Marine Industry, Fisheries, Seafarers & Divers

Marine Industry, Fisheries, SEAFARERS & DIVERS

Operating in the marine and fishing industries often means facing unique pressures. From navigating complex licensing requirements and fuel duty claims to managing seasonal income, offshore working arrangements, and ever-changing seafarer tax regulations, the challenges are rarely straightforward.

Our specialist marine accountants and tax advisers understand the realities of working at sea, offshore, and internationally. We support marine businesses, fishing operations, commercial divers, offshore contractors, and seafarers with practical advisors that helps them stay compliant, maximise available tax reliefs, and make confident business decisions that seize opportunities and build long-term stability.

At TC Group, advice goes beyond compliance. We take the time to understand your operation, career, and long-term objectives, providing clear guidance that reduces complexity and helps you focus on what matters most.

We work with a wide range of clients across the marine sector, including naval architects, offshore contractors, commercial divers, consulting engineers, wild fisheries, fish farms, vessel operators, and internationally mobile individuals. Our hands-on experience means we’re well-versed in the specific issues you face, including Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction (SED), offshore employment taxation, tax residency, double taxation relief, marine mortgages, quota purchases and sales, shared fishing arrangements, and licensing requirements.

Key services for the Marine Industry, Fisheries, SEAFARERS & DIVERS

Compliance & Outsourcing

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National Insurance reviews
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Self-Assessment tax returns
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Seafarer's Deductions (SED) claims
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Tax relief claims
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VAT compliance and planning
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Tax residency
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Statutory Residence Test reviews
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Double taxation relief claims
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Foreign income reporting
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HMRC enquiries and compliance checks
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Bookkeeping
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Payroll
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Voluntary Class 2 & Class 3 NIC advice
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Advisory Services

Offshore & international employment taxation

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Residence and domicile reviews
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Pre-departure & return-to-UK tax planning

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Employment and HR support
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Grant and investment support
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Raising capital and corporate finance
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Finance solutions
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R&D tax reliefs
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Succession planning
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Historic disclosures
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Regularisation of tax affairs
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Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction (SED)

One of the most valuable tax reliefs available to maritime workers is the Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction.

However, qualifying for SED isn’t always straightforward. HMRC’s rules require detailed consideration of factors such as:

Employment status
Qualifying vessel requirements
Eligible duties
Days spent outside the UK
Compliance with the eligible period requirements

Incorrect claims can lead to HMRC challenges and unexpected tax liabilities. Our advisors can review your circumstances, determine eligibility, calculate qualifying periods, and prepare claims as part of your tax return.

Tax Advice for Commercial Divers

Commercial divers often work under a variety of employment arrangements, including employment contracts, agency engagements, and self-employed assignments. This can create uncertainty around:

Income tax obligations
Allowable expense claims
National Insurance contributions
Overseas earnings
Residence status
Offshore engagements

We provide practical advice tailored to your specific working arrangements, helping you understand your obligations while ensuring you claim all available tax reliefs.

Offshore Workers and International Assignments

Many seafarers and divers spend significant time working outside the UK as offshore workers. Understanding how overseas working arrangements interact with UK tax legislation is essential.

Our team can help determine:

Whether you remain UK tax resident
Which income is taxable in the UK
Whether overseas tax credits are available
How double taxation agreements apply
The reporting requirements for foreign income

We provide clear guidance to help you remain compliant while avoiding unnecessary tax exposure.

Speak to a Specialist

If you work at sea, offshore, or as a professional diver and would like advice on your tax position, contact us today to arrange an initial discussion with one of our specialist tax advisors.

HR Outsourcing

For ongoing HR support within marine and fishing businesses, our outsourcing subscription packages enable us to take many routine challenges off your plate, supported by our marine accounting expertise. Fees are flexible based on headcount and the number of hours required per quarter.

OUTSOURCED FINANCE DEPARTMENT

TC Group has the expertise and resource to be your entire finance team, ensuring you have the support and information needed to achieve your goals.

Research & Development

Research and Development (R&D) tax reliefs support companies working on innovative projects, and our marine accountants advise on qualifying activity.

Succession Planning

Our marine accountants pride themselves on taking the time to understand your personal objectives, equipped with sound advice and a tailored, insight-driven strategy.

VAT Planning & Structuring

Specialist marine VAT planning and compliance structuring to uncover opportunities and minimise your tax liabilities.

Payroll

Our experienced UK-based team ensure your employees are paid accurately and on time. With our expertise, you can ensure that every payroll will be completed with attention to detail, accuracy, and within timely execution.

INHERITANCE TAX

Business Property Relief has been reformed from April 2026. While the existing nil-rate bands and exemptions will continue to apply, the previous maximum 100% relief rate will only be available for the first £1m of combined agricultural and business assets.

Any value above this threshold will be subject to a reduced relief rate of 50%, resulting in an effective tax rate of 20%.

TC Group can help you plan for the change in relief. Contact our marine accountant team today to discuss how these changes may affect you and what steps you can take now.

OUR Marine Industry SPECIALISTS

Becky Thomas
Partner
- 01326 375587
- BeckyThomas@tc-group.com
Sean Mitchell
Associate Partner
- 01872 272047
- SeanMitchell@tc-group.com
Jamie Bligh
Senior Tax Manager
- 01603 766078
- JamieBligh@tc-group.com

FAQS

WHY DO YOU NEED A SPECIALIST MARINE AND FISHERIES ACCOUNTANT?

TC Group’s hands-on experience means we’re well-versed in the specific issues you face, including marine mortgages, quota purchase and sale, shared fishing arrangements, licensing, and more.

WHAT IS A MARINE MORTGAGE?

A marine mortgage is a legal agreement (a secured loan) where the vessel acts as collateral for the loan.

WHAT IS THE SEADARERS' EARNINGS DEDUCTION?

This is an HMRC tax relief that allows qualifying UK-resident (or EEA-resident) seafarers to claim up to 100% tax relief on their foreign earnings.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE SEAFARERS' EARNINGS DEDUCTION?

To get the deduction, you must have:

Worked on a ship.
Worked outside of the UK long enough to qualify for the deduction – usually a minimum of 365 days.
Been resident in the UK or resident for tax purposes in a European Economic Area (EEA) State (other than the UK).

CAN COMMERCIAL DIVERS CLAIM TAX RELIEF?

This depends on your employment status, contract arrangements and working pattern. TC Group can assess your circumstances and identify any available tax reliefs and deductions.

DO I NEED TO COMPLETE A UK SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN IF I WORK OVERSEAS?

Many seafarers, divers and offshore workers still need to submit UK tax returns even when working abroad. The requirements depend on your personal circumstances and sources of income.

Marine Industry, Fisheries, Seafarers & Divers