Merchant Navy

Do you work in the merchant marine?

The shipping company you work for is part of Joint Committee 316.00, which you can find information about on your employment contract or payslip.

 In merchant shipping, there are different types of ships, such as bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers. You can find a list of Belgian shipping companies here.

The BTB Maritime Sectors represent all seafarers, including officers, sailors, boatmen, and shipmates who work in the Belgian merchant marine.

The maritime sector has great economic importance.

What can we do for you?

 Those who work at sea also live at sea, making the life of a sailor very unique. That is why seafarers are covered by separate rules to protect them from the whims of captains and shipping companies, unemployment, illness, or industrial accidents. Separate rules are also made for seafarers against very specific risks that only they can experience, such as piracy or sailing in war zones.

 We provide the following services and information:

• Information about:
  • Your wages
  • Your employment contract
  • Your compensation leave
  • Your taxes as a resident or non-resident in Belgium
  • Provident fund
  • ...
• Services
  • Tax declaration
  • Tax return postponement
  • Disbursement service of waiting fees (unemployment)
  • Disbursement of sea habilitation fees (for students)
  • ...

Collective agreements in force

You can find collective agreements in force through this link by pointing to PC 316. Then, you will get an overview of all collective agreements. Of course, we are always available to assist you.

We offer wage and labor conditions for:

• Seamen not registered on the Polar List and employed on board merchant vessels flying the Belgian flag.
• Captains and officers registered in the Belgian Seamen's Pool.
• Seafarers registered in the Belgian Seamen's Pool who are employed by the above-mentioned employers on ships operating mainly within the 'shortsea' area.
• Employment in war zones.
• Employment in piracy areas.

Contact info

Latifa Charafi - Secretariat BTB-ABVV Maritime Sectors

  Phone number: 03/224.34.17   

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Raf Burm - Recruiter BTB-ABVV Maritime Sectors

  Phone number: 03/224.34.18

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Jacques Kerkhof - Federal Secretary BTB-ABVV Maritime Sectors

  Phone number: 03/224.34.12

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