The Maritime Charities Group (MCG) has doubled its new bursary fund for seafarer training following a successful bid to the Nautilus Slater Fund and an additional donation from Trinity House. The fund, launched at the beginning of November with equal contributions from MCG members Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Trinity House, now stands at £40k. It is aimed at UK-based merchant seafarers who have lost their job as a direct result of Covid-19 and need help towards training for a new role in the industry. Applicants can claim up to £500 towards training or qualifications of their choice.
Trinity House was able to offer this additional funding thanks to a generous donation from a member of the public.
Welcoming the news, Chair of the MCG Commander Graham Hockley LVO RN said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to both the Slater Fund and Trinity House for enabling us to double the fund in this way. We’ve had over 20 applications in the first month which is a huge success. Clearly there’s a significant need out there so anything we can do to enable more seafarers to benefit is enormously welcome. And it’s an early Christmas present for those merchant seafarers who’ve lost their jobs due to Covid-19.”
To find out more about the MCG redundancy and retraining bursary fund and how to apply go to https://www.marine-society.org/redundancy-fund
