Seafarers’ insurance reform. Ministries discuss benefits

The draft submitted for comment regulates social security issues for seafarers working at sea on board non-Polish vessels, to which EU regulations do not apply.

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It was stressed that seafarers who are currently uninsured in Poland or in EU/EFTA countries can apply for voluntary retirement and disability insurance, as long as they reside in Poland.

According to ZUS data – 43500. People participate in voluntary retirement and disability insurance (as of March 31, 2024). These are people who live in the Republic of Poland but are not entitled to compulsory insurance. There are no data on how many seafarers voluntarily participate in social insurance; according to information provided by the maritime industry website, it is about 10%. – This is what is written.

It was noted that such solutions could help Polish shipowners decide to sail under foreign flags, especially flags from outside the EU and EFTA.

“In this way, they were able to significantly reduce the costs associated with social protection of seafarers. Secondly, seafarers resident in Poland, employed by EU shipowner employers, sailing on ships flying the flag of third countries, Considered less competitive on the maritime labour market than seafarers residing outside the EU/EFTA or in EU countries that have preferential rules for social security coverage and contributions for seafarers,” it was stressed.

Therefore, the Department of Labor recommends covering Provide insurance protection under the same terms and uniform regulations for all Polish seafarers A similar mechanism for creators and artists, including preferential rules for participation in social insurance and determination of the basis for assessment based on professional status confirmed by appropriate certificates.

Thus, as the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy indicated in the RIA for this project, social security contribution revenues will increase and short-term benefit expenditures will increase for the new insured groups.

An assessment of the impact on public finances shows that: The positive balance of these solutions will amount to approximately PLN 3.29 billion over 10 yearsof which approximately PLN 2.72 billion had a positive impact on the Social Insurance Fund.

The financial consequences are calculated assuming the program will take effect on January 1, 2025. The Department of Labor also estimates that the bill could Positive impact on the labor market and potentially increase employment opportunities onboard Polish-flagged ships.