Lost At Sea
Careers at Sea is the official UK Merchant Navy careers portal administered by the Merchant Navy Training Board. It connects prospective seafarers with fully-funded officer cadet and ratings training, sponsoring shipping companies, maritime colleges, and apprenticeship programmes across the UK.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Lost At Sea does
Careers at Sea is the official UK careers portal for the Merchant Navy, administered by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) within the UK Chamber of Shipping. It functions as a non-commercial industry initiative that connects prospective seafarers with fully-funded training pathways, sponsoring shipping companies, accredited maritime colleges, and charitable funders. Its core offerings are a three-year officer cadet programme leading to a Maritime and Coastguard Agency Certificate of Competency (Navigation, Marine Engineering, and Electro-Technical disciplines) and a 12-18 month ratings apprenticeship track covering Deck, Engine Room, Hospitality, and Small Commercial Vessel roles. Supporting services include a volunteer Ambassador Programme, open days at partner maritime colleges, and career-profile content.
The underlying technology is a content-driven online portal (careersatsea.org) supplemented by a YouTube-hosted video library and standard digital marketing properties; there is no proprietary platform technology, AI layer, or app. The site acts as a directory and information hub rather than a transactional marketplace. Revenue does not flow from end users (candidates pay nothing for officer training, which is fully sponsored) but from industry investment: shipping companies fund cadets directly, training management companies manage programmes on behalf of clients, and charitable bodies such as the Maritime Educational Foundation provide campaign capital — including a £1.2 million commitment through 2029 supporting the National Awareness Campaign launched in October 2024.
Customer segments are split between candidate-side (school leavers and career changers seeking Merchant Navy entry, plus officer trainees and ratings apprentices) and industry-side (major UK shipping operators such as BP, Shell, Carnival UK, Stena Line, James Fisher, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, plus training management companies and maritime colleges). The organisation's headcount, full budget, and incorporation details are not disclosed in the available data.
Lost At Sea firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lost At Sea
- Legal name
- Careers at Sea
- Website
- https://careersatsea.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Careers at Sea is the official UK Merchant Navy careers portal administered by the Merchant Navy Training Board. It connects prospective seafarers with fully-funded officer cadet and ratings training, sponsoring shipping companies, maritime colleges, and apprenticeship programmes across the UK.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lost At Sea industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Career Services
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine Engineering & Engine Room Operations (EDAOANAB), Merchant Marine & Deck Operations (EDAOANAA)
Keywords
Where Lost At Sea is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Lost At Sea business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Others
Revenue model
- Industry funding and sponsorship: Careers at Sea is funded through industry investment. In December 2025, the Maritime Educational Foundation trustees committed £1.2 million to support the National Awareness Campaign through to 2029. The organization operates as part of the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), which sits within the UK Chamber of Shipping, and receives support from shipping companies and maritime organizations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Fully funded officer cadet training programme |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Lost At Sea product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Careers at Sea is the official UK Merchant Navy careers portal, providing fully funded three-year Officer Cadetship Programmes (Navigation, Marine Engineering, Electro-Technical) leading to MCA Certificates of Competency, alongside 12-18 month Ratings apprenticeships for support seafarers. It connects prospective cadets with sponsoring shipping companies, training management companies, charitable organisations, and four partner maritime colleges, while running a UK-wide National Awareness Campaign and volunteer Ambassador Programme.
Product overview
Lost At Sea (Careers at Sea) operates as a career guidance and recruitment platform for the UK Merchant Navy, administered by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). The core offering comprises officer cadetships (fully funded 3-year programmes leading to MCA-issued Certificates of Competency in Navigation, Engineering, and Electro-Technical fields) and ratings training/apprenticeships (12-18 month programmes). Supporting services include a volunteer Ambassador Programme delivering school presentations, Open Days at partner maritime colleges, and career profile content. The National Awareness Campaign, launched October 2024, provides multi-channel promotional support. The platform connects prospective seafarers with sponsoring shipping companies, training management companies, and charitable organisations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Officer Training Programme A fully funded three-year programme leading to academic and professional qualification (Certificate of Competency) issued by the Maritime Coastguard Agency, covering Navigation (Deck), Marine Engineering, and Electro-Technical Officer disciplines. Available to UK-based individuals with minimum 4 GCSEs including Maths, English, and a science subject, sponsored by shipping companies and charitable organisations.
- Ratings Training Training for seafarers in support roles across all departments, including Deck Ratings, Engine Room Ratings, and Hospitality/Onboard Services Ratings. Typically lasts 12-18 months including sea time and college, offered as paid apprenticeships where individuals earn while training on board ships.
- Ambassador Programme Volunteer programme where current and ex-seafarers deliver inspirational presentations at schools, youth groups, and community events to promote careers in the Merchant Navy. Ambassadors are based all over the UK and provide first-hand accounts of life at sea.
- Career Profiles Interview-based career stories and profiles from individuals working in various maritime roles, providing insights into life and careers in the Merchant Navy. Published as content on the Careers at Sea website.
- Open Days In-person events at four UK maritime colleges (City of Glasgow College, Warsash Maritime School, South Shields Maritime School, Fleetwood Nautical Campus) allowing prospective candidates to explore training facilities and meet industry professionals and training providers.
- National Awareness Campaign National advertising campaign promoting the impact and economic importance of the UK shipping industry, running across search, Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and out-of-home advertising (trains, buses, trams, roadside posters), with targeted placements on relevant websites. Backed by a £1.2 million commitment from the Maritime Educational Foundation through 2029.
Quantifiable outcome
- Transporting over 95% of world trade
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Lost At Sea
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Lost At Sea technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Lost At Sea partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA)coreThe MCA is the regulatory body for seafarer certification in the UK. They issue Certificates of Competency to officer cadets upon completion of their training programmes. Careers at Sea directs prospective cadets to the MCA for information on medical and eyesight tests and certification requirements.
- Nautilus InternationalsupportingTrade union representing maritime industry professionals from Merchant Navy Masters and Officers to Cadets. They advise, connect, support and train people at every stage of their career at sea. Through the JW Slater Fund, they can help with further training.
- RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers)supportingTrade union with over 80,000 members across the transport sector including the shipping industry. Offers services from pension information to legal advice.
- UK Chamber of ShippingcoreThe voice of merchant shipping in Britain. Industry trade body that works to support and promote member interests. Careers at Sea is part of the Merchant Navy Training Board which sits within the UK Chamber of Shipping.
- City of Glasgow CollegecoreUK maritime college providing Officer Cadetship training. Partners with Careers at Sea to offer open days and promote nautical science (deck), marine engineering, and electro-technical disciplines.
- Warsash Maritime School (Solent University)coreUK maritime college providing Officer Cadetship training. Offers open days and training in navigation, marine engineering, and electro-technical officer qualifications for the Merchant Navy and superyachts.
- South Shields Maritime SchoolcoreUK maritime college providing Officer Cadetship training. Partners with Careers at Sea offering open days (next: 14/11/2026) and pre-cadetship and cadetship programmes.
- Fleetwood Nautical CampuscoreUK maritime college providing Officer Cadetship training and Rating apprenticeships. Partners with Careers at Sea offering open days (next: 16/07/2026) and apprenticeship programmes including deck rating.
- Scottish Maritime Academy (NESCOL)supportingPart of North East Scotland College, provides maritime training programmes that partner with Careers at Sea for officer cadetship and rating training pathways.
- UHI ShetlandsupportingPartner maritime college providing training programmes that partner with Careers at Sea for officer cadetship pathways in the Scottish islands.
- BPsupportingMajor shipping company that sponsors officer cadet training. Part of the network of shipping companies that fund maritime education and provide sea time for cadets.
- Carnival UKsupportingCruise company (parent of P&O Cruises and Cunard) that sponsors officer cadet training in deck and engineering disciplines.
- Princess CruisessupportingCruise line that sponsors deck officer cadets pursuing careers in the cruise sector.
- Shell Ship Management LtdsupportingMajor shipping company that sponsors officer cadet training in the maritime industry.
- Stena LinesupportingFerry company that sponsors deck officer cadets and deck rating apprentices for ferry operations.
- James FishersupportingShip management company offering cadet and rating apprenticeship positions across various vessel types.
- Royal Fleet AuxiliarysupportingGovernment organization that sponsors maritime training and offers rating apprenticeship opportunities.
- Anglo Eastern UK LtdsupportingTraining management company (TMC) that manages cadets' training on behalf of broad client base of shipping companies.
- Clyde Marine Training LtdsupportingTraining management company managing cadet training programmes and sea time on behalf of shipping company clients.
- Ship Safe Training Group LtdsupportingTraining management company providing cadet management services for shipping industry clients.
- Stream Marine CareerssupportingTraining management company providing maritime cadet training management services.
- WatermarksupportingTraining management company providing cadet management services for maritime industry.
- Maritime LondonsupportingCharitable organisation offering officer cadet scholarships to support maritime education and training.
- The Corporation of Trinity HousesupportingCharitable organisation providing cadet training sponsorship and support for maritime education.
- Conway Merchant Navy TrustsupportingCharitable organisation supporting maritime training and education for Merchant Navy personnel.
- Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd (PNTL)supportingShipping company that sponsors officer cadet training for nuclear transport vessels.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Lost At Sea competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- UK Chamber of Shipping: Industry trade body representing UK shipping, within which Careers at Sea's parent MNTB sits. Comparable as the umbrella body that both advocates for the industry and supports workforce development through Careers at Sea.
- Nautilus International: UK-based trade union for maritime professionals including Merchant Navy officers and cadets. Adjacent peer — supports seafarer career development through the JW Slater Fund and advice services, overlapping with Careers at Sea's career guidance mission.
- Royal Navy Careers: Official recruitment platform for the UK Royal Navy. Comparable as a UK maritime career pathway platform targeting the same school-leaver demographic, though focused on military rather than merchant careers.
- The Corporation of Trinity House: UK General Lighthouse Authority and charity that also funds cadet training and supports maritime education. Comparable as an established maritime institution funding seafarer pathways, but with a broader statutory remit including navigation safety.
Direct peers
- Maritime London: UK-based charitable organisation offering officer cadet scholarships to support maritime education. Direct peer as a charitable partner funding the same officer cadet pipeline that Careers at Sea promotes.
- Seafarers UK: UK charity focused on seafarer welfare, training, and recruitment promotion. Direct peer as a charity-funded organisation promoting maritime careers and supporting seafarer training pathways.
- Marine Society & Sea Cadets: Maritime youth development charity offering personal development and pre-career training for young people interested in maritime careers. Comparable as a UK charity promoting maritime pathways and youth engagement.
- Maritime UK: UK maritime industry council promoting maritime careers, skills, and policy. Direct peer as a UK-wide industry body running awareness campaigns and workforce development initiatives comparable to Careers at Sea's remit.
Regional players
- Norwegian Maritime Authority: Norwegian national maritime regulator and workforce promoter with similar national seafarer development functions. Comparable as a national authority promoting maritime careers but operating in Norway rather than the UK.
- Singapore Maritime Foundation: Singapore government-linked organisation promoting maritime careers and workforce development in Singapore. Comparable as a national-level maritime careers promotion body but operating in Asia rather than the UK.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Lost At Sea social profiles
Digital presenceLost At Sea financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lost At Sea leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Lost At Sea funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lost At Sea 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 Lost At Sea
What does Lost At Sea do?
Careers at Sea is the official UK Merchant Navy careers portal, providing fully funded three-year Officer Cadetship Programmes (Navigation, Marine Engineering, Electro-Technical) leading to MCA Certificates of Competency, alongside 12-18 month Ratings apprenticeships for support seafarers. It connects prospective cadets with sponsoring shipping companies, training management companies, charitable organisations, and four partner maritime colleges, while running a UK-wide National Awareness Campaign and volunteer Ambassador Programme.
Is Lost At Sea a public or private company?
Lost At Sea is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Lost At Sea founded?
Lost At Sea was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Lost At Sea based?
Lost At Sea is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Lost At Sea make money?
One revenue line is on record: industry funding and sponsorship.
Who are Lost At Sea's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are UK Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus International, Royal Navy Careers and The Corporation of Trinity House. Direct peers are Maritime London, Seafarers UK, Marine Society & Sea Cadets and Maritime UK. Regional players are Norwegian Maritime Authority and Singapore Maritime Foundation.
Does Lost At Sea have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lost At Sea.
What industry is Lost At Sea in?
Lost At Sea's product category is Maritime Career 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 6115 and its SIC code is 8200.