The UK government has announced an extension of financial support for seafarer cadets, ensuring funding availability for training until spring 2025, says an article published on safety4sea website.
Summary
- The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) has secured funds to increase the subsidy for seafarer training from 30% to 50%. This subsidy applies to both new and existing seafarers funded through the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) program.
- The extended funding will enable junior officers to complete a Management Level Certificate of Competency, with the original end date of September 2024 now extended until March 31, 2025.
- In 2022, the UK government allocated over £40 million to the SMarT fund, aiming to bolster training subsidies for cadets and provide additional support for junior officers.
- The funding extension recognizes the integral role of cadets in the maritime sector and emphasizes the significance of comprehensive training.
Increased Subsidy For Seafarer Training
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) has secured funds to increase the subsidy for seafarer training from 30% to 50%. This subsidy applies to both new and existing seafarers funded through the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) program.
Support For Junior Officers
The extended funding will enable junior officers to complete a Management Level Certificate of Competency, with the original end date of September 2024 now extended until March 31, 2025.
Government Investment In Maritime Training
In 2022, the UK government allocated over £40 million to the SMarT fund, aiming to bolster training subsidies for cadets and provide additional support for junior officers. The objective is to encourage recruitment and increase the number of UK cadets, thereby promoting careers in the maritime industry.
Recognition Of Cadets’ Importance
The funding extension recognizes the integral role of cadets in the maritime sector and emphasizes the significance of comprehensive training. It allows cadets more time to apply for financial support to complete their training or advance to higher management levels.
Comments From Maritime And Coastguard Agency Chief Executive
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Chief Executive, Virginia McVea, highlighted the impact of cadets’ work on everyday life and the importance of their training. The increased subsidy rate will be accessible to seafarers studying at UK MCA-approved colleges for qualifications leading to the issuance of a UK Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
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Source: safety4sea
