Thousands of jobs could be created if the government heeds calls for an increase in funds directed to seafarer training, according to the UK Chamber of Shipping.
The government has been called to double its funding from £15m ($18.8m) to £30m, a move that would help it reach a target of 1,200 new cadets each year.
Shell and Carnival Corp have already committed to the scheme, while more leading shipping companies have confirmed to the Chamber their intention to hire more UK crew members, a statement said.
Guy Platten, chief executive of the UK Chamber, said: “We are seeking a very small increase in government’s cash contribution to seafarer training.
“There are young people who want to go to the sea, and there are companies who want to employ them. This is a no-brainer.”
According to the most recent stats from the UK Department for Transport, there are currently 23,380 active UK seafarers.
Trade union Nautilus International is also backing the proposal for increased government funding.
General secretary Mark Dickinson said: “The support we are seeking is a drop in the ocean – it would amount to less than the cost of building a mile of motorway – yet our analysis shows that it would be repaid many times over with the creation of thousands of quality jobs, at sea and ashore in the wider maritime cluster.”
