The fund was launched in November 2020 to assist seafarers made redundant or unable to find work due to the COVD-19 pandemic, and has now been extended until further notice.
Under the scheme, eligible UK Merchant seafarers can receive a bursary of up to £500 for retraining and upskilling. Further support for successful applicants will come from free access to two courses on the Marine Society’s Learn@Sea platform.
The majority of the funding for the fund is supplied by MCG members Trinity House and The Merchant Navy Welfare Board, with additional funds from the Nautilus Slater Fund. Marine Society administers funds for MCG.
Commander Graham Hockley LVO RN, Chairman of MCG, said: “We have decided to keep the fund open to support those who have recently lost their jobs and want to stay in the industry but need further training or requalification to do so. The closing date for applications is currently open-ended but will be determined by demand and available funding.”
MCG said the fund had helped over 80 seafarers with over £36,000 in funding for training to help them stay in the maritime industry. Some 30% of those applicants have since found work.
“This fund has been a real success story for MCG at a time when Covid hit many of our seafarers very hard. By working together to fund training for those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, our members have made a real difference to their chances of getting another job in maritime,” said Commander Hockley.
Further details of the fund and how to apply can be found on the Marine Society website.
