The government will provide funds to three organizations, according to maritime minister Robert Courts, to support initiatives promoting the careers, diversity, and well-being of seafarers.
The minister revealed the information at the Mersey Maritime Exchange in Liverpool and described how the funds will aid in a review of “ratings” training. This will cover jobs in the maritime sector such deck, engine room, hotel, and catering. The Maritime Skills Commission will handle it.
In order to enhance green skills, address seafarer mental health challenges, and advance the marine 2050 goal of increasing sector diversity, £2.4 million will be used.
The money is intended to help the marine industry develop a workforce that people from all backgrounds will want to join because it is highly trained and well supported.
The welfare and mental health of seafarers continue to be a severe problem, as acknowledged in the government’s Maritime 2050 report and brought into sharp relief during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. These difficulties have highlighted the need for greater understanding of maritime welfare issues as well as the lack of facilities and other forms of support when they are required.
Robert Courts, a maritime minister, said:
Our Maritime 2050 agenda places a priority on seafarer welfare, and we are aware that hundreds of seafarers have mental health issues while at sea. From shipbuilders to bosuns, we are dedicated to addressing this and creating a varied, highly trained, and fascinating sector overall.
By supporting the good work being done by charities and social organizations and encouraging new programs, this funding will help us combat this issue.
In addition, I’m excited to present our recovery path plan, which will support the development of a robust, forward-thinking maritime industry for future generations.
There are already plans in place to create a new framework to improve the long-term working conditions of seafarers, established in cooperation with business and unions, as part of a package of nine seafarer protection measures that were unveiled in March.
The UK has been a strong voice in recognizing preexisting rights and collaborating with business and organizations that support seafarers.
Additionally, the sector has created mental health awareness training that is provided to all new seafarers as a requirement of their training. This funding intends to promote seafarer rights by enhancing the execution of successful programs, no matter how big or small, old or new.
The government’s Maritime recovery road plan was also unveiled today, June 23, 2022. This combines the government’s strategies for accelerating the delivery of Maritime 2050 while assisting the industry in recovering from the pandemic’s effects.
The report was created in collaboration with business. It adheres to the major Maritime 2050 principles, such as how to support our exceptional workforce, maintain competitiveness, and promote green growth through the delivery of innovation and new technology.
Chief Executive Officer of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board Stuart Rivers stated:
This large investment is timely and warmly appreciated in the maritime charity industry. Despite the challenging fundraising environment, the maritime charities industry has helped sailors through numerous crises over the previous two years.
The financing from the Department of Transport will significantly improve the welfare of seafarers and make it possible to diversify and increase skills across the entire industry.
With £230,000 of the funding going to Maritime UK to support green skills, a ratings review, and advance careers and diversity plans, and another £140,000 going to Ormiston Maritime Academy to promote maritime in schools in key target areas for regional growth, the funding will support maritime skills, diversity, careers, and seafarer wellbeing.
Chief Executive Officer of Maritime UK, Ben Murray, stated:
We need the brightest individuals from all backgrounds to provide fresh perspectives on the pressing issues of our time if we are to realize our vision for the UK maritime industry in 2050.
Being inclusive means having a sector that invests in its workforce and plans for the future.
The industry is keen to move quickly on top priorities like diversity and green skills, and Maritime UK is pleased that people and skills are at the center of the government’s maritime recovery route map.
Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) member Cowes Enterprise College’s principal, Rachel Kitley, stated:
The educational goals of the government’s Maritime 2050 strategy are met via our Maritime Futures project.
It improves awareness of the maritime industry, gives students meaningful interactions with maritime employers, and effortlessly combines solid discipline knowledge with practical maritime initiatives.
We are overjoyed that funding from the Department of Transportation would make it possible for us to quickly spread this approach, especially in coastal regions.
In addition to enhancing the visibility of the marine industry, Maritime Futures will simultaneously help students in underprivileged areas improve their academic performance.