Press release

Post-training survey relaunched to help make UK maritime skills fit for the future

All seafarers who undertake oral exams, a key part of training, are being asked for their views on their learning to help develop and strengthen training in the UK.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has worked with training providers and the maritime industry to launch an update of the formal survey that every seafarer is currently asked to complete following their oral exam.

The process has been redesigned to systematically collect and analyse feedback on the quality of education, short courses and seagoing service. 

The aim is to quickly identify weaknesses, enhance strengths, and ensure skills and teaching are kept relevant for the future.

The new survey, which first went out on 25 March, now captures seafarers’ views of their entire training experience. 

MCA Chief Examiner Ajit Jacob said: 

The UK is rightfully proud of its seafarer training which equips people with the skills they need to operate safely and with the right expertise.

To ensure we maintain that reputation, we want to hear from the cadets about their experiences – both good and bad. 

It will help us to continue to support the maritime industry with a supply of talented seafarers ready to do their jobs well and progress into senior positions.

The improvements stem from recommendations made by the Seafarer Cadet Training Review launched by the Maritime Minister in 2021.

The MCA does not deliver training but is responsible for overseeing standards are maintained by providers through regular audits. The feedback gathered in the updated survey will directly feed into auditing procedures.

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Updates to this page

Published 4 April 2024