Merchant Navy Training Board

The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) is delighted to announce that it has won the training award for the introduction of the Merchant Navy Foundation Degree Framework at yesterdayís Lloydís List awards in London. The prestigious awards, hosted at the Natural History Museum, were voted for across the industry and attended by more than 500 guests, including UK Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman.

The Merchant Navy Foundation Degree and the Scottish Professional Diploma reposition initial seafarer training at degree level with the aim of attracting high caliber young people into the industry to train as professional seafarers. 127 students enrolled in September 2006 which indicates the importance and popularity of the programme with shipowners. Companies have already indicated that they want to take more trainees on in the future and a larger number of colleges and universities will offer the programme as of September 2007.

Merchant Navy foundation degrees offer trainees the opportunity to be sponsored through their study ñ with all course fees and other training costs covered and an allowance to cover living costs. The foundation degree also provides an opportunity for progression into an honours degree, should students wish to follow that route. It is anticipated that the foundation degree will become the main entry route to a career in the merchant navy.

In a world where many young people expect to take a degree ñ and where parents, teachers and careers professionals advocate that path ñ the foundation degree allows the industry to ìfishî for talent in a much larger pool. The award is a tribute to the vision, commitment and hard work of the MNTB Board, its technical committee and the nautical colleges and institutions.

Accepting the award on behalf of the MNTB, its Chairman Nigel Palmer commented that ìthe award is not only for the MNTB, but for the whole industry, and none of this would have possible without the involvement of all MNTB constituents, shipowners, social partners, colleges, the regulatory body (Maritime Coastguard Agency) and the support and backing of the Chamber of Shipping.ì