Seafarers across the UK are being encouraged to take part in the Online Seafarer Survey, launched by Frazer-Nash Consultancy on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The survey seeks to gather insights from current and former UK seafarers, cadets, ratings, and even those who considered a maritime career but chose a different path.
The findings will help assess how effective the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme and other funding routes have been in supporting recruitment, training, and retention in the industry. Your feedback will directly influence future policy and investment in maritime education.
Whether you're a current cadet, a seasoned officer, a rating, or someone who once considered a life at sea, your voice matters. The survey takes just 15 minutes to complete and will help inform a review of the SMarT scheme and other funding routes that support UK maritime careers.
The SMarT scheme is an essential funding programme that helps cover the cost of training for UK seafarers. SMarT provides financial support to sponsoring companies for approved training courses, covering up to 50% of costs for officer cadets, junior officers, ratings, and conversion training. It plays a vital role in ensuring the UK maritime sector remains competitive and well-trained.
🔗 Take the survey now
Ask the expert – SMarT funding
Q. : I don't understand what SMarT funding is. What money am I entitled to receive towards my training as a cadet?
SMarT funding stands for Support for Maritime Training, and it's a UK government scheme designed to help cover the cost of your training. Perhaps you're wondering what money you are personally entitled to; the short answer is that while you don’t receive the money yourself, you do benefit from it.
Here's how it works: SMarT funding goes straight to your sponsoring company or training provider. They use it to cover up to 50% of your training costs – in most cases, it means you won't have to pay anything out of pocket for your training.
To qualify for funding, you need to be on an MCA-approved training programme that leads to a UK certificate of competency (CoC). That usually means you're training as a deck, engineering, or electro-technical officer. The scheme also supports people converting from rating to officer.
One important thing to know is that SMarT funding has been extended and will be available until 31 March 2025, so you've still got time to benefit from it if you're just starting your training.
If you've already got a sponsor, they'll handle the application for SMarT funding and claim it on your behalf. If you don't have a sponsor yet, you'll need to secure one — most companies that offer cadetships will already be part of the scheme.
So, while the funding doesn't go into your bank account, it definitely supports you by making your training far more affordable and accessible. Nautilus campaigned for many years to ensure you got 50% back in 2022 – we're still fighting for 100% coverage for future cadets.
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