Whilst Marine Society and Sea Cadets may have a Director Merchant Navy,  one  may only guess as to the nature of the overtures being made to those in positions of influence within British shipping.  I have no advice from HQSO (MN) differing from that given 12 months ago to maintain a holding brief until such time as a national policy is given the "go ahead".  Until such time I
remain with my hands effectively tied as independent action at Area level will result in multiple approaches to shipping companies which will inevitably have a detrimental effect on progress being made at a higher levels.

As you should all be aware the Sea Cadet Corps has published some "Advice to Merchant Navy Officers joining the Sea Cadet Corps" and also "Advice to Units with regard to Merchant Navy Officers joining the Sea Cadet Corps". This is probably the first time these matters have been addressed in the last 20 years plus to my personal knowledge. Again I would remind any Unit
having an approach from MN officers, male or female, that they are
professional seafarers.

There are a number of  current and ex-MN personnel working or volunteering within the Sea Cadets for example the current permanent First Lieutenant on TS JOHN JERWOOD is S/Lt Wendy O'Donnel, an ex-cadet from
Middlesborough who formerly served as a Navigating/Deck Officer on large containerships.  Similarly one of the relief engineers is a serving MN Chief Engineer. So how many more are operating at Unit level within the area?

In the event of a Unit having cadets interested in a sea going career in
Navigation, Engineering or Catering department, I have details of entry
requirements along with details of colleges running the appropriate training courses, shipping companies offering training schemes plus indications of
expected salaries in each of the branches.

A V ATTWOOD
LT (SCC) RNR
ASO (MN)