The MNTB is a voluntary body and a part of the UK Chamber of Shipping, the trade association for the UK shipping industry.
We work closely with shipping and ship management companies, nautical educational establishments and organisations, seafarer trade unions, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and industry organisations with an interest in seafarer education and training.
The MNTB provides the link to government departments and bodies involved with the shipping industry as well as those involved with the UK skills agenda and education and training developments. This includes the Department for Transport (DfT), the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS), the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and UK education regulatory authorities and bodies. The MNTB works closely with the Maritime Skills Alliance to achieve joint aims with partner organisations in the maritime sector.
We carry out a wide range of careers promotion activities under our ‘CAREERSATSEA’ brand. This is currently under expansion to encompass the full range of careers activity at sea and within the shipping industry ashore and the wider maritime sector.
The MNTB has a history stretching back to 1935, when it was founded as the Central Board for the Training of Officers in the Merchant Service. Reconstituted in 1942, the MNTB is the authoritative centre of expertise and information on careers, qualifications, education and training, and skill needs and issues in the industry.