Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of UK ratings now employed in the cruise industry who were previously in the Royal Navy.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has developed a pathway for those leaving the Royal Navy, with the relevant skills and experience, to obtain a UK Merchant Navy Rating or Able Seafarer qualification.

These qualifications lead to an internationally recognised certificate, which is a requirement for those who wish to apply for roles as a rating on vessels such as cruise ships.

The MCA continues to work with its stakeholders, to develop flexible pathways to provide skilled UK seafarers to the maritime sector.