A new rolling review of the UK maritime training syllabus has been launched, spearheaded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in collaboration with industry partners, aimed at ensuring seafarer training remains of high quality and fit for the future.

The initiative secures a commitment to revise the UK syllabus every five years, requiring training centres to deliver up-to-date instruction that equips students with the skills needed for safe and successful careers at sea. The most recently revised syllabus has been in use since September 2025, and future changes will be reflected in the newly introduced electronic Training Record Books (eTRBs) and digital assessments. Planned syllabus updates will incorporate new technology, elevated safety standards, and improved training practices. The fixed five-year cadence is designed to prevent the syllabus from lagging behind the accelerating pace of change in vessel technology, alternative fuels, and evolving environmental regulations.

The review stems from the MCA-led Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, which unites key stakeholders around the goal of improving seafarer training. The five-year review framework was endorsed by the CT&M Programme's Oversight Committee, the body that sets the programme's strategic direction and reports to the Maritime Minister.

The CT&M Programme's syllabus sub-group, which convenes quarterly to review individual training modules, has been expanded to include broader representation from shipping companies, training providers, and industry organisations. The next full syllabus update is scheduled to be delivered to training centres in 2029 and taught from 2030.

The CT&M Programme was originally launched in 2021 with the objective of keeping maritime learning aligned with modern technology and operational practices. It builds on recommendations from the Seafarer and Cadet Training Review, which was initiated by the Maritime Skills Commission at the direction of the Maritime Minister in 2021. That review assembled key stakeholders — including the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), nautical colleges, unions, and others — all focused on enhancing seafarer training. It is believed to mark the first time a maritime regulator has partnered with industry experts in this manner to shape seafarer training, a model that could serve as a reference point for other maritime nations confronting similar skills-gap challenges.

MCA Chief Examiner Ajit Jacob said: "Seafarers are the lifeblood of the UK's maritime economy, so it is critical we ensure they are equipped with the skills to work safely and successfully. Reviewing the syllabus every five years means we can move with the times – keeping up with the accelerating changes in vessel technology and quickly learning vital safety lessons to keep our crews from harm and protect the environment."

MNTB Director Kevin Gregory said: "At the heart of every safe and successful voyage are seafarers trained to the highest standards – but as vessel technologies, alternative fuels and safety, environmental and regulatory requirements evolve, the skills needed at sea are changing quickly. This collaborative review process will be an important step in ensuring UK seafarer training keeps pace with the realities of modern shipping. By working together across industry, training providers, unions and the regulator, we can keep the syllabus relevant, practical and ambitious – supporting seafarers into successful careers and maintaining the UK's reputation for world-class maritime training."

The MCA does not directly deliver training but holds responsibility for ensuring that standards are upheld by providers through seafarer assessments and regular audits of training institutions.

Source: UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA)