In A pioneering move, Solent shipping companies are leading a national drive to recruit urgently needed seafarers of the future.

An initial 27 shipowners, operators, recruitment agencies and educational establishments have joined forces to form the British Shipping Careers Group in the Solent area, which will be launched by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott in Southampton on Thursday.

Following the government's recent proposals for a tonnage tax aimed at boosting the number of UK-flagged ships, the new organisation, which is linked to the Merchant Navy Training Board, is aiming to encourage youngsters to seriously consider a career at sea.

Under the proposals announced by Mr Prescott shipping companies can take advantage of a kinder tax regime but one of the conditions is that they recruit one cadet for every 15 serving officers.

"We are already finding it extremely difficult to recruit the 1,200 cadets the UK shipping industry needs each year,'' said Captain Paul Whittle, senior operations manager of dredging company Hanson Aggregate Marine and chairman elect of the Solent-based group.

"The tonnage tax will increase that demand considerably.''

Now careers advisors, schools and colleges across the region will be targeted by the Solent organisation to ensure the message about jobs at sea is getting across to potential seafarers.

George Angas, head of Warsash Maritime Centre, said: "It is up to everyone in shipping to improve the numbers and the calibre of those entering the industry.

"Over the next few years, the demand for youngsters who want a career at sea will reach its highest levels for many years. The British Shipping Careers Group can play a major role in taking that message into schools and colleges.'' The group covers and area stretching from Poole eastwards to Shoreham.

It includes P&O Cruises, Hanson Aggregates Marine, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, P&O European Ferries, Wightlink, Sealife Crewing Services and Warsash Maritime Centre.

"The Solent area is a major international centre for the marine industry,'' said Captain Whittle.

"We want to spread the message about what an excellent career seafaring is and provide students with a local contact for advice and discussion rather than having to go to London or contacting the offices of a big shipping company.''

Captain Whittle believes part of the recruitment problem is the failure of many to realise that the British fleet is once again expanding and is one of the most modern and technically-advanced in the world.

"Demand is so high that young men and women entering the industry will have guaranteed employment in the finest merchant navy in the world,'' said Captain Whittle.

"Seafaring is a well-paid, rewarding career with a combination of adventure, variety, travel and an international qualification not found in any other profession.

"Those qualified officers who eventually wish to come ashore will find many employment opportunities in the national and international industry. The Solent area BSCG is taking a national lead and we very much hope other regions in the UK will set up similar groups to tap their local market.''

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