Merchant shipping minimum age regulations

Section 55(1A) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 applies to all UK merchant ships, excluding government ships, it prohibits those under the age of 16 being employed on a sea-going ship.

New Maritime Labour Convention 2006 minimum age regulations would apply the minimum age of 16 years for seafarers to all ships ordinarily engaged in commercial operations, including government ships, in line with the minimum requirements. The minimum age would apply regardless of whether a person is employed or working as a self-employed person.