Seafarer cadets in the UK can now continue to access financial support for their training up until spring 2025, as funds have been locked in for a further 6 months.
According to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA), with this pot of money, eligible seafarers have the opportunity to get half of their training paid – the subsidy went from 30% to 50% for all new and existing SMarT funded seafarers – providing a real investment in the future of maritime and securing future growth.
The boost will also assist UK junior officers to complete a Management Level Certificate of Competency. With an original end date of September 2024, this funding will now be available until 31 March 2025.
In 2022 the UK government announced an increase in training subsidies for cadets, leading to more than £40 million being awarded to the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) fund, as well as providing additional support for junior officers.
The funds awarded to SMarT have an objective of providing further financial support to those who want to progress in the maritime industry. It will also be used to drive recruitment and increase UK cadet numbers, encouraging interested parties to consider a career in maritime.
Cadets are integral to the maritime sector, and this funding recognises the importance of their work, its impact on everyday life, and the importance of comprehensive, thorough training. Cadets now have more time to apply for financial support to complete their training or even progress to higher management level.
… said Maritime and Coastguard Agency Chief Executive, Virginia McVea
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 an UK Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
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