Funding for maritime training to increase certified Australian seafarer workforce

The Maritime Skills and Training Initiative (MSTI) provides funding to assist trainee and cadet seafarers to obtain International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) 1978 certification by supporting access to berths to complete required sea time.

The program provides up to $13.8 million split over 4 years (2025-26 to 2028-29) with specified maximum amounts per trainee/cadet type and an annual program cap.

Employers of trainee/cadet seafarers including Group Training Organisations, Australian Maritime Safety Authority registered recruitment and placement service, shipping company or vessel operator.

The MSTI Program provides access to berths to complete sea time required to obtain STCW (1978) certification.

The program will assist approximately 20 trainee/cadet seafarers per year and runs over 4 years from 2025-26 to 2028-29.