Funding to help fishing crews build skills and stay safe
Funding is available for people working on UK-registered fishing vessels to help cover the cost of a wide range of training courses. Fishermen, vessel crew or those looking to enter the fishing industry can apply for funding to improve their skills, safety knowledge and career prospects.
The funding is provided through the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the four UK fisheries administrations with the training itself aiming to take participants beyond the minimum legal requirements.
A variety of courses
Training eligible for funding includes refresher safety courses such as Sea Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid, and Safety Awareness. Career development courses, such as navigation, engineering and radio operation, for those working towards obtaining skipper certification can also be supported. The funding can also support people training courses for individuals who want to begin a career in the fishing industry.
Keeping our fishing communities safe and skilled is a priority for Seafish.
“This funding gives people working at sea an opportunity to sharpen their skills, refresh important safety knowledge and grow their career.
“We urge anyone interested, from experienced crew to people thinking about joining the industry, to find out what support is available and to apply.
Digital certificates
Upon completion of training, we will now issue digital certificates. This will make it easier for participants to access their qualification when needed or store a copy in an electronic safety folder, if they have one, for their vessel.
Digital certification is secure, replaces the need for paper and speeds up the process of passing certificates on when requested. Digital certificates are available free on request to fishers who currently have only paper copies of existing certificates.
How to book
We work with a network of Approved Training Providers across the UK who can help with booking, eligibility and applications. There are regional variations on the levels of funding available and we can advise interested applicants on this.
Funding is currently available through to 31 March 2026.
For more details, or to apply, visit Funding support for training in the fishing industry | Seafish where you will find the online application form.