Better social security coverage for seafarers residing in EU countries is above all a matter of cooperation between national authorities. In a world of competing flag States and short‐term employment, enjoying the comprehensive benefits provided by a social security system can be a difficult task for many seafarers. Many countries do not ensure that all seafarers ordinarily resident in their territory benefit from the social security protection in the applicable branches. In particular, some European countries do not guarantee the equality of treatment between seafarers and shore-workers regarding social security protection in the case of seafarers serving on board foreign ships (other than the European Union (EU). (....)