The next step has been completed in a wide-ranging review of UK
seafarer and cadet training, led by the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency (MCA).
The latest stage of the Cadet Training and Modernisation
(CT&M) Programme to have been concluded is an MCA update to
the content of Training Record Books, which are crucial for
documenting the studies and experiences of cadets. They are due
to be rolled out in their new form in January 2025.
It represents the completion of a theme of work, within the wider
programme, which has focused on updating the training and
assessment processes that cadets go through ahead of applying for
a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) from the MCA.
Previous improvements completed by the MCA in this area included
the modernisation of the syllabus, which comes into effect in
September 2025, incorporating essential skills for
decarbonisation and increased digitisation of the sector. The
programme also includes enhancements to oral and written
assessments and post-training surveys of all seafarers.
MCA Chief Examiner Ajit Jacob said:
These ongoing improvements give us a training system that is
increasingly better equipped, open and flexible for new
technology, and addresses the safety, security, and environmental
issues of an evolving maritime world. By incorporating skills
related to decarbonisation, we are preparing our cadets to meet
the challenges of the industry's journey to net zero.
The result will be confident teams of seafarers with the skills,
experience and knowledge to operate vessels safely and
efficiently, boosting the UK's thriving maritime economy.
This collaborative achievement between the MCA, seafarers,
industry partners, training providers and employers ensures a
skilled workforce that will propel the UK's maritime sector to
new heights. I'd like to thank everyone who has played their
part.
The CT&M Programme, led and coordinated by the MCA, will
continue its review work to ensure learning and administration
are kept up to date with the developing skills, technologies and
practices of the modern maritime industry.
Background
The CT&M Programme, led by the MCA, is based on
recommendations made by the Seafarer and Cadet Training Review,
which brought together key stakeholders, including the Merchant
Navy Training Board, focused on improving cadet training. It is
believed to be the first time a maritime regulator has joined
forces with industry experts to shape cadet training in this way.
The Seafarer and Cadet Training Review was launched by the
Maritime Skills Commission on the instruction of the Maritime
Minister in 2021.
While the MCA does not deliver training, it is responsible for
overseeing that standards are maintained by providers through
regular audits.
