Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA ADVISORY NO. 12, S. OF 2010)
The UKBA issued a limited concession granting non-European fishermen, including Filipinos, the ability to work on fishing vessels operating within the 12 mile limit of UK territorial waters, subject to certain requirements and criteria.
The concession commenced on 01 March 2010 and will end on 01 September 2011, with applications under this concession to be made not later than 31 May 2010.
Fishing vessels operating within UK waters within the 12 mile limit are included. Vessels operating in both domestic and international waters are covered if they spend more than 30% of their time in UK territorial waters.
The applicant must currently be employed or have been employed for the past 12 months prior to the application on a fishing vessel operating in the UK.
The contract of employment must comply with the UK minimum wage regulations of GBP 5.80 per hour, and relevant tax and national insurance regulations.
No, the concession is not open to self-employed or shared fishermen.
The employer must provide satisfactory shore-based accommodation, mandatory if the fishing vessel is under 24 meters in length. For vessels over 24 meters, if the crew is accommodated on the vessel while in port, satisfactory vessel accommodation must be secured from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Authority (MCA).
The applicant must receive or be scheduled to receive health and safety training within one month of the grant of any authorized stay, in accordance with the Fishing Vessels (Safety Training) Regulations 1989 as amended.
A guarantee letter must be provided by the owner or agent covering the costs and travel arrangements for the repatriation of the fisherman upon contract completion.
Their application will be refused.