19
Sep 25

Digital Training Record Books set to transform cadet learning at sea

Paper Training Record Books (TRBs) will begin to be phased out and relaunched as a digital app this year, bringing a host of additional benefits to seafarer cadets, instructors and employers.

Developed by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), the new eTRB includes fully updated content and reflects the outcomes of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Cadet, Training & Modernisation (CT&M) project.

Working closely with industry and the MNTB, the MCA has ensured that the eTRB aligns with the wider modernisation of UK seafarer and cadet training.

Traditional paper TRBs will be replaced by the cloud-based app for all students working towards an MCA Certificate of Competency (CoC) using a reduced sea time route, starting in the 2025/26 academic year.

This innovative digital platform is designed to enhance the training experience for cadets, while offering greater oversight and efficiency for shipping companies and training management organisations.

Experienced seafarers studying for their first CoC will adopt the eTRB from the 2026/27 academic year.

The app is designed to store updates on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, without the internet so trainees can still log their activities at sea, have them signed off by training officers, and upload and synchronise when they regain a stable connection to the web.

The eTRB was developed by the MNTB with support from the MCA which reviewed and amended its content to ensure alignment with the wider CT&M project.

The app will be available to download from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. It offers extra advantages, including:

  • Videos and photos: Upload film and photos of task completion; save certificates, reports and other data
  • Collaboration and support: Cadets, training management companies, employers, and on-board assessors can review and update eTRB remotely
  • Advice and clarity: Clear, task-specific guidance offering cadets additional assistance and clarity on requirements for each section
  • Data security: Compliance with industry regulatory requirements and data protection standards, ensuring safe and efficient learning.
  • Enhanced oversight for companies: Shipping and training management companies gain improved visibility into cadet progress, enabling proactive support, early intervention, and better alignment with training goals.

Kathryn Neilson, MNTB Director, said: 

The eTRB marks a major milestone in our mission to modernise maritime training.

By embracing digital tools, we’re not only improving the experience for cadets but also empowering shipping companies and training providers with real-time insights and enhanced oversight.

This is a bold step forward for the future of UK seafarer development.

MCA Chief Examiner Ajit Jacob said:

The new eTRB brings so many benefits over the old paper documents, applying up-to-date technology to train the UK’s modern maritime workforce.

There is help available that paper TRBs could never provide, such as guidance on practical tasks, explainers for theory, and the convenience of having everything at your fingertips.

“The MCA has approved the eTRB to support cadets, enabling employers, training management companies and colleges to benefit from its accessibility, convenience and transparency for effective monitoring of comprehensive training.

Background

The CT&M Programme is based on recommendations made by the Seafarer and Cadet Training Review, launched by the Maritime Skills Commission on the instruction of the Maritime Minister in 2021.

It brought together key stakeholders, including the UK Chamber of Shipping, MNTB and more, focused on improving seafarer training. It is believed to be the first time a maritime regulator has joined forces with industry experts to shape such training in this way.

The MCA does not deliver training but is responsible for overseeing that standards are maintained by providers through seafarer assessments and regular audits of the training providers.

The MNTB is committed to supporting cadets, shipping companies, and training providers throughout the transition.

The platform and app were developed by Learning and Learning Management software solutions company, SwiftTrack, on behalf of the MNTB.

A comprehensive suite of guidance materials, FAQs, and online support will be available via the MNTB website, and within the app itself.