Ship Safe Training Group
Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG) is a UK not-for-profit founded in 1978 that recruits, sponsors, and trains Merchant Navy Officer Cadets (Deck, Engineer, and ETO) for a membership of 20+ shipping companies via five UK nautical colleges and MCA/MNTB-approved 3-year programmes.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1978
- HeadquartersRochester, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Ship Safe Training Group does
Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG), founded in 1978 and headquartered in Rochester, Kent, is a private not-for-profit company that provides recruitment, training, and sponsorship management services for new entrant Officer Cadets (Deck, Engineer, and Electro-Technical Officer) in the UK Merchant Navy. SSTG operates as an intermediary between individual career-seekers and a membership base of 20+ UK shipping companies, running three core 3-year sandwich programmes that alternate between college-based study at one of five UK nautical colleges (Warsash Maritime School, Fleetwood Nautical College, South Shields Marine School, City of Glasgow College, and Plymouth/Humber Maritime College) and supervised sea service phases on member company vessels operating worldwide. All training programmes are approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), and successful completion leads to an MCA-issued Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
The business model is membership- and grant-funded rather than venture- or equity-backed. SSTG collects fees and contributions from member shipping companies for cadet training management, administers UK Department for Transport grant funding on behalf of eligible EEA-resident candidates, and offers additional consultancy and advanced training services for qualified seafarers progressing to Chief Mate, Master, Second Engineer, and Chief Engineer certifications. Proprietary technology consists of a Cadet Training Management System that tracks candidate progression against MNTB-approved Training Record Books, and a 9-step online application portal that allows candidates to save and resume applications within 30 days.
Day-to-day operations are led by Managing Director Ian Spreadborough (appointed April 2006, joined SSTG 1990) supported by a team of 8 full-time staff covering recruitment, training management, accounts, marketing, and per-college Training Officer liaison. The company holds Associate Membership in the UK Chamber of Shipping and IAIMI, and maintains working relationships with MEF, NMDG, IMarEST, HCMM, and The Nautical Institute. Recent strategic activity has centred on broadening the sponsorship base via a September 2024 WISTA UK / MEF joint venture and adding new member companies such as Cadeler UK in the offshore wind segment.
Ship Safe Training Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ship Safe Training Group
- Legal name
- Ship Safe Training Group Ltd
- Website
- https://sstg.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1978
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG) is a UK not-for-profit founded in 1978 that recruits, sponsors, and trains Merchant Navy Officer Cadets (Deck, Engineer, and ETO) for a membership of 20+ shipping companies via five UK nautical colleges and MCA/MNTB-approved 3-year programmes.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ship Safe Training Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Training Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Other Support Activities for Water Transportation (488390)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine Engineering & Engine Room Operations (EDAOANAB), Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD)
Keywords
Where Ship Safe Training Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rochester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ship Safe Training Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Training Services for Shipping Companies: SSTG is a not-for-profit company that provides comprehensive recruitment, training and support services for shipping companies. Revenue appears to come from member company fees for cadet training management services, grant funding claims services, and consultancy services.
- Government Grant Funding: SSTG works with the Department for Transport and their agents who are responsible for the administration of grant funding which provides a measure of financial support that partly funds the training being undertaken.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Training Allowance for Officer Cadets |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Ship Safe Training Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SSTG recruits and trains Merchant Navy officer cadets (Deck, Engineer, and Electro-Technical Officers) on behalf of its member UK shipping companies, managing the full lifecycle from initial selection and college placement through sea service to MCA-issued Certificate of Competency. The organisation provides financial sponsorship (tuition fees plus monthly allowance), coordinates college education at five UK nautical institutions, oversees structured sea-service phases aboard member vessels, and delivers ongoing welfare and career support. It also administers Department for Transport grant funding claims for eligible candidates.
Product overview
Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG) is a not-for-profit maritime training organization established in 1978, providing comprehensive recruitment and training services for the British Merchant Navy. The organization operates a unified training platform comprising three core cadet programmes (Deck Officer, Engineer Officer, and Electro-Technical Officer), supported by sponsorship management, advanced certification pathways, and cadet support services. The training model alternates between college-based study at UK nautical institutions and sea service phases aboard member company vessels, culminating in MCA-issued Certificates of Competency qualifying graduates to serve on vessels trading worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Deck Officer Cadet Training Programme A 3-year sandwich training programme preparing candidates to become Deck Officers in the Merchant Navy, combining college studies in Nautical Science with sea service phases aboard member shipping company vessels, and leading to an MCA-issued unlimited Certificate of Competency.
- Engineer Officer Cadet Training Programme A 3-year training programme qualifying candidates as Engineer Officers responsible for main engines and ancillary mechanical systems aboard Merchant Navy vessels, blending college study at UK nautical institutions with sea service phases.
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Cadet Training Programme A 3-year sandwich programme qualifying candidates as Electro-Technical Officers responsible for electronic control systems aboard modern ships, addressing the growing need for ETOs on vessels with advanced electrical and electronic systems.
- Advanced Training for Seafarers Professional development programmes for qualified seafarers seeking higher certifications, including progression to Chief Mate, Master, Second Engineer, and Chief Engineer qualifications.
- SSTG Sponsorship Programme Financial sponsorship and training management services for Officer Cadets, including monthly allowances, college fee support, and sea service coordination with member shipping companies.
- Certificate of Competency (CoC) Services Preparation and support services for obtaining MCA-issued Certificates of Competency, enabling graduates to work as Deck, Engineer, or ETO Officers in the British Merchant Navy on any size vessel worldwide.
- Cadet Support Services Ongoing cadet welfare and administration including assigned Training Officer guidance, college phase monitoring, visa assistance, documentation management (Discharge Book), and personal welfare support throughout training.
Quantifiable outcome
- All SSTG sponsorship opportunities lead to the award of an Unlimited CoC allowing cadets to work on any size vessel trading anywhere in the world
Companies that use Ship Safe Training Group
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Ship Safe Training Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Ship Safe Training Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAIMI)coreSSTG is an associate member of IAIMI, an organisation that represents colleges and other maritime training organisations.
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)coreSSTG works closely with the MCA in the delivery of training programmes. All SSTG training programmes are MCA/MNTB approved.
- Maritime Educational Foundation (MEF)flagshipSSTG works closely with the MEF who annually sponsor a core of 40 Officer Trainees. MEF also has a joint venture initiative with WISTA UK for sponsorship of up to three candidates commencing September 2024.
- National Maritime Development Group (NMDG)coreSSTG is a member of the NMDG that works with business development in the maritime sector.
- Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB)flagshipSSTG supports the MNTB in its core activities. Ian Spreadborough, SSTG Managing Director, is a member of its Technical Committee. All SSTG cadet training programmes follow MNTB/MCA approved training programmes.
- UK Chamber of ShippingcoreSSTG is an Associate Member of the UK Chamber of Shipping, the leading trade association for the UK shipping industry.
- WISTA UK (Women's International Shipping & Trading Association)minorWISTA UK joint venture initiative with Maritime Educational Foundation for sponsorship of up to three candidates to train and qualify as Merchant Navy Officers commencing September 2024. Candidates must support WISTA UK aims and attend WISTA UK events throughout training.
- UK Nautical Colleges NetworkcoreSSTG is affiliated with key maritime training providers throughout the UK including Warsash Maritime School, Fleetwood Nautical College, South Shields Marine School, City of Glasgow College, and Plymouth/Humber Maritime College, ensuring high standard of training in well-equipped and accessible centres.
- Department for TransportcoreSSTG facilitates the Department for Transport grant funding which provides financial support that partly funds the cadet training being undertaken. SSTG checks candidate eligibility for grant funding.
- Institute of Marine Engineering Science & Technology (IMarEST)minorSSTG provides easy sign-up to IMarEST for trainees. The institute provides professional development resources, library access, and career guidance for marine professionals.
- The Nautical InstituteminorInternational representative body for maritime professionals providing networking opportunities, technical meetings, seminars and professional development assistance. SSTG cadets have access to these resources.
- The Honourable Company of Master Mariners (HCMM)minorFounded in 1926, HCMM provides access to broad range of resources and mentorship for cadet members. Professional body drawing on experience of members serving on broad range of vessels.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves3 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ship Safe Training Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- UK Chamber of Shipping: The leading UK shipping industry trade association, of which SSTG is an Associate Member. Industry body rather than a direct training competitor, but coordinates maritime skills policy that affects SSTG's operating environment.
- Seafarers UK: UK maritime charity funding seafarer welfare, training and recruitment initiatives. Operates in the same ecosystem as SSTG and supports similar skills-development outcomes.
- Marine Society & Sea Cadets: Long-established UK maritime charity promoting seafarer careers through education bursaries and youth programmes. A funder and awareness-raiser for the maritime sector rather than a direct cadet training provider.
- Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB): UK industry-led body that sets and approves standards for seafarer training programmes. SSTG Managing Director sits on its Technical Committee. Functions as the regulatory standard-setter for SSTG and peers rather than a direct competitor.
- Maritime Educational Foundation (MEF): Charitable foundation that annually sponsors a core of 40 Officer Trainees via SSTG. Acts as a funding partner rather than a training competitor, but could in principle sponsor cadets through alternative colleges.
- Trinity House: UK General Lighthouse Authority with deep involvement in maritime training, including cadet bursaries and lighthouse/ship navigation training. Adjacent rather than direct competitor, but influences the UK seafarer training landscape.
Direct peers
- Warsash Maritime School (Solent University): One of SSTG's five partner nautical colleges and the most prominent UK maritime training institution, delivering MNTB/MCA-approved Deck, Engineer and ETO cadet programmes. Operates as both a partner (delivering college phases for SSTG cadets) and a potential competitor (running direct cadet sponsorship programmes).
- South Shields Marine School (Newcastle University): UK maritime training college partnered with SSTG for college-phase delivery. Provides MNTB-approved officer cadet programmes and competes with SSTG for direct cadet sponsorship arrangements with shipping companies.
- Fleetwood Nautical College (Blackpool and The Fylde College): Historic UK maritime training college partnered with SSTG, delivering Deck and Engineer officer programmes. Operates an analogous cadet recruitment and training model in direct overlap with SSTG.
- City of Glasgow College Marine Department: Scotland's largest nautical college and an SSTG partner, offering MCA-approved cadet programmes across Deck, Engineer and ETO specialisms. Competes for UK and Scottish shipping company cadet sponsorship.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Ship Safe Training Group social profiles
Digital presenceShip Safe Training Group compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Ship Safe Training Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ship Safe Training Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Ship Safe Training Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ship Safe Training Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ship Safe Training Group
What does Ship Safe Training Group do?
SSTG recruits and trains Merchant Navy officer cadets (Deck, Engineer, and Electro-Technical Officers) on behalf of its member UK shipping companies, managing the full lifecycle from initial selection and college placement through sea service to MCA-issued Certificate of Competency. The organisation provides financial sponsorship (tuition fees plus monthly allowance), coordinates college education at five UK nautical institutions, oversees structured sea-service phases aboard member vessels, and delivers ongoing welfare and career support. It also administers Department for Transport grant funding claims for eligible candidates.
Is Ship Safe Training Group a public or private company?
Ship Safe Training Group is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was Ship Safe Training Group founded?
Ship Safe Training Group was founded in 1978. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Ship Safe Training Group based?
Ship Safe Training Group is headquartered in Rochester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Ship Safe Training Group make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Training Services for Shipping Companies are the primary driver. The others are government Grant Funding.
Who are Ship Safe Training Group's main competitors?
Others on record are UK Chamber of Shipping, Seafarers UK, Marine Society & Sea Cadets, Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), Maritime Educational Foundation (MEF) and Trinity House. Direct peers are Warsash Maritime School (Solent University), South Shields Marine School (Newcastle University), Fleetwood Nautical College (Blackpool and The Fylde College) and City of Glasgow College Marine Department.
Does Ship Safe Training Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ship Safe Training Group.
What industry is Ship Safe Training Group in?
Ship Safe Training Group's product category is Maritime Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOANAE, Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations, with a secondary code of EDAOANAB, Marine Engineering & Engine Room Operations. Its NAICS code is 4883 and its SIC code is 8200.