‘Industry could carry on as long as EU nationals can keep coming’

ERRVA chairman David Kenwright believes the problem will not become insurmountable as long as workforce restrictions are not put in place.

He said: “You have got to look at this sensibly as there’s a great dependence on Eastern European staff.

“If they weren’t available, it would cause problems as you do not have a population that wants to go to sea nowadays – it’s no longer a fashionable thing to do.

“There is potential for a problem but I don’t believe it will become unassailable because I don’t think legislation will be imposed that would stop EU nationals coming in to serve the industry.

“The government, I am sure, will behave responsibly and will find a way to make sure people can work in essential industries.”

One firm that feels positive about the future is Sentinel Marine, which employs 350 people offshore.

Despite 40% of its workforce coming from other parts of the world, it is “completely confident” it will be able to man its vessels, no matter the Brexit outcome.

Chief executive Rory Deans said: “As the impact of Brexit is unclear we, like so many other businesses, have had to adopt a wait and see approach.

“However, we are completely confident that, whatever the outcome, there will be no impact on our ability to man vessels and operate our fleet of ERRVs.

“Our recruitment and retention rates are very healthy – the fact that these are brand new vessels with additional capabilities beyond the traditional ERRV role and offer a very high standard of crew accommodation and facilities has allowed us to attract the very best talent the industry has to offer.”

The UK will officially cease to be a member of the European Union on March 29 next year, though the terms of departure remain unclear.