The Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) fund was increased by 20% in 2022, allowing eligible seafarer cadets to get up to 50% of their training paid for up until Spring 2025.  

The SMarT fund is a UK Government scheme that has been running since April 1998 and it supports the training of officers, officer cadets and ratings, by providing financial support for training courses approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).  

The subsidy increase helps to strengthen the future of the maritime industry by providing a real investment in seafarer cadets. The funds will also help drive recruitment and increasing cadet numbers by encouraging a career in maritime. 

In addition, to support new and existing SMarT funded seafarers, the increase will aid cadets looking to progress their career by helping UK junior officers to complete a Management Level Certificate of Competency.

The funding is available until the 31 March 2025 which provides an extra 6 months to make the most of the financial support available.

You can learn more about the funding by reading MIN 678 Amendment 1 or by viewing the full press release on GOV.UK.