Recently I attended the joint UK Chamber of Shipping and Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) seminar and review of Merchant Navy Education and Training, taking place in London. During the break-out sessions we were asked to discuss aspects of MN education and training, including recruitment and training of ratings and officer trainees, along with long-term approaches to future-proof recruitment into the maritime industry. It was noted that the cadet training costs in the UK are the second highest in the world, only being surpassed by Australia. It was suggested that the training establishments should reduce their costs, or more funding should be made available from government sources. I mentioned that at Plymouth University we had a cohort of over 35 undergraduates all self-funding on a MCA fully accredited Navigation and Maritime Science Programme consisting of both a Foundation Degree (FdSc) and a full Honours Degree pathway, leading to STCW OOW qualification. This is essentially free to the training companies and required only a commitment to providing, good useful productive seatime to the student. Let me explain how we have arrived at this position.
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