UK MCA Extends Middle East Conflict Seafarer Guidance to 30 November 2026

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has extended Marine Information Note (MIN) 732 (M+F) Amendment 3, its guidance for seafarers and fishers on UK-flagged vessels affected by the conflict in the Middle East, until 30 November 2026. The notice sets out requirements under UK legislation implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and the Work in Fishing Convention. In the update published on GOV.UK on 30 September 2026, the MCA changed only the expiry date, previously 30 September 2026, and said no content adjustments were made.

Scope of the Notice

The notice applies to seafarers and fishers working on UK-flagged vessels. MIN 732 (M+F) Amendment 3 replaces Amendment 2. It should be read alongside the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Minimum Requirements for Seafarers etc.) Regulations 2014, the Merchant Shipping (Work in Fishing Convention) Regulations 2018, and MIN 734 (M+F) on welfare support for seafarers and fishers. It covers the extension of Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs) and Fisherman’s Work Agreements, changes to repatriation destination and how to seek support.

The guidance addresses shipowners, masters, officers, ratings, offshore workers, crewing agents and trade unions. It also covers fishing vessel owners, operators, managers, employers of fishers, skippers and fishers.

Timeline of Updates

The notice was first published on 29 May 2026. The MCA updated it on 31 July 2026 with a renewed expiry date of 30 September 2026, and on 30 September 2026 extended the expiry date to 30 November 2026.

Why It Matters for Operators

Who it concerns: owners, managers and crewing agents of UK-flagged ships and fishing vessels with crew in or bound for Middle East waters.

Which decision it affects: crew changes and contract extensions. Under the notice, seafarers are entitled to repatriation when a ship is bound for a war zone they choose not to enter. Where a seafarer asks, a new or extended SEA should be agreed; the MCA does not need to be notified up to a total of 11 months on board (12 months for fishers). Beyond that, the MCA must be notified and issues a letter of approval to show port State control. The notice states that a seafarer’s entitlement to repatriation does not lapse if an extension is given, and the shipowner must let seafarers return home at the first available opportunity, even part way through an extension.

What is still missing: whether the MCA will renew the notice after 30 November 2026. Ships under other flags are not covered by this UK notice and need their own flag State’s position.