Training, Skills, Progression and Funding for Seafarer Ratings – MIN 707

Circular No: NP/067/25

 

TO ALL MARITIME BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Our ref: S1/2

 

14^th April 2025

 

Dear Colleagues

 

Training, Skills, Progression and Funding for Seafarer Ratings – MIN 707

 

I am writing to update you on progress with one of the recommendations in the Maritime Skills Commission’s review of barriers to training ratings which was published in August 2023. 

 

The Commission recommended that the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) publicise the reduced sea time training courses and funding available to employers and to Ratings to gain a Watch Rating Certificate and an Able Seafarer Certificate.

 

After several months of discussion with the union and with employers, the MCA published Marine Information Notice (MIN) 707 last weekend which contains this and other relevant information on Ratings training courses and funding, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

 

The union is campaigning for more funding from Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) and alternative sources, as well as a re-balanced Tonnage Tax scheme to increase the domestic supply of Deck and Engine Ratings with core STCW qualifications and to boost the number of local apprenticeships and jobs for Catering and Onboard Service Ratings in the ferry, offshore supply and other sectors.

 

I would be grateful if Maritime Branches could put MIN 707 on the agenda for the next Branch meeting, and provide the National Secretary, Darren Procter with members’ views on the information contained in MIN 707.

 

You will be kept advised of all further developments in this matter.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eddie Dempsey

General Secretary