About

Who we are

We’re here to help seafarers realise their full potential by helping them learn new skills, gain accredited qualifications and improve welfare.

Workman at sea observing maritime work

We aim to be the first in learning and professional development for the maritime community and we do this through our many partnerships. These enable us to offer tailored learning programmes that support learning and professional development at all levels, right through to postgraduate. We’re also able to deliver distance-learning programmes that are perfect for those who are unable to learn through the more traditional methods. Meanwhile our crew libraries and bookshop support seafarers through their learning and also offer a welcome escape from the pressures of life at sea. 

"The Marine Society has an important role to play in supporting our seafarers and it does it very well indeed." 

Mark Dickinson, General Secretary, Nautilus International

We work hard to ensure that no matter where seafarers are, on land or at sea, they have the opportunities to develop to their full potential. We have two teams to help you do this, our College and our Library & Bookshop.

Please take a look at what we've achieved over the last year for April 2018-2019 in our Annual Review.

Marine Society college

If you’re looking to take the next crucial step in your professional development, The Marine Society College can help, through tailored learning programmes that help seafarers improve their education.

With a mix of learning programmes – some direct through us and others where we partner with education and training providers – we can deliver seafarer-focused opportunities, and personal and professional development.

Seafarer working at a ship command centre

"Staff at the Marine Society were always on hand to provide support during my studies in a friendly and professional manner." 

William O'Farrell

We focus exclusively on those who work at sea, and offer quality distance-learning packages. You can also sit your exams with us in London and we can manage them at sea, too.

Helping seafarers doesn’t stop with our learning programmes. As a learner with us, you can access a range of advice and guidance to support you on your professional journey.

Don’t be hindered in your quest for learning, we can help with the financial cost through scholarship schemes and interest-free loans.

Crew libraries & bookshop

Your learning is supported by our bookshop and crew libraries which supply 20,000 books to ships across the world. We work with our customers to ensure titles are tailored to suit all readers.

As well as helping with your studies, an onboard library promotes positive well-being and understanding, as well as making a vital contribution to onboard safety. It also helps ship operators meet their commitments under the Maritime Labour Convention.

So whether you're looking for a book to help your studies, to upskill your crew, or simply for a pleasant distraction from working life at sea, we are here to help.

Fill in your email address below to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

  • Call us:
  • +44 (0)20 7654 7000
Marine Society and Sea Cadets is a charity registered in England and Wales 313013 and in Scotland SC037808.

Marine Society and Sea Cadets is a charity registered in England and Wales 313013 and in Scotland SC037808.
Copyright © 2025 Marine Society College / All rights reserved.
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