Nautilus welcomes SMarT funding extension for cadet training affected by Covid-19 pandemic
12 November 2021
Nautilus International welcomes further funding as the SMarT scheme has been extended for a further six months.
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has confirmed an extension to the Maritime Training (SMarT) Fund for cadets unable to finish their training due to Covid.
The scheme had already been extended last year to mean funding extensions will now be available for up to 12 months in total for each eligible cadet.
The extension comes in response to feedback from the industry. It means that more cadets will remain sponsored as they continue to develop their skills and knowledge.
Cadets normally have a SMarT funding period of up to 150-weeks to gain their Certificate of Competency (CoC). But, due to pandemic disruptions, allowances have been made to provide more time to complete training, with a maximum of 202 weeks now funded.
The scheme ensures that sponsoring companies can claim for cadets where they have been unable to complete their training and obtain their CoC because there has been a delay in taking an MCA written exam due to the impact of Covid-19, or STCW safety courses were unavailable for the same reason. The companies will also be able to claim if they were unable to either obtain sea service or complete their MCA approved long course at college due to the impacts of Covid-19.
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