Rum Ration
the Navy Network

Originally Posted by wurz

The RFA do use tax rules aimed at merchant seamen because that is what they are... ...You must also be on a ship not just away, hence the Discharge Book which is signed and stamped by the Captain as evidence as to when you joined and left the vessel. Holidays out of the UK also count but you may be asked to prove that it was a holiday and that you were not just off earning money abroad.

The work for which SED is claimed must be on a ship, or incidental to working on a ship. There is no prohibition on counting time spent working (ashore) overseas towards the qualifying period for SED, however you would have to pay appropriate income taxes on earnings from that work as it is not eligibile for SED. e.g. An RFA seafarer could work as a bus driver in Spain whilst on leave, claiming SED on his earnings from the RFA, and claiming time spent on leave in Spain towards the qualifying period, but paying tax (probably Spanish tax) on his earnings as a bus driver.

By the published rules RFA seafarers should not be eligible for SED, regardless of the reality that they do receive it.