Posted on: 26 April 2023
North West regional cluster organisation, Mersey Maritime is partnering with global trade union and professional organisation, Nautilus International on their mentoring scheme, Sea to City. The ‘Sea to City’ initiative has been developed to support seafarers* who are looking to make the transition landwards and are exploring their career opportunities ashore.
Having previously partnered with Maritime London to successfully launch the ‘Sea to City’ project in the capital, Nautilus International has now decided to bring the initiative to the North West through their partnership with Mersey Maritime. With the maritime industry being worth over £5 billion to the Liverpool City Region economy, the North West is perfectly positioned for seafarers to take advantage and bring their skills from the sea to shore-based positions.
This project will highlight the job opportunities in the sector and the skills and qualifications needed to take advantage of them. It will do this by developing a mentoring scheme for seafarers considering a move ashore, pairing them with relevant Mersey Maritime members or stakeholders who will be able to offer guidance and support throughout the process. Sea to City North West will run annually from April-March with each intake providing mentoring and professional development support to Nautilus members looking to move ashore.
Chris Shirling-Rooke, Chief Executive at Mersey Maritime commented: “Promoting our people and businesses across our thriving industry sits at the heart of what Mersey Maritime does. We work closely with all our members to ensure they have access to the latest skills and training opportunities to help our industry succeed and prosper.
“We are excited to work with Nautilus to support this initiative. Retaining the skills and expertise of our seafarers as they move ashore is incredibly important. We know that some of our members will be fantastic mentors and will really champion their chosen mentee.”
Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of Nautilus International commented: “Seafaring skills are in constant and high demand across the maritime professional services sector. But a Nautilus International survey in 2019 found that many seafarers do not get much information from their employers on the opportunities that exist ashore, and most are unaware of what additional qualifications or training they might need to make the most of a career move, particularly during the transition to a more sustainable maritime industry.
“Nautilus International is proud to be supporting members to fulfil their long-term career ambitions through this partnership with Mersey Maritime in the North West.” Mersey Maritime members who work in maritime services are encouraged to come forward to provide advice and support and to apply to be mentors here. To register your interest, complete the form HERE.
* Sea to City is open to all full members of Nautilus International
