Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2025 to Question 44602 on Seafarer training and skills, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the new training scheme on the (a) qualifications and (b) work of seafarer (i) Ratings and (ii) apprentices.

The Department for Transport is actively undertaking multiple projects in collaboration with industry stakeholders to update and modernise seafarer training. Two key examples of these initiatives are:

1. Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme: This programme has introduced a new syllabus and assessment regime for cadets and officers, set to commence in September 2025. The updated syllabus includes modern practices, technology, cyber security, and 'human element' skills to enhance seafarer wellbeing and operational safety.
2. Ratings Review: This review is advancing recommendations to modernise and enhance rating training. The focus is on updating the training content to reflect current industry practices and technologies, ensuring that ratings are equipped with the necessary skills to perform their roles effectively.

While apprenticeships are industry-led, the department actively plays a role in their development to ensure that the qualifications achieved enable seafarers to obtain internationally recognised maritime qualifications.

The collaborative approach of the Department with employers, seafarer representatives, and maritime training institutions aims to reflect current industry practices and technologies, ensuring that ratings are equipped with the necessary skills to perform their roles effectively. This strategy aims to enhance the employability of UK seafarers in a globally competitive market.