Seafarer Visas
The UK's maritime industry depends on a globally mobile, highly skilled workforce — and navigating the immigration system to bring that workforce onboard requires specialist knowledge.
Enquire Now See How We Can HelpWe work with shipowners, crewing agencies and vessel managers to build an immigration process that fits around your crewing cycles.
From deep-sea cargo vessels to offshore support ships, coastal ferries to superyachts, the breadth of the UK maritime sector means that crew requirements vary enormously between operators. Deck officers, marine engineers, electro-technical officers and certificated ratings each follow distinct qualification frameworks, and visa applications must reflect the specific demands of the role and the vessel.
Demand for experienced seafarers continues to outpace domestic supply. Recruitment increasingly draws on international labour markets — particularly for officers holding STCW-compliant certificates of competency — and employers must ensure that their immigration approach keeps pace with operational timelines. Delays in crew deployment have direct commercial consequences, making timely and accurate visa applications essential.
Navigating seafarer immigration rules is complex — exemptions, visa requirements and work permissions vary significantly depending on nationality, ILO convention status, vessel type and route. Getting it wrong can delay crew deployment or result in refused entry. Whether you are onboarding a single officer or managing a rolling programme of international crew changes, we handle the detail so your vessels stay on schedule.
Trusted immigration experts serving businesses and individuals since 2001
When you get international hiring right, the results speak for themselves. Our clients have launched satellites, built wind farms, staffed hospitals, and won Premier League titles — all with the right people in place.
Case Study
Find out how we assisted a UK seafaring company in building their workforce
Skilled Worker Visas
Discover more about the UK's primary immigration route for seafarers
