The Albanese Government’s landmark Maritime Skills and Training Initiative (MSTI).  has hit a major milestone today, with five successful grantees appointed to train the next generation of Australian seafarers.
 
MSTI will give trainees and cadets the sea time they need to qualify for international certification.
 
Currently, access to sea time is a major hurdle for many of our new graduates from institutions like the Australian Maritime College.
 
MSTI will help grow our sovereign maritime workforce, ensuring we have the skills and capabilities to operate our maritime services into the future.
 
It is a $13.8 million investment backing the next generation of Australian seafarers, with funding to support more than 20 trainee and cadet seafarers each year over the next four years.
 
The successful applicants for MSTI are:

• Teekay Shipping (Australia) Pty Ltd
• Maritime Employees Training Limited
• Boluda Towage (Australia) Pty Ltd
• Siera Marine Management Pty Ltd
• Sea Swift Pty Ltd

The grant funding will help cover training costs such as wages, accommodation, food and transportation.
 
Eligible roles include Integrated Rating trainees and cadets across Deck, Engine and Electro Technical Officer streams.
 
Developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, MSTI responds to key recommendations of the 2023 Strategic Fleet Taskforce Report by expanding access to essential training berths on vessels.
 
It’s complemented by an additional $2.5 million investment in Industry Skills Australia to help tackle training barriers and strengthen pathways into maritime careers.
 
This maritime skills package demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to building a skilled, resilient and future-ready maritime workforce.
 
MSTI is a central component of the Government’s broader program of work that aims to revitalise the Australian maritime industry. This includes the Strategic Fleet Pilot Program, cracking down on wage theft aboard foreign-flagged ships, and reviewing the Coastal Trading Act.
 
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Albanese Government understands the importance of the maritime industry, which is why we’re investing in its long-term sustainability through initiatives like the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative and the Strategic Fleet.
 
“Eighty per cent of Australian imports and exports by value come and go on our seas, trained seafarers are critical our economy, our security and our modern way of life."
 
Quotes attributable to Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles:

“For future cadets and trainees of the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative, this is a first step into a career that will take them all over Australia – and perhaps even worldwide.
 
“These trainees will go on to be our future harbour masters, marine pilots and safety officers who are critical to Australia’s trade and security functions.”