In the ever-evolving landscape of maritime healthcare, training, and safety, 2025 has been a year of notable advances, driven in part by the relentless efforts of David Appleton, Head of Professional and Technical at Nautilus International. Based in London, Appleton has been at the forefront of representing members’ interests at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of global maritime governance.
One of the standout achievements this year has been the breakthroughs in the Dreadnought Medical Service. This priority medical service is designed to expedite treatment for seafarers, ensuring they can return to sea faster than they would through local NHS services. However, the service has faced challenges, including funding issues that have limited access for seafarers in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Appleton’s team has made significant strides in addressing these problems, ensuring that more seafarers can benefit from timely medical care.
“Members will be aware that the MCA conducted a two-year project, which they called the Cadet Training & Modernisation programme. Nautilus was heavily involved in that project, and devoted significant resources to that. The main result of that project was that the UK training syllabus was thoroughly revised and modernised, and we’re now in the process of implementing it. So, from September this year, all new cadets will be on the new revised syllabus – which, as far as is permitted within the scope of STCW, has brought the UK programme up to one standard with modern methods.”
Cadet training has also seen substantial improvements. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) undertook a two-year Cadet Training & Modernisation programme, with Nautilus playing a pivotal role. The outcome has been a thoroughly revised and modernised UK training syllabus, which is now being implemented. From September 2025, all new cadets will follow this updated syllabus, bringing the UK programme in line with modern training methods and making the curriculum more relevant to real-world maritime operations. Additionally, the Maritime Educational Foundation has secured support for UK colleges to invest in the necessary equipment and systems to facilitate this upgrade.
The electronic training record book, rolled out alongside the modernisation of the syllabus, is another significant advancement. This digital service aims to enhance the cadet training experience by leveraging the additional functionality available through electronic systems, moving away from the traditional paper record book.
Looking internationally, the safety of seafarers in high-risk areas remains a critical concern. The recent instability and conflict in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea, have posed significant risks to shipping. Nautilus has been proactive in engaging with shipowners in the UK and internationally to negotiate agreements that ensure seafarer safety. Through the Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC), Nautilus, along with the RMT and shipowners, has secured agreements for the Red Sea area and for Israeli and Lebanese ports. These agreements grant seafarers the right to depart the ship prior to entering these high-risk areas, without any detriment to themselves.
“Although a ceasefire has recently been negotiated in Gaza, those WOAC agreements are still in place, because there is still significant uncertainty about how secure that situation is, and especially as to whether the risks associated with that in the Red Sea have abated. We’ve just recently renewed those agreements, and we will be closely monitoring the situation.”
As new fuels and technologies are introduced, ensuring a Just Transition for seafarers is paramount. Appleton’s team has been actively involved in national and international discussions on this front. At the IMO, they are participating in discussions about targets and standards for decarbonisation. In the UK, through the Merchant Navy Training Board and in association with the MCA, they are addressing barriers to ensure that UK seafarers receive the necessary training on future fuels. One significant challenge is the requirement for sea time on vessels burning low flashpoint fuel to become certificated, which could become a bottleneck as more ships adopt these fuels. Alternative means of meeting these requirements are being explored.
Safety issues related to new fuels are also being addressed. The IMO is undertaking a safety study of these fuels, and the resulting safety standards will be based on the findings. Nautilus is participating in this process to ensure that seafarers’ interests are given due consideration.
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) have been another area of focus. Nautilus has been heavily involved in developing a regulatory framework for MASS at the IMO. A non-mandatory code is set to be adopted in May 2026, and Nautilus has been successful in influencing its direction to ensure it is fit for purpose. Nationally, Nautilus has been involved in several MASS projects, including introducing a training regime for remote operators of small vessels in UK coastal waters