Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of setting an annual target for the number of UK seafarers (a) Ratings and (b) Officers working in the UK shipping industry.

The government is committed to supporting the maritime industry and ensuring high quality training and employment is available for UK seafarers.

We do not intend to set an annual target for the number of UK seafarers. Our work to improve seafarer welfare and the training offer for UK ratings and officers, is the most effective way to attract and retain UK seafarers. This includes the Seafarer Wages Act 2023, our 9 Point-Plan for seafarers, as well as our Ratings and Cadet Reviews.