Latest News

Marine Society would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It has been a great 2017 for the charity. We were delighted to be rated 'good' by Ofsted earlier this year, and we also welcomed our 10,000th seafarer to Learn@Sea.

Please note that our offices will be closed from Friday 22 December to Tuesday 2 January. We look forward to hearing from you in 2018!

Nick Chubb and Caroline Buckland of Marine Society attended 2017 Crew Connect Summit, that took place in Manila, Philippines 7-8 November. The Crew Connect Summit is the global conference for all aspects of crew management such as training and welfare. The Marine Society were there to promote Marine Society's Learn@Sea programme, the book and crew library services and to join the debate about the future of crew management.

Sessions included discussions on controversial topics such as introduction of autonomous ships and digital technologies, through to training initiatives such as ‘coming ashore’, the transition of seafarers into shore-based careers - a campaign the Marine Society have supported in the UK. 

Marine Society is delighted to launch its new website, which has been unveiled to the public today.

Our aim is to help seafarers realise their full potential by helping them learn new skills, gain accredited qualifications and improve welfare. The new website contains all the information they need to take the next step, whether that’s through A-Levels, GCSEs, a degree, or a scholarship. There is also useful information about our bookshop – which includes crew libraries – as well as FAQs and information on legacies and fundraising.

The website is designed to be more user-friendly and easier to navigate, so do take the time to have a look, and see how Marine Society can help you.

Marine Society College has been judged ‘good’ (grade two) by Ofsted across all categories.

The education watchdog carried out an inspection in September, and published its report today (Thursday 19 October). In three years, the Marine Society team has worked hard to take the college from an ‘inadequate’ rating in 2014, to ‘requires improvement’ in 2016, and now a ‘good’ provider.

Inspectors found that: “Leaders and managers have a very clear and well-considered strategy to support seafarers to improve their education and to progress in their careers,” while noting that: “Leaders, managers and staff have taken successful and effective actions to improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and the outcomes for learners.”

Other comments included:

 "Staff understand very well the complexities of learning and working at sea and give good advice to learners to help them choose suitable courses."

"Managers have designed and implemented the curriculum very well. Learners have access to a variety of courses that develop the skills they need to become officers in the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy."

"Learners have high aspirations, enjoy their learning and take pride in their work. They produce work of a good standard."

"The vast majority of learners who achieve their qualification remain in employment, secure promotion and/or take up further learning."

Marine Society’s Director of Lifelong Learning, Mark Windsor, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Marine Society College, for our seafarers and our staff who have supported them. I am so proud of my team and I am grateful to those within the charity and beyond who have supported and encouraged us.”

Marine Society is delighted with its 100% pass rate for 2017 GCSE and A-Level results.

There have been some outstanding achievements this year for Marine Society learners. In summary:

  - 100% of learners achieved passes at A-Level, with 60% achieving A*- C grades.

  - 100% of learners achieved passes at AS-Level, with 100% achieving A*-B grades.

  - 100% of learners achieved passes at GCSE, with 63% achieving A*- C grades.

Marine Society offers a wide range of GCSE and A-Level courses to seafarers at affordable prices, and in a flexible format. Learners receive support from tutors and are able to take their exams on board ships or at Royal Navy and Royal Marines establishments, where necessary.

This year, 82.4% of students sitting exams were Royal Navy or Royal Marines personnel, while the remaining 17.6% serve with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) or Merchant Navy.

Carla Rockson, Seafarer Education Manager, said: “We have extensive experience of supporting seafarers through their personal and professional development. We understand the challenging situations that they work and study in. We adapt with the changing needs of our seafarers, further enhancing our support and have secured additional funding towards their studies.”

 Joan Pickering, Quality Improvement Manager, said: “For many years, Marine Society has successfully provided a bespoke service tailored to the needs of seafarers. We understand the invaluable service they provide and we do all in our power to give the support and encouragement to allow seafarers to fulfil their personal and professional potential.”