The MEF’s pledge of £400,000 per year from autumn 2026 will ensure the MNTB-led campaign continues to inspire the next generation of seafarers and raise awareness of the diverse and rewarding careers available in the maritime sector. This long-term investment will enable the campaign to maintain high-profile visibility through major cultural and sporting events, alongside an enhanced digital strategy to reach wider audiences.

The UK Chamber of Shipping has supported Careers at Sea's, ‘There’s always more to sea’  campaign from its inception, providing funding alongside the MEF for 2025 and 2026 to help establish and grow this vital initiative, and, alongside the MNTB, will continue to drive its future progress.

Rhett Hatcher, Chief Executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said:

We are delighted to see the Maritime Educational Foundation make such a significant commitment to the Careers at Sea campaign. 

UK shipping underpins our economy and global trade, and attracting talented individuals to a career at sea is vital for our future success. 

This funding will help ensure that people across the country understand the incredible opportunities available in shipping and are inspired to join this dynamic industry.

Kathryn Neilson, Director of the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), added:

This announcement is fantastic news for the industry and for anyone considering a career at sea.

The Careers at Sea campaign plays a crucial role in showcasing the breadth of roles and pathways available, and this funding will allow us to build on that success. Alongside continuing to engage with schools, communities, and online audiences, this will spotlight opportunities to new audiences and help ensure the UK remains a world leader in maritime skills and training.

Since its launch in October 2024, the Careers at Sea campaign has made a significant impact in promoting maritime careers. In its first year, the campaign reached more than 20 million people, generated 3 million video views, and delivered over 90 million out-of-home advertising impacts nationwide. These achievements demonstrate the campaign’s success in raising awareness and inspiring interest in maritime careers, and we have already seen a corresponding increase in cadetship applications.

The UK Chamber of Shipping is committed to supporting skills development across the sector. In collaboration with the MNTB and the wider industry, we advocate for increased training opportunities and work to ensure the UK maritime workforce remains competitive and future-ready. These efforts complement the Careers at Sea campaign by creating clear pathways for training and progression, helping to secure a strong pipeline of talent for the industry.

The UK Chamber of Shipping, together with the MNTB and industry partners, will continue to work closely with the Careers at Sea campaign to promote maritime careers and support the development of a skilled workforce for the future.

Download the National Awareness Campaign Year 1 update here

Find out more about careers in the maritime industry and how you can get involved by visiting www.careersatsea.org