This year's cohort of seafarer trainees have become the first in
the UK to learn under a new syllabus developed through an
industry-wide initiative, led by the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency (MCA), to ensure skills keep pace with modern technology
and practices.
Lessons began in September this year using the updated syllabus.
Its revision was completed and presented to nautical colleges in
2023 for implementation into courses now being rolled out for the
next generation of seafarers.
Highlights are the inclusion of required learning in:
The new syllabus is the latest product of the Cadet Training and
Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, led and coordinated by the
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and involving industry,
training providers and seafarers.
It is believed to be the first time a maritime regulator has
joined forces with industry experts on such a skills project
which is bearing fruit including the recently announced new
app-based electronic
Training Record Book.
Ajit Jacob, MCA Chief Examiner, said:
Developing the next generation of seafarers needs a strong
foundation of skills for them to work effectively, safely and
carry the maritime industry forward.
That's exactly what we have in our new, futureproofed syllabus:
an up-to-date, regularly reviewed set of required learning that
has been welcomed by the maritime industry.
It is equipping trainees for new and developing technology and
practices, but also modern skills to ensure welfare is a priority
too. I wish the best of luck to all trainees beginning their
studies – and careers – this year.
Background
The CT&M Programme is based on recommendations made by the
Seafarer and Cadet Training Review, launched by the Maritime
Skills Commission on the instruction of the Maritime Minister in
2021.
It brings together key stakeholders, including the UK Chamber of
Shipping, Merchant Navy Training Board, seafarer unions,
educators and more, focused on improving seafarer training. It is
believed to be the first time a maritime regulator like the MCA
has joined forces with industry experts to shape such training in
this way.
The MCA does not deliver training but is responsible for
overseeing that standards are maintained by providers through
seafarer assessments and regular audits of the training
providers.
