MCG Redundancy and Retraining Fund extended indefinitely to meet growing demand

The Maritime Charities Group (MCG) has further extended its Covid Redundancy and Retraining fund with an open ended application date to meet an uptick in demand from seafarers who have recently lost their jobs.

The MCG Redundancy and Retraining Bursary Fund will remain open following discussions by funders the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), Trinity House and the Nautilus Slater Fund. The Fund, which is administered by the Marine Society, provides up to £500 for training and refresher courses to UK-based seafarers who have lost work due to Covid-19.

It was due to close at the end of March but funders have agreed to extend the deadline to meet growing demand. Speaking on their behalf, MCG chair Commander Graham Hockley said:

'We have decided to keep the fund open to support those who have recently lost their jobs and want to stay in the industry but need further training or requalification to do so. The closing date for applications is currently open-ended but will be determined by demand and available funding.'

Since it opened in November 2020 the fund has helped more than 80 UK-based seafarers by providing over £36k in funding for training to help them stay in maritime. So far over 30% of beneficiaries have already got back into employment.

Commander Hockley added: 'This fund has been a real success story for MCG at a time when Covid hit many of our seafarers very hard. By working together to fund training for those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, our members have made a real difference to their chances of getting another job in maritime.'

• find out more about the fund and how to apply on the Marine Society website