The General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England, Wales and the Channel Islands, Trinity House have partnered with the Agri-Foods and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to enhance opportunities to Merchant Navy cadets. 

The Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme (MNSS) will create new Deck and Engineer cadet berths for young people seeking careers in the Merchant Navy see related previous Afloat coverage.

Part of Trinity House’s Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme, the initiative will see AFBI place Trinity House cadets on board their research vessel MV Corystes, typically for six to eight weeks. The initiative is supported by Just Be Maritime, which will be managing the cadets.

Philip Jeffers, Research Vessel and Marine Systems Manager at AFBI, said: “The Agri Foods and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is excited to be engaged with Trinity House to provide training facilities on board our 52m Research Vessel, Corystes. AFBI is a leader in developing scientific skills within Northern Ireland delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, the economy and the natural environment. Cadet training, knowledge and competence development is a further extension of our capabilities to deliver for Northern Ireland and in the wider UK region.”

Captain Nigel Hope, Director of Maritime Training at Trinity House, said: “Trinity House working with the Agri Foods and Biosciences Institute is more great news and another important addition to the breadth of our Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme.”

“The AFBI’s excellent training berths on MV Corsytes will offer Trinity House Deck and Engineer cadets valuable experience and knowledge towards their professional qualifications. Special congratulations to Engineer Officer cadet Zaidan, the first of our cadets to join MV Corsytes. We look forward to hearing more about this new cadet experience.”

To find out more about the Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme, visit here.