Maritime Training Bursaries

Maritime training is expensive. A full cadetship, including college fees and living costs, can run to £40,000–£80,000 over three to four years. STCW certificates, oral exam preparation, specialist endorsements — the cost of building a maritime career is real and front-loaded. But there is more financial support available than most entrants realise, and significant sums go unclaimed every year simply because people don't know to ask.

SMarT — Support for Maritime Training

SMarT is the UK government's principal mechanism for supporting Merchant Navy officer cadetships. Administered by the Department for Transport, it provides funding to approved cadetship sponsors rather than directly to cadets. The effect for candidates is that sponsoring companies can offer fully funded places that would otherwise be commercially unviable.

• Eligibility: UK nationals or settled residents undertaking approved deck, engineering, or ETO cadetships
• Amount: Up to approximately £22,880 per cadet over the duration of training (check current rates with MNTB)
• How to access: Apply through a SMarT-approved sponsor — the company claims the funding on your behalf. The list of approved sponsors is maintained by the MNTB.

Seafarers UK Grants

Seafarers UK awards grants to individuals in the maritime community for training, welfare, and education. Their benevolent grants specifically target seafarers and their families experiencing financial hardship, but training grants are available for:

• Seafarers needing to fund STCW revalidation during periods of unemployment
• Cadets facing unexpected financial barriers to completing their training
• Seafarers with disabilities or health conditions affecting their career

Applications are considered by a grants committee. Evidence of need and a clear account of how the grant will be used are required.

Nautilus International Welfare Fund

Nautilus International maintains a welfare fund providing grants and loans to members and their families. This can cover STCW refresher training for members who have been out of work, certificate revalidation costs, and in some cases course fees for career development qualifications. Membership is required but is open to deck, engineering, and ETO officers.

The Merchant Navy Welfare Board

The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) coordinates welfare support across the maritime sector and can direct applicants to the most appropriate funding source for their specific situation. If you're not sure which fund to approach, contact the MNWB first.

Mission to Seafarers Financial Support

Mission to Seafarers provides welfare support including some financial assistance for seafarers in acute need. Their port chaplains worldwide can also connect seafarers with local welfare funds.

Fishing Industry — FIFG and Seafish

Fishing industry training support is available through Seafish and various national schemes. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has also provided training grants for fishing sector workers in recent years.

Don't Overlook Your Employer

Many shipping companies, manning agencies, and operators will fund STCW revalidation, advanced certificates, and specialist endorsements for valued crew — particularly at senior officer level. If you need a certificate renewed and are currently employed, ask before paying out of pocket. The worst answer is no.