UK Seafarer Cadets Become First to Follow New ‘Future-Proofed’ MCA‑led Syllabus

This year’s cohort of seafarer trainees in the UK are the first to be taught under an updated, industry‑led syllabus designed to bring nautical education into line with modern technology and practices.

Cadet training across the UK has begun a transition with the roll‑out of a revised syllabus.  Developed through the Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, the syllabus is led and coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and shaped in partnership with industry, unions, and training providers. 

The modernised curriculum, presented to nautical colleges in 2023, entered classroom delivery from September this year and is intended to future-proof the skills pipeline for the maritime sector.

Required learning now includes digital charting, modules on alternative fuels and propulsion, and cybersecurity and data skills, topics that were previously optional in many traditional courses but are increasingly central to safe and efficient ship operations. 

The MCA says these changes will better equip trainees to operate contemporary bridge and engineering systems, manage evolving fuel types and respond to cyber threats to vessel systems.

The CT&M Programme stems from recommendations made by the Seafarer and Cadet Training Review and has brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders. 

The UK Chamber of Shipping, the Merchant Navy Training Board, seafarer unions, educators, and employers have all contributed to the syllabus redesign and supporting materials. 

The MCA has supported the introduction of an app‑based electronic Training Record Book and new module templates that colleges can adapt into full teaching programmes, enabling clearer evidence of competence and more consistent assessment across providers. 

The regulator retains its oversight role, auditing providers and assessing seafarers, but does not itself deliver training. Responsibility for classroom and sea‑time instruction remains with approved colleges and employer training schemes.

“Developing the next generation of seafarers needs a strong foundation of skills for them to work effectively, safely and carry the maritime industry forward,” said MCA Chief Examiner, Ajit Jacob.

Jacob welcomed the first intake, saying the revised syllabus offers “an up-to-date, regularly reviewed set of required learning that has been welcomed by the maritime industry”.

“It is equipping trainees for new and developing technology and practices, but also modern skills to ensure welfare is a priority too. I wish the best of luck to all trainees beginning their studies – and careers – this year”.

The emphasis on modern skills and on crew welfare reflects wider industry concerns about retention and the need to present seafaring as a technologically advanced and rewarding career.

Industry bodies have called for continued funding and close collaboration so that colleges can deliver practical experience alongside classroom theory. The MCA and partners say they will monitor implementation and refine modules as technologies and regulatory requirements evolve.

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