UK to subsidise 50% of seafarer training costs

Eligible seafarers in the UK will now get half of their training paid as a subsidy, as the government looks to invest in the future of the maritime industry and secure future growth.

Previously, the subsidy on training costs for cadets and ratings was 30 per cent, but increases to 50 per cent for all new and existing tonnage tax groups and Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) funding. This means maritime companies can now take advantage of an extra £13m of funding to take on and train up cadets.

Announcing the increase, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency stated that these measures reflect the UK government’s commitment to protecting and supporting seafarers as announced in the seafarer protections nine-point plan, “which commits to improving the longer-term working conditions of seafarers as part of a wider vision to boost seafarer protections and welfare.” 

This includes the Seafarers’ Wages Bill, which is designed to ensure that seafarers working on vessels that regularly use UK ports are paid at least an equivalent rate to the National Minimum Wage while in the UK’s territorial waters.

The bill arose after P&O Ferries sacked almost 800 staff members in March and swiftly hired agency workers on lower wages.

“Our incredible maritime sector is built by the thousands of workers who, every day, keep our shelves stacked and are responsible for 95% of all the UK’s freight,” says transport secretary Grant Shapps.

“This funding will be critical to helping people upskill, take on a career in the sector, and help build a strong maritime sector for years to come.”

Amid ongoing uncertainty about how Brexit will impact the UK maritime sector and policy in the long term, the government says this increase in training subsidies for cadets and ratings emphasises its drive to “grow and support the UK’s seafarer population to meet the UK and global needs.”

Funding for eligible seafarers is available this year and will be locked in until at least September 2024, providing an extra incentive for those looking to take up a career in maritime.

The increased subsidy rate will be available to any seafarer who meets the requirements and who is studying at a Maritime and Coastguard Agency-approved college for an academic qualification that leads to the issue of a UK Unlimited Certificate of Competency.

“This is an important milestone for investing in the future of maritime and our seafarers,” says Damien Oliver, commercial and programmes director at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

“These changes now mean that more funding is available to support seafarers with their training. We are also looking at additional support for those who have already attained a qualification so they can move onto the next one supported by further funding. We will do all we can to encourage and support people into this industry which does so much to support our everyday life in the UK.”

These changes will cover an interim period from April 2022 to September 2024. A new UK training system is then scheduled to be implemented, as recommended by the 2020 Maritime Skills Commission Report.