November 2024 Update

Consultation Group 1 – 1.2 Modernisation of Curriculum and examination and Sub-group 1.3: Career Pathways

Consultation Group 1.2 is tasked with reforming and modernising the syllabuses, training, and assessment for seagoing qualifications for Nautical, Engineering and Electro-Technical qualifications of all grades. The group is also tasked with exploring other maritime qualifications which can be offered to new entrants as an option along with the seafaring qualifications and the subsequent career paths available.

Sub-group 1.2 has successfully completed the conversion of module templates into academic guidance documents. These documents have been provided to nautical colleges and universities for the development of new seafarer programmes, which are scheduled for delivery in September 2025. Ongoing workshops are being conducted with the colleges to ensure a shared understanding of the changes to be applied to the syllabus and assessments.

The work completed by CG1.2 was utilised to create the STCW comprehensive review document, which was submitted during the HTW intersessional working group (ISWG) meeting at the IMO in October 2024. The submission included recommendations to incorporate soft skills, address the human element, and introduce training for the ever-evolving technology and modernised shipping industry requirements, such as training on alternative fuels, cyber security, and sustainable shipping operations.

The sub-group has completed the review of the Deck, Engineering, and ETO training record books, which are essential for documenting the studies and experience gained by students. These updates will better equip UK seafarers to handle new technologies, safety challenges, and the evolving conditions of the modern maritime industry.

The next step for the sub-group will be to review the MCA safety papers. As the modernised curriculum is set to be delivered from September 2025, it is essential to review the MCA safety papers in preparation for this launch.

Sub-group 1.3 re-delegated transformation of non-interactive Career Map into interactive to MUK. Sub-group 1.3 has been postponed but will continue to support Maritime UK’s project, where required.

The Maritime Skills Commission (MSC) have funded research to examine the behaviours, interpersonal skills and competencies required to improve recruitment, retention, and the identification of transferable skills within the maritime industry.​Consultation Group 2 – Funding 

Consultation Group 2 remains in place but is currently postponed.

Consultation Group 4 - Communications

This group continues to support the wider work of the individual consultation groups, including survey and campaign design.

Communication Group had prepared new user-friendly landing page for MUK website. Press statement has been prepared about completion of TRB assessment.  

National Awareness Campaign launched on 24 of November 2024 in Glasgow. Career at See website has been fully rebranded with new LOGO.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the programme, via the following email ctandm.enquiries@mcga.gov.uk