The Warlike Area Operations Committee (WAOC) has declared the Strait of Hormuz a “high risk” area which could entitle seafarers on UK flag ships double pay in the region.
The agreement was made between the UK Chamber of Shipping and officer’s union Nautilus International under the Warlike Area Operations Committee.
It said the “high risk” rating will apply to UK shipping which does not comply with industry and government advice in the region.
The current UK government advice is that UK flag shipping should not transit the Strait of Hormuz unless accompanied by a UK Navy escort.
Security advice has also been issued by associations such as the Intertanko and International Chamber of Shipping.
Under UK national wage agreements seafarers have the right to refuse to work on ships that pass the Strait of Hormuz without an escort or receive double basic pay while in the region.
The agreement will cover the sea area according to the UK Government definition of the territorial limits of the Strait of Hormuz.
