Latest News

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service as Chief Executive, Martin Coles CBE has announced his decision to step down in late spring 2025. Under Martin's leadership, Marine Society and Sea Cadets has undergone significant transformation, enhancing the Sea Cadets experience and modernising support for seafarers.

To read the full statement on Martin's retirement and his contributions to the organisation, please click here.

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.

Click here to read!

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.