PSS calls for retention of Marine Pilot apprenticeship

PSS is calling on Skills England to retain the Marine Pilot Level 5 apprenticeship to ensure the future workforce needs of the UK port sector can be met.

Skills England is considering the future of the apprenticeship as part of its review of the apprenticeship landscape. Despite historically low apprenticeship starts and the current absence of an approved training provider, research by PSS has found that some ports are seriously considering how the apprenticeship could provide an alternative pathway into the marine pilot profession, and support the development of future marine pilots.

Marine pilotage is a highly specialised, safety-critical occupation. Traditionally, ports have recruited pilots from experienced seafarers, typically with more than ten years of maritime experience and a Master’s ticket. However, declining UK seafarer numbers and changing maritime career patterns are reducing the domestic pool from which ports have traditionally recruited.

Ports anticipate that, over the next decade, retirements and a reducing pipeline of suitably experienced UK seafarers could make it increasingly difficult to recruit the marine pilots they need domestically. PSS’s response therefore argues that historic apprenticeship starts should not be considered in isolation when assessing future need.

Feedback from ports indicates that recruitment models are beginning to change, with some now considering how individuals with appropriate seagoing experience could enter pilot training earlier in their maritime careers, without necessarily first spending more than ten years at sea or reaching the traditional level of Master.

PSS is clear that broadening the recruitment pipeline does not mean lowering entry requirements. Relevant maritime knowledge and practical seagoing experience remain essential. The apprenticeship provides a structured, nationally recognised route for developing competence while maintaining the high standards expected of the profession.

PSS Skills, Careers and Diversity Lead, Angela Ward said: “The port sector is at a turning point in how it recruits and develops its future marine pilot workforce.

“Retiring the apprenticeship now risks removing a nationally recognised route just as ports are beginning to consider how it could support their future workforce needs.”

The current absence of an approved training provider remains a barrier, although research indicates that there is potential for future delivery if the apprenticeship is retained.

PSS has urged Skills England to consider the strategic national importance of marine pilotage, future workforce resilience and long-term employer need, alongside historic apprenticeship starts.