DfT/Maritime and Coastguard Agency press notice published alongside the Frazer-Nash review of the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme. The MCA notes the report and commits to considering its 15 recommendations; SMarT funding was extended to 31 March 2027. No formal point-by-point government response published.
13 April 2026
Recommendation 1
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Keep SMarT funding at 50% but include an inflationary increase mechanism.
Recommendation 2
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Introduce a more responsive PILOT system.
Recommendation 3
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Link to recommendation
Recommendation · source text
Set a minimum value for the training allowance.
Recommendation 4
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Create a Green SMarT funding stream.
Recommendation 5
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Explore the possibilities of funding merchant seafarer training wholly or in part using funds allocated to the proposed UK national security budget.
Recommendation 6
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Develop incentives for shipping companies to provide a minimum period of employment after gaining a CoC.
Recommendation 7
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Improve the focus on support for the training and career development of ratings with support from the SMarT scheme.
Recommendation 8
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Link to recommendation
Recommendation · source text
Amend the CTC ratio and separate the requirements for officers and ratings.
Recommendation 9
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Link to recommendation
Recommendation · source text
Increase the allowable scope of use for PILOT funds and improve oversight of its use.
Recommendation 10
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Improve communication, and stakeholder understanding, of management-level (2nd CoC) training and how it works as part of standard cadetships.
Recommendation 11
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Investigate the feasibility of separating the funding schemes used to support cadet training and ratings training entirely.
Recommendation 12
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Include representatives from the MoD in industry discussions on seafarer training to allow better understanding and exchange of best practice between commercial and defence training.
Recommendation 13
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Recommendation · source text
Consider the availability of data that further reveals the effects of COVID on seafarer training when making policy decisions.
Recommendation 14
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Link to recommendation
Recommendation · source text
Expand the range of data gathered on seafarer career progression.
Recommendation 15
Department for Transport; Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Link to recommendation
Recommendation · source text
Improve the SMarT portal.
No recommendations with this response.