Digital trainee seafarer assessments for maritime industry’s next generation
The assessment of trainee seafarers is moving into the digital age with a new web-based platform to be phased in from next year by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Photo: Fleetwood Nautical Campus
It will replace old-fashioned paper methods with more flexible, future-proof digital assessments. The first candidates will switch to digital assessments in their exams during the first half of 2026.
It is the latest in a recent series of developments in UK maritime training: the launch of electronic Training Record Books (eTRBs), and the roll-out in September of the MCA’s updated, modern syllabus.
They are all part of the Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, led by the MCA with the involvement of employers, seafarers, education providers, seafarer unions, and industry leaders.
The new digital assessment platform links closely to the updated syllabus, with the technology enabling testing to focus more accurately on real-life scenarios and competency. About 4,000 candidates are expected to use it each year.
New features include:
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multiple choice, written or sketch-based answers, fill-in-the-blank, and matching/ordering
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annotation of high quality 2D and 3D images, such as electronic navigation charts
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automated marking where appropriate and simplifying grading for markers and moderators on complex questions
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unique assessments generated from a dedicated question bank, plus strong data protection and user access security
Ajit Jacob, MCA Chief Examiner, said:
This innovative digital solution is a vital step in modernising how we verify the skills of the next generation of modern seafarers.
It will ensure our certification process accurately reflects the role-specific competencies required to operate a vessel safely and efficiently, giving us and the wider industry greater confidence in the qualifications being issued.
The digital assessment platform will test for a wide range of maritime qualifications covering Deck Engine and Electro-Technical Officer Certificates of Competency.
The MCA put the digital assessment platform to tender in June and in October awarded it to the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) for delivery by March 2026.
Background
The CT&M Programme is based on recommendations made by the Seafarer and Cadet Training Review, launched by the Maritime Skills Commission on the instruction of the Maritime Minister in 2021.
It brings together key stakeholders, including the UK Chamber of Shipping, Merchant Navy Training Board, seafarer unions, educators and more, focused on improving seafarer training. It is believed to be the first time a maritime regulator like the MCA has joined forces with industry experts to shape such training in this way.
The MCA does not deliver training but is responsible for overseeing that standards are maintained by providers through seafarer assessments and regular audits of the training providers.
The IAMI is a global network of maritime training providers that promotes quality education and assessments across maritime sectors.
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