New bursary scheme for marine training

In September, Trinity House launched a new bursary scheme for the marine leisure industry – the Leisure Industry Nautical Cadet Scheme (LINCS). This is funded by the charity arm of Trinity House and was established in response to the growing need for qualified crew, particularly in the superyacht industry.

Set up in consultation with the RYA, the scheme has recently enrolled its first students at two RYA centres, UKSA and the University of Plymouth, for their three year course. These students will have 90% of their tuition fees covered by the bursary, along with a monthly allowance.

Their training will include shore training, sail training and paid industry placements on superyachts, culminating in a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean certificate and MCA Superyacht Office of the Watch certificate. The University of Plymouth students should also achieve a BSc.

Sir Robin Knox Johnston, who launched the scheme at the PSP Southampton Boat Show, commented: ‘The introduction of LINCS is an important advance in equipping the leisure sailing industry for the future…By joining forces with UKSA and University of Plymouth, Trinity House is able to encourage ambitious candidates of all academic abilities to apply.’

James Stevens added ‘I am delighted that Trinity House has expanded its sponsorship of nautical training to include the yachting industry. The LINCS scheme will provide a really valuable resource for the superyacht captains of the future.’

The scheme may be extended to more students and other training centres in the future. For further details please contact Peter Galloway at Trinity House on 0207 481 6900.

Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority for England and Wales with responsibility for aids to navigation, from lighthouses, buoys and beacons to the latest satellite navigation technology. Its charitable arm spends around £3m each year on activities including education and training and the promotion of safety at sea. LINCS will run in parallel with their Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme, which has been qualifying Merchant Navy Officers for the last 20 years.