UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency concludes consultation on electric propulsion training

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published draft criteria as the basis for new courses for maritime training providers, including minimum learning requirements for safety and technical skills, and a requirement for each course to be submitted to the MCA for approval before being opened to trainees.

The four-week consultation was launched in September 2024 with emails sent to stakeholders with an October 14 deadline. The document is the result of work between the MCA and training providers, businesses and industry bodies, such as the Workboat Association.

The draft course requirements are in two parts: the first, for all crew, would cover general topics such as safety and basic procedures, including fire-suppression arrangements. The second, for technical crew, would focus on key elements such as battery management and control, and maintenance and repair. The final version of the criteria for courses, that are not mandatory for seafarers, will be published once the consultation feedback has been analyzed.

Ajit Jacob, chief examiner at MCA, said, “It is vital for seafarers’ skills to keep pace with technological advances, including electric propulsion, which is expanding strongly among small to medium-size vessels such as ferries, workboats and commercial yachts. These courses based on the new criteria will form a springboard for highly skilled seafarers to develop their careers and contribute to the UK’s successful maritime industry.”

In related news, the Maritime Just Transition Task Force has set up a collaborative training project to prepare seafarers for zero- or near-zero-emission ships. Click here to read the full story.