Groundbreaking review of UK cadet syllabus could shape future of training worldwide

A groundbreaking review of the UK’s cadet syllabus, which could shape the future of training worldwide, has been completed by the Cadet Training & Modernisation (CT&M) Programme.

It is the first time the seafarer officer qualifications syllabus has faced a major overhaul in a number of years and results are being met with enthusiasm by the industry.

The updated syllabus was completed by the CT&M Programme, which is led and coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It was one of the recommendations of the Seafarer Cadet Review and brought together key stakeholders, including the Merchant Navy Training Board, focused on improving cadet training.

Credit: Fleetwood Nautical Campus

It is believed to be the first time a maritime regulator has joined forces with industry experts to shape cadet training.

The work will also be presented to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with hopes it could lead change on an international scale.

Syllabus modules are being delivered to nautical colleges this week and are anticipated to be used from September 2025.

MCA Chief Examiner, Ajit Jacob, said: “We were very clear from the outset that we wanted this syllabus review to be industry-led and for it not to be the MCA dictating what is needed.

“No other maritime nation has performed a review like this in conjunction with industry and what we have produced is a new collaborative model that delivers the training requirements of every sector within the industry. We will present it to the IMO next year as we are proud of what we have produced and know that other nations will benefit from this too. Well-educated and well-prepared seafarers benefit everyone, and we are happy to share our knowledge globally.

“The pace of technological change shows no signs of slowing and a new, continuous review approach will help us to stay ahead and ensure that our cadets are offered the most modern training we can give.”

The review included all modules across Nautical, Engineering and Electro-Technical disciplines and was carried out throughout 2022 by a working group of representatives from nautical colleges and shipping companies, and seafarers in their fleet.

The content of the syllabuses have been updated to reflect current practices and technology used on board to ensure that cadets are being given the skills they need to operate safely at sea.

’Human element’ skills have been woven throughout the syllabus to improve their practical application on board, boost the wellbeing of seafarers, and help them to understand how their lives could be impacted on a day-to-day basis if they are implemented effectively.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New website to boost maritime economy bringing business to UK

Image
The UK Shipping Concierge has launched a website designed to support and encourage maritime businesses looking to work in or with the UK. Officially launching today (19 June), the website will act as an information hub for maritime businesses, ship owners and operators, ensuring they get the right help at the right time helping both them and the wider UK economy. As part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the UK Shipping Concierge uses the agency’s maritime expertise as well as its place in wider Government to strengthen the attraction to businesses to come and work with and relocate to – where practical - the UK. The website supports the maritime offer by creating a link between the maritime industry and government, as well as providing advice and information around industry related subjects including maritime technology, Tonnage Tax and freeports. Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Virginia McVea said: “The UK has much to offer maritime with world le
Read more

Five ships detained after inspection following concerns raised about crew welfare

Image
Five out of the six ships inspected today by Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors have been detained. The Astoria, Astor, Colombus and Vasco de Gama at Tilbury have all been detained. The Marco Polo at Bristol has also been detained following its inspection. All five are from the same company – Global Cruise Lines Limited. Four of the vessels are flagged with the Bahamas and one with Portugal (Madeira) . Surveyors found a number of expired and invalid Seafarers Employment Agreements, late payment of wages and crews who had been on board for over 12 months. All these are in breach of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and the ships have been detained for that reason.  Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: “The welfare of seafarers is of the utmost importance and we take any reports of safety concerns around crew incredibly seriously. "Following today’s investigation, five ships have been detained and we will not hesitate to continue to use every power
Read more

Oral exams to be held online under plans from Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Image
Engineering oral exams will commence online from 11 May under new plans announced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. In addition, the MCA is also actively working on plans to provide an online way of carrying out Deck oral exams. Marine offices will get in contact with candidates who had previously had theirs cancelled to arrange new dates but everyone is being asked not to get in touch while the backlog is cleared. Katy Ware, Director of Maritime Safety and Standards said: ‘We completely understand people are anxious to get their all important exams done but we can’t accept any new oral exam bookings until we have cleared the backlog of those who had theirs cancelled because of Covid-19.’ ‘We will publish a MIN later this month to provide further guidance on accepting new applications for oral exams. The MIN will also provide timelines for the future booking of exams; for those who hold Notice of Eligibilities (NOEs), those who have applied for NOEs and those who are abou
Read more