobalunion: In this report, seafarers on ferries confirm the hard reality of life as a ferry crew member. We need to do much more…

Nautilus is now on Bluesky! Don’t worry, we’re not leaving X, however, with so many jumping ship, we are looking to connect with members and the public across multiple platforms. Don’t forget to follow us at

🚨The first 2025 episode of our award-winning podcast is now available! 🚨 This time we’re talking to Liberty Nogueira, aka Travel With Liberty – if you’ve ever wondered how to break into the superyacht industry, or wanted tips on how to progress once you’ve secured that vital first role onboard, then this is the one for you! Watch the latest podcast on our YouTube channel, at Off course: a sideways look at life at sea, is part of our ongoing commitment to raise awareness of the valuable role our members play at sea. 🌊 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to ensure you never miss another episode.

🚨Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers accept improved pay deal 🚨 Nautilus International members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) have voted to accept an improved, above-inflation pay offer for 2024/25 which marks an end to its ongoing dispute over pay and conditions. This agreement marks a significant step forward following one of the Union's longest-running industrial disputes in recent times, underscoring the determination of RFA officers to secure fair and competitive pay and conditions. The newly accepted deal not only delivers an above-inflation pay increase but also acknowledges the ongoing need to address long-term recruitment and retention challenges within the RFA. 'This agreement demonstrates the power of collective action, with over 100 days of industrial action short of a strike and five days of strike action. The outcome is the result of continued mandates for action as well as sustained negotiations to achieve meaningful progress for the dedicated professionals serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary,' Nautilus International director of organising Martyn Gray said. 'Whilst this is a positive milestone, there remains much work to be done to ensure that pay and working conditions are sustainable and attractive in the long term. That work is going to continue.' Negotiations for the 2025/26 pay agreement will begin in the coming weeks, with Nautilus International committed to continuing discussions aimed at achieving lasting improvements in pay and conditions for all RFA officers. Turnout: 81% Votes to accept: 63%

Happy New Year from everyone at Nautilus International! 🎆

On the final day of 2024, we're recapping another year of advocating for fair pay and conditions for our members. We represent Maritime professionals across the industry and are proud to have achieved several inflation-busting pay uplifts, coming to an average of 5.9%. Ensuring that maritime professionals are not left behind and showcasing the value of Union membership. Thank you to all our members, and a very happy New Year!

Merry Christmas, wherever you are, from Nautilus International.

Merry Christmas from the team at the Nautilus International London office. There has been plenty to celebrate this year, from inflation-busting pay wins for our members to the passing of legislation that will expand seafarers' rights in the UK. 🌊 We are proud to represent the interests of maritime professionals and are looking forward to another year of standing up for fair pay and conditions across the maritime industry. Wherever you are this Christmas, at sea or ashore, we hope that you have a wonderful festive period. Merry Christmas! 🎄

Great news for cadets sponsored by Princess Cruises! From 1 January 2025 Princess cadets will receive a 10% pay increase, thanks to numerous cadet members who contacted Nautilus to point out that their training allowances were significantly lower than other sponsors. Our industrial organisers have now negotiated with the company and have secured a pay rise that will significantly reduce financial hardship for cadets. Thank you to our cadet members, who played a key role in getting this fantastic result, proving how important Union membership can be for trainees!