Written questions by McDonnell.

What oversight his department carries out of crewing agencies supplying merchant seafarers to deliver MoD contracts.

Where civilian mariners are employed by contractors to deliver Ministry of Defence (MOD) maritime outputs, the Department ensures appropriate oversight through the contractual framework. Contractors are required to comply with UK maritime law, the Maritime Labour Convention, and all relevant safety, welfare and certification standards. Prime contractors hold responsibility for selecting and managing any crewing agencies they use. The MOD monitors compliance through routine contract management, including assurance activity, audits, and safety reporting requirements. These oversight mechanisms ensure that contractors maintain suitably qualified and experienced personnel to deliver MOD tasks.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of maternity and paternity rights of seafarers working on merchant ships covered by the Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Commercially Managed Ships) Order 1992.

The Merchant Shipping Order provides a foundation for seafarers’ rights. For the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), these statutory measures are substantially augmented by a comprehensive suite of policies supporting all employees through every life event, offering protections and benefits well in excess of those minimums.

Which crewing agencies supply merchant seafarers to deliver MoD contracts.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not contract directly with crewing agencies. Where maritime outputs are delivered by civilian mariners, prime contractors are responsible for selecting, employing and managing any crewing agencies they use. As such, the Department does not hold a centrally maintained list of crewing agencies engaged by contractors delivering MOD maritime services.

Whether the replacement vessels his department has ordered from Serco Marine under the Defence Maritime Service Next Generation (DMS NG) programme will be owned by the MoD.

Yes. Information regarding the contract for the Defence Maritime Services Next Generation Vessel Replacement Programme can be found through the following link: https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder

Pursuant to the written answer of 4 February 2026 to question 109057, if he will list the maritime industry stakeholders his department has engaged with to date regarding the continued transformation of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s workforce framework in support of Defence operational needs.

The Department continues to engage widely across Defence, Government and the maritime sector in support of the RFA workforce transformation programme. This includes structured consultation with internal governance boards, representative bodies, specialist HR, legal and career management functions, as well as engagement with key maritime unions, industry groups and UK flag‑state partners. These collaborative discussions ensure that the evolving framework robustly supports Defence’s operational needs while remaining aligned with best practice across the wider maritime industry.

What recent discussions he has had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the application of merchant shipping legislation to crew accommodation standards on each Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) complies with the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, as mandated by law. In respect of those provisions that are not legally binding, the RFA endeavours to uphold an equivalent standard wherever practicable. Deviation from these standards will only occur when necessitated by urgent operational requirements. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will monitor shipboard standards against the requirements of the MLC as part of the ISM Code Safety Management certification process.

If he will provide an update on the implementation of the (a) Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2024 and (b) Employment Rights Act 2025 for merchant seafarers in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

RFA seafarers already receive the full statutory rights provided under the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2024 and the Employment Rights Act 2025. Since September 2025, the RFA has operated an independent assessment system, supported by external advocacy and assurance, to ensure all applications for flexible working are handled fairly. These robust arrangements place the RFA at the forefront of best practice across the maritime industry.

Pursuant to the written answer of 4 February 2026 to question 109058, if he will list the RFA vessels where permanent employees have opted in to work a reduced assignment length, other than the RFA Proteus.

Uptake varies according to operational cycles, but participation consistently fluctuates between nine and 10 per cent of the total workforce. These arrangements continue to support individual choice while maintaining operational resilience.

What estimate he has made of the number of civilian seafarers employed on live contracts between his Department and private contractors.

Contracted maritime support is delivered through a number of commercial providers, who are responsible for recruiting and managing their own workforces to meet contractual requirements.

What his policy is on delivering (a) investment and (b) employment in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary fleet through the Defence Industrial Strategy.

The Defence Industrial Strategy sets out how our national security is defended by our Armed Forces, that they are only as strong as the defence sector which equips them, including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a unique asset to Government, which we continue to invest in, working closely across Government to ensure the seafarers who work for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have the employment conditions that reflect their essential work.

What recent discussions he has had with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary regarding the application of merchant shipping regulations covering RFA merchant seafarers’ maternity and paternity rights.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring that the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) maintains a positive, equitable workplace for all seafarers. RFA employees benefit from comprehensive employment rights and conditions well exceeding Maritime Labour Convention standards, including robust maternity, paternity and wider welfare provisions. The RFA’s commitment to fair treatment, safety and inclusive support ensures all personnel are protected throughout their service.

With reference to the current online Royal Navy recruitment campaign, how many merchant seafarers currently employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary work a 3-month on, 3-month off schedule; and if he will make a statement.

The ability to opt-in to a reduced assignment length continues to be available to all Royal Fleet Auxiliary Seafarers. As of January 2026, 10% of permanent employees have chosen this schedule. The previous detail on the recruiting site suggesting this as the default crewing model has been removed.

If he will take steps to compare the contractual employment conditions of Royal Fleet Auxiliary seafarers with employment conditions of crew on outsourced MoD contracts for maritime services.

As part of the continued transformation of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s workforce framework in support of Defence operational needs, the Department continues to draw upon best practice across the maritime industry, proactively engaging with stakeholders to inform future policy.

What the current level of operational crewing is at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) maintains its vessels at the required safe-crewing levels to meet all operational commitments. Crewing requirements vary by ship class and operational tasking; however, all RFA vessels deployed on operations or held at readiness are crewed to the levels necessary to ensure safety, compliance, and effective delivery of defence outputs. The Ministry of Defence continues to monitor RFA workforce levels closely and is taking forward a range of measures to support recruitment, training, and retention across the service. For security reasons, detailed operational crewing figures are not disclosed.

If he will take steps to establish the (a) hourly rate of pay and (b) annual hours of each seafarer grade at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

We are already working to redefine Terms and Conditions of service for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, including salaried obligations, is already underway. This work will inform a pay and reward strategy to enhance lived experience and optimise effective and efficient capability in line with the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review.

What proportion of Royal Navy tasking is currently being carried out by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) operate as an integrated maritime force. The RFA is a war fighting enabler that safeguards critical national infrastructure, afloat logistics, amphibious, and aviation facilities, and its contribution varies according to operational priorities and vessel availability. The Ministry of Defence does not record a proportion between RN and RFA for operational activity.

Whether the re-classification of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a Non-Standard Occupation Group has been completed.

Discussions are ongoing to define and implement Non-Standard Occupational Group status for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Defence remains focused on delivering a resilient and sustainable workforce for the future and recognising the unique contribution of its seafarers to the defence of this nation.

What recent assessment he has made of the operational future of the (a) RFA Argus and (b) RFA Fort Victoria; and what the current status is of each vessel.

I refer the right hon. Member to the response I gave to Question 106973 on 26 January 2026 to the hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage). https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-20/106973

If he will provide an update on the commercial sale of the former RFA vessels (a) Wave Knight and (b) Wave Ruler.

A Sale Agreement for RFA WAVE RULER and RFA WAVE KNIGHT was signed in January 2026; Inocea Shipholding Ltd (ISL) has purchased the former RFA vessels and will be reactivating them for service. I am unable to release further detail of the Sale Agreement at this time.

Whether his Department plans to review Gurkha pay and pensions in accordance with the 1947 Tripartite Agreement.

The Government holds the Gurkhas in the highest regard and deeply values their unique and enduring contribution to the United Kingdom. Their bravery, loyalty, and dedication have been an integral part of the British Armed Forces for over two centuries. The Government remains fully committed to recognising their service and ensuring they are treated with fairness and respect. Gurkha terms and conditions of service were originally established under the 1947 Tripartite Agreement and have been adapted over time to reflect changes in the Brigade’s circumstances. Since 2007, Gurkhas have served under the same terms as the rest of the British Army, with certain provisions retained to preserve the unique identity of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The Defence Secretary has not engaged in discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the uprating of legacy Gurkha pensions, as retrospective changes or enhancements are generally not applied to public service pension schemes. This principle is consistently upheld across the public sector.