Guidance

MIN 707 (M): UK STCW Merchant Rating Training, Skills, Progression and Funding Availability

Published 11 April 2025

Notice to all shipowners, seafarers, nautical colleges and all those concerned with merchant navy training.

This notice should be read with MSN 1862 (Amendment 1), MSN 1863 (Amendment 1) and MSN 1865 (Amendment 1)

This MIN expires 01 May 2027.

Summary

In response to the Ratings Review, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued an M-Notice to raise awareness of existing specialist training schemes and the funding available to support and promote the employment of UK Ratings. This Marine Information Notice (MIN) also outlines future initiatives aimed at encouraging employers to train and upskill Ratings through specialist training programmes. These programmes streamline the training process for Ratings and prepare them for progression within the industry. By providing information on the approval of current and potential future routes, this approach also ensures that training aligns with internationally recognised qualifications, including Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) required by the International Convention and Code on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) 1978.

Where apprenticeship funding is not available, the MCA proposes to extend the Support for Maritime (SMarT) funding to include training beyond the mandatory basic requirements and allowing it towards the special training to upskill Ratings. This approach aims to offer the best value for both employers and employees by ensuring that training attracts funding and targets the skills needed by modern Ratings. The MCA distributed £17.183m in SMarT funding to shipowners in 2023-24, to meet 50% of seafarer Cadet training costs.

1. Introduction/background

1.1 On 10 March 2022, the RMT Union presented its case for reviewing Ratings training and apprenticeships to a meeting of the Maritime Skills Commissioners in Glasgow. On 23 June 2022, the then Maritime Minister announced a Ratings Review, which the Maritime Skills Commission (MSC) was tasked with conducting. The review assessed the current state of UK Ratings training, identified barriers and opportunities, and explored potential growth areas for UK Ratings.

1.2 Ratings are seafarers in support roles, responsible for a diverse range of tasks crucial to the safe operation and maintenance of ships. While they are integral to the ship’s crew, their specific duties can vary significantly from one vessel to another. The UK’s 9,880 Ratings account for 42% of all UK seafarers active at sea[1].

1.3 This MIN aims to emphasise the importance of aligning Ratings training with modern practices. It introduces a new specialised training fast track route and outlines key funding options available to those wanting to become Ratings. Additionally, the MIN underlines the MCA’s commitment to enhancing careers at sea and implementing the recommendations put forward by the MSC Ratings Review.

2. Current Routes and Availability of Training

2.1 MSN 1862 (Amendment 1) and MSN 1863 (Amendment 1) set out the mandatory training requirements for Deck and Engine Ratings respectively. This training leads to the issue of an STCW Navigational Watch Rating or Engineering Room Watch Rating Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) which is a mandatory requirement for employment as a Rating. They also set out the progression routes for Ratings to then obtain an Able Seafarer Deck or Able Seafarer Engine CoP.

2.2 Other maritime careers such as Stewards, caterers and hotel services are also available and are currently being considered, partly as a result of the MSC Ratings review and in terms of the wider maritime apprenticeships policy.

2.3 Individuals interested in Ratings training are encouraged to visit the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) ‘Careers at Sea’ Website’ which; promotes available Ratings opportunities, sets out the entry requirements, details on bursaries and on how to apply. The MCA encourages all employers to promote the Careers at Sea website.

2.4 For these programmes to lead to a reduction in seagoing service, a new process is now outlined in this MIN (section 4). While there remains a requirement for mandatory training to be completed, the special training option aims to encourage the upskilling of Ratings, enhancing their employability and preparing them for the future. It is envisaged that the reduction in sea time and the availability of funding will facilitate the upskilling of Ratings and enhance training opportunities within the maritime sector.

2.5 The MCA has and will continue to work with our stakeholders, including social partners to ensure maritime apprenticeships lead to a qualification that will secure employment for Ratings and enhance training opportunities within the maritime sector.

3. Current Funding Routes

3.1 Where available the best option to cover the costs of Ratings training is to apply for apprenticeship funding. Over the past few years, apprenticeship standards for seagoing roles have been developed in both England and Scotland. These standards are the result of collaborative efforts by Trail Blazer groups led by employers within the maritime sector and remain under review.

3.2 The following Apprenticeships are currently available for STCW Ratings:

• Deck Rating England: Seafarer (deck rating) - IfATE
• Deck Rating Scotland: Apprenticeships in Scotland
• Engine Rating Scotland: Maritime Occupations
• Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic: Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

3.3 Other related Maritime Career Training can also be found on the MNTB Careers at Sea Website, and these include:

• Small commercial vessel crew member: Small commercial vessel crewmember - IfATE
• Port Operative: Port operative - IfATE

3.4 While apprenticeships are primarily led by employers, the MCA remains committed to supporting and enhancing Ratings apprenticeships. Our approach includes:

a) Mapping Apprenticeship Routes to the STCW Convention: This ensures that Ratings obtain qualifications aligned with international standards, enabling them to work both domestically and internationally.

b) Incorporating MCA Requirements in Assessments: Where applicable, assessments consider MCA requirements, minimising duplication and providing optimal value to Ratings and employers.

c) Promoting the ‘Special Training Fastrack’ Route: This new pathway emphasises upskilling and future-proofing training. For further details, refer to section 4 of this MIN.

d) Collaborating with Stakeholders: We actively engage with relevant bodies such as the Maritime Skills Alliance and the MNTB whose membership includes trade unions who represent Ratings to recommend reforms and enhance apprenticeships in line with industry demands.

3.5 Apprenticeships existing occupational standards can be revised by their Trail Blazer groups. Currently this is coordinated by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) Trail Blazer Group: enquiry@mntb.org.uk.

3.6 Further information is available on apprenticeships is available by visiting the following websites:

• IFATE: Apprenticeships / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
• Department for Education: Find an Apprenticeship
• Skills England
• Skills Development Scotland

3.7 In cases where apprenticeship funding is not currently available, the MCA offers SMarT funding to cover part of Rating training costs. While this funding mechanism is already outlined in MGN 455, the MCA would like to raise awareness of the ability to cover part of the cost for special training courses, that lead to the reduction in the seagoing service requirement.

3.8 Under this proposal, shipping companies and training providers interested in this opportunity are encouraged to collaborate and submit a proposal to the MCA. Upon review, the MCA will consider approval based on the criteria outlined in section 4 of this MIN. The eligibility criteria, as defined in MGN 455, must also be met by companies and special training providers.

3.9 This approach aims to enhance training opportunities for Ratings and benefit both the individual and their employer.

3.10 Both current MCA-approved and future MCA-approved special training will allow for the reduced seagoing service rate, as outlined in MSN 1862 (Amendment 1) and MSN 1863 (Amendment 1).

4. Special Training - FastTrack Route

4.1 This option allows for a reduction in seagoing service to obtain a Rating CoP and Able Seafarer CoP. Therefore, the course should:

a) Enhance the training for the trainee so that it provides them with the necessary skills to perform their role considering safety and modern onboard practices;

b) Be mapped to the applicable sections of the STCW Code:

i For Deck Ratings: STCW Code A-II/4 and A-II/5 or

iiFor Engineering Ratings: STCW Code A-III/4 and A-III/5; and

c) The MCA encourages integration of modern and progressive topics into the training as set out in Annex A of this MIN.

4.2 Taking into consideration the above requirements, the prospective training provider should submit their request to the MCA for approval. This should include:

• Course title;

• Instructions for creating lesson plans/schemes of work;

• Course duration;

• Facilities, teaching aids and equipment;

• Staff qualifications and experience;

• Examination and assessment procedures;

• Monitoring of entry requirements;

• Issue, control, authentication and recording of certification;

• Details of course content that satisfy the requirements set out in 4.1 a, b and c of this section;

• Relevant areas of their quality management system (QMS)[2]to conduct this special training; and

• A letter of intent from employers to put Ratings through the proposed system.

4.3 Where possible, this training should be incorporated into an apprenticeship. Alternatively training providers and employers may wish to apply for SMarT funding to cover up part of the training costs. The special training route must be approved by the MCA for it to lead to reduced seagoing service requirement as set out in MSN 1862 (Amendment 1) and MSN 1863 (Amendment 1) and summarised below:

• Deck (STCW II/4) and Engine Ratings (STCW III/4) from 6 months reduced to 2 months.

• Deck Able Seafarer (STCW II/5) from 18 months reduced to 12 months served onboard as a Deck Rating.

• Engineer Able Seafarer (STCW III/5) from 12 months reduced to 6 months served onboard as an Engine Rating.

4.4 Applications for approval of special Ratings training routes should be made to the MCA stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk, considering the principles set out in section 4.1 and 4.2 of this MIN.

4.5 To be eligible for SMarT funding for this route, the training must be MCA approved and a joint request for funding must be made by the employer and training provider to smart@mcga.gov.uk. To be eligible for SMarT funding, companies and special training providers must meet the criteria set out in MGN 455.

4.6 The MCA will work with companies and special training providers to review proposals so that funding can cover up to 50% of the costs of STCW mandatory training and special training for Ratings.

4.7 This flexibility and potential increase in funding is aimed to stimulate interest in this area. Companies who are submitting proposals are encouraged include innovative and modern training, considering, but not limited to the competencies set out in Annex A of this MIN.

5. Future Plans

5.1 The MCA continues to focus on approving and funding training that upskills Ratings beyond the mandatory requirements of the STCW Convention and Code.

5.2 The MCA is committed to reviewing the Ratings training process, following the recommendations outlined in the MSC’s and the Ratings Review. This may include the skills requirements, application and funding of new positions designated as Ratings grades and the use of modular training for existing Ratings to upskill.

5.3 The MCA is currently working on an Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) route, due for publication in 2025. Applications and proposals for training are welcome prior to the publication of this route and these can be made by email to:

• ETR Applications – Engineering@mcga.gov.uk
• ETR Training Proposals – stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk

5.4 Additional avenues for career advancement for Ratings will be explored through the MCAs ongoing efforts in developing qualifications for future fuels and autonomous vessels. In addition to this, we will continue to work on the career pathways for seafarers, including ship to shore opportunities.

6. More Information

UK Seafarer Services Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/14
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0)203 817 2200

Email: exams@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

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[1] Seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry: 2024 - GOV.UK

[2] A QMS should include details of all desk instructions, procedures, forms, requirements of team meetings and close out of actions, record keeping databases, data retention guides, certificate templates, assessments, staffing responsibilities (including admin, trainers and assessors) and formal reviews.