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Welcome to the FINAL issue of Seafarer News.

We are sorry to announce that after 90 years, the Seafarer News publication is coming to an end with our Spring 2024 issue being the final chapter of an illustrious journey.

Before we bid you adieu, however, we have a packed edition to share with you.

We look at Marine Society's new relationship with the British Tug Association as the former becomes the administer of the Tug Trainee of the Year Award. 

We also touch on the new Approved Providers Scheme for the Slater Scholarship as well as an overview of the latest Coming Ashore: The Podcast with Tom Chitseko, a Navigational Analyst within the renewables sector.

Elsewhere, in the Sea Cadets calendar, cadets greeted HRH The Princess Royal during her visit to the City of Glasgow College, and we reveal the current status of the Sea Cadets flagship, TS Royalist.

We hope you enjoy our farewell edition and we will keep you informed of any new publications on the horizon.

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Welcome to your digital Autumn issue of Seafarer News

In this issue we look back at Marine Society & Sea Cadet's Annual Court that took place at Trinity House, from inspirational guest speakers to worthy award winners, we break down what transpired on 11 October.

Elsewhere, we focus on Marine Society's active role within London International Shipping Week.

Our featured piece looks at seafarer, Robert Szymeczko, we discover how Marine Society supported Robert through his studies and aided him during a vital part of his career. 

Click here to view the latest issue

We are proud to announce that Marine Society & Sea Cadets have been chosen to administer the British Tugowners Association's Tug Trainee of the Year award. The BTA's new initiative recognises the future of the towage sector, rewarding those who have shown overwhelming promise and a commendable attitude towards their learning. Nominations and guidance are being provided through BTA and MSSC's partnership.

This will not only give us great exposure to the tug sector in general, but more specifically enable the charity to promote apprenticeships to commercial vessel employers, helping to expand and cement the future of our maritime workforce.

Full details of the terms of eligibility and scope of the award can be viewed via the BTA’s website.

We are Marine Society, a charitable organisation that helps realise seafarer potential through career guidance, educational resources and financial support. In 2021, we became an apprenticeship training provider comprising five apprenticeship standards within the maritime sector. This video below explains why we felt there is a niche for another maritime apprenticeship provider and how you can begin a new career pathway with us.

During the promotional video you will meet some dedicated individuals who have already committed to the programme and have become great examples of what someone can achieve through us. They are supported by our incredible team and stakeholders and are the essence of why we do what we do.

From an apprentice point of view it is an opportunity to develop a skillset foundation worthy of a full-time role within the sector, whereas for an employer this is a great chance for you to develop your own team of talented individuals who are eager and passionate to make an impression

Our Future Ready strategy is all about preparing the people of today for the future and that is precisely what this apprenticeship scheme does. If you are wanting to be a part of it, as an employer or apprentice, please email us at learning@ms-sc.org.

The 2023 London International Shipping Week has come and gone and as in previous years, Marine Society were as active as ever, in what was a successful and insightful series of events focused on people, skills, welfare and careers promotion across the world of maritime.

From seminars to conferences, organisations including Maritime Skills Alliance, Nautical Institute, Maritime UK, UK Chamber of Shipping and British Ports Association played host to a number of key stakeholders. Marine Society’s Director of Maritime Training and Development, Darrell Bate, and Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare, Carla Rockson, attended a number of events covering topics such as training, welfare, careers promotion and diversity.

Marine Society were delighted to be a sponsor of the Trinity House Maritime Careers and Opportunities event held onboard THV Galatea to promote their apprenticeship programmes, alongside Merchant Navy cadetships as an excellent career path into jobs at sea. We also attended the Maritime UK Women in Maritime conference that highlighted key points on how to not only try and strengthen the gender imbalance in maritime, but to also support existing women within the sector. Coming Ashore mentor. A number of our Coming Ashore mentors were heavily involved in the week, including the Nautical Institute networking event and a book launch at the Little Ship Club.

Overall, it was a successful week, providing a great opportunity for Marine Society staff to network widely with fellow professionals in the sector and promote our services to a range of stakeholders and potential beneficiaries.