Independent review
A review of the effectiveness of funding for UK seafarer training
Government response
The government responded to the review on 13 April 2026.
About this review
Summary written by this siteAssessment of the effectiveness, efficiency, and value for money of current funding mechanisms, and to identify opportunities for reform.
Recommendations 15
Recommendation 1
Keep SMarT funding at 50% but include an inflationary increase mechanism.
Recommendation 2
Introduce a more responsive PILOT system.
Recommendation 3
Set a minimum value for the training allowance.
Recommendation 4
Create a Green SMarT funding stream.
Recommendation 5
Explore the possibilities of funding merchant seafarer training wholly or in part using funds allocated to the proposed UK national security budget.
Recommendation 6
Develop incentives for shipping companies to provide a minimum period of employment after gaining a CoC.
Recommendation 7
Improve the focus on support for the training and career development of ratings with support from the SMarT scheme.
Recommendation 8
Amend the CTC ratio and separate the requirements for officers and ratings.
Recommendation 9
Increase the allowable scope of use for PILOT funds and improve oversight of its use.
Recommendation 10
Improve communication, and stakeholder understanding, of management-level (2nd CoC) training and how it works as part of standard cadetships.
Recommendation 11
Investigate the feasibility of separating the funding schemes used to support cadet training and ratings training entirely.
Recommendation 12
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
Consider the availability of data that further reveals the effects of COVID on seafarer training when making policy decisions.
Recommendation 14
Expand the range of data gathered on seafarer career progression.
Recommendation 15
Improve the SMarT portal.
All text above is the review's.
No recommendations have this response.