UKSA is the UK’s Maritime Careers Centre and a Preferred Supplier to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). We help Service Leavers turn Armed Forces experience into a rewarding civilian maritime career — with training, qualifications and employer connections under one roof.
Your experience is what maritime employers hire for
The leadership, technical expertise, resilience and safety awareness developed during military service are highly valued across the maritime industry – from commercial workboats and superyachts to offshore operations, hospitality, engineering and training.
The industry is growing, the demand is real, and the progression is genuine – internationally recognised qualifications, long-term careers, and opportunities in the UK and around the world.
Leadership
Command experience translates directly to the officer and mate roles employers need.
Technical & engineering
Systems, mechanical and technical backgrounds map onto engineer deckhand, workboat and superyacht engineering routes.
Navigation & seamanship
Existing navigation and safety training accelerates progression through MCA and RYA qualifications.
Teamwork & resilience
The professionalism and resilience developed on operations is exactly what maritime employers hire for.
Safety awareness
A safety-first mindset transfers into STCW, first-aid and vessel operations from day one.
Communication
Clear, structured communication under pressure is core to bridge, deck and instructor roles.
From transition to long-term career
UKSA is here from your first enquiry through to employment – and often long after. This is the shape of a typical journey, though your route through it will depend on your service background, funding and goals.
Make your resettlement work harder.
As a CTP Preferred Supplier and a registered charity, UKSA works with you to combine the funding options available so you can focus on training – not paperwork.
- CTP funding – use your resettlement entitlement towards recognised UKSA training.
- UKSA bursaries – as a charity, we award bursaries and financial support each year.
- Support for under-25s – additional routes and funded places for younger Service Leavers.
- Adviser support – talk to a UKSA adviser about the combination that works for your circumstances.
