UK bursary fund for seafarers training doubled

The Maritime Charities Group (MCG) has doubled its bursary fund for seafarer training, an initiative launched in November aimed at UK-based merchant seafarers who are facing redundancy as a direct result of Covid-19.

The fund, launched with equal contributions from MCG members Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Trinity House, now stands at £40k. The MCG doubled the fund, following a successful bid to the Nautilus Slater Fund and an additional donation from Trinity House, which came from a generous donation from a member of the public.

The bursary fund is aimed at UK-based merchant seafarers who have lost their job as a direct result of Covid-19 and need help towards training for a new role in the industry. Applicants can claim up to £500 towards training or qualifications of their choice.

We’re incredibly grateful to both the Slater Fund and Trinity House for enabling us to double the fund in this way. We’ve had over 20 applications in the first month which is a huge success. Clearly there’s a significant need out there so anything we can do to enable more seafarers to benefit is enormously welcome. And it’s an early Christmas present for those merchant seafarers who’ve lost their jobs due to Covid-19,

…said Chair of the MCG Commander Graham Hockley LVO RN.

The bursary is aimed at UK Merchant Navy seafarers of all ranks and departments who can demonstrate a planned route back into a maritime-related role, whether seagoing or shore-side. Applicants can self-select whatever training or qualifications they feel will help them.