The John William Slater Memorial Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £640,350 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (no cap on annual awards)
• Decision Time: 2-4 weeks (by end of month for applications submitted by second Friday)
• Grant Range: £18,500 - £20,000 (includes completion bonus)
• Geographic Focus: UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands

Contact Details

Website: www.marine-society.org/slater-scholarship

Email: slater@ms-sc.org (applications); learning@ms-sc.org (general inquiries)

Phone: +44 (0)20 7654 7000

Alternative Contact: slater@nautilusint.org (020 8989 6677)

Administered by: Marine Society & Sea Cadets on behalf of Nautilus International

Charity Number: 270706

Address: Nautilus House, Mariners Park, Wallasey, Merseyside CH45 7PH

Overview

Established in 1977 in memory of John William Slater, former general secretary of the Nautilus predecessor union MNAOA, The John William Slater Memorial Fund has been supporting British seafarers for over 45 years. With total expenditure of £640,350 (2023) and over £11 million awarded in grants since inception, the fund has helped more than 1,400 ratings and uncertificated seafarers gain their Certificate of Competency. In October 2024, Nautilus International and Marine Society & Sea Cadets signed a historic agreement to preserve the fund's work in perpetuity, ensuring its continuation for future generations. The fund has recently received significant investment, including a £450,000 boost for officer of the watch training, demonstrating strong financial backing and commitment to supporting maritime career progression.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Slater Scholarship: £18,500 + £1,500 completion bonus (up to £20,000 total)

• Covers all course and examination fees for first Certificate of Competency
• Includes temporary accommodation, food, and travel during studies
• Provides learning resources and stationery costs
• Funds available for two years from award date
• Must commence studies within six months of award

Application Method: Rolling basis via online application form. Applications submitted by the second Friday of each month receive notification by month's end. Applications should be submitted 6-8 weeks before intended course start.

Priority Areas

Supported Certifications (priority given to OOW Unlimited, EOOW Unlimited, and ETO):

• Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited Certificate of Competency
• Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Unlimited
• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) certification
• Master certificates (various categories)
• Small vessel certifications for workboats, tugs, and fishing vessels
• Yacht certifications and fishing ticket conversions
• STCW watchkeeping officer certifications

Eligibility Requirements:

• British seafarers or EU passport holders with 3+ years UK permanent residency
• Resident in UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands
• Minimum age 21 (no upper age limit if fit for sea work)
• Must have completed ALL required sea service before applying (e.g., 36 months for OOW Unlimited on vessels over 24m)
• Hold valid ENG1 medical certificate
• Intent to work at sea for the foreseeable future

What They Don't Fund

• OOW <500gt Near Coastal or Master <500gt Near Coastal (apprenticeship alternative recommended instead)
• Permanent home rent/mortgage payments
• Utility bills at permanent residence
• Parking fees, taxis, or international flights
• Personal living expenses beyond temporary accommodation and food during studies
• Courses or exams outside the United Kingdom
• Training at non-MCA-approved providers
• Courses already started or completed at time of application

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Governance and Leadership

Administration: The fund is administered by Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC), a historic maritime education charity, on behalf of Nautilus International, the UK's trade union for maritime professionals.

Key Personnel:

• Darrell Bate, Director of Maritime Training and Development, Marine Society (since 2019): “It is an honour to be entrusted with this illustrious fund and to take it forward for the benefit of seafarers progressing their careers in the British merchant fleet.”
• Carla Rockson, Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare, Marine Society
• Mark Dickinson, General Secretary, Nautilus International (serving fourth term since 2009)
• Slater Fund Trustees and Management Committee

Funding Sources: Annual grants from Nautilus International and the Maritime Educational Foundation (MEF), ultimately sourced from tonnage tax PILOT payments.

Recent Developments: In October 2024, the Council of Nautilus International and Slater Fund trustees approved establishing a restricted fund managed by MSSC, designed to dedicate more resources to the fund's objectives while reducing administration costs.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application System (launched September 2024):

• Complete application via www.marine-society.org/slater
• Preview document available listing all application questions
• No longer accepts postal or email applications
• Alternative: Contact slater@ms-sc.org for assistance if unable to use online system

Required Supporting Documentation:

• Evidence of completed sea service (discharge book or official testimonials)
• Notice of Eligibility (NOE) from MCA (expedites assessment)
• Character reference from employer, senior officer, or agency representative detailing work abilities, industry experience, and suitability for officer training
• Completion of Maths@sea and Writing@sea online assessments (quiz scores support application)
• Valid ENG1 medical certificate

Application Preparation: Applicants should submit a “well thought out plan that will see a successful conclusion to the course from a financial perspective,” demonstrating they have completed all required sea service and are ready to commence studies.

Decision Timeline

Monthly Rolling Decisions:

• Applications submitted by the second Friday of the month receive notification by month's end
• Applications submitted after second Friday are notified the following month
• Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks from submission to decision
• Incomplete applications may experience delays

Important Deadlines:

• Apply at least 6-8 weeks before intended course start
• Must commence studies within six months of award
• All courses and examinations must be completed within two years of award date

Success Rates

• No cap on annual awards: The fund aims to support all qualified applicants who meet eligibility criteria
• Recent years: Provided 60+ scholarships annually
• Historical impact: Over 1,400 awards made since 1977
• Total invested: Over £11 million in grants to beneficiaries

The absence of a fixed number of awards suggests a relatively accessible program for qualified seafarers who have completed their sea service requirements.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Contact the Marine Society at slater@ms-sc.org for specific guidance on reapplication procedures if initial application is unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Specific Advice from the Fund

Key Success Factors:

• Complete all sea service requirements before applying: The fund emphasizes that scholarships are “only awarded to experienced seafarers who have completed ALL the seagoing service required for the certificate they are aiming for.”
• Demonstrate financial planning: Submit “a well thought out plan that will see a successful conclusion to the course from a financial perspective.”
• Strong character reference: Obtain a reference that gives “an account of your working abilities, experience in the industry and suitability to become an Officer of the Watch.”
• Complete preparatory assessments: Score well on Maths@sea and Writing@sea online courses to demonstrate academic readiness.
• Obtain Notice of Eligibility: Having an NOE from the MCA expedites the assessment process.

Recent Funded Projects - Success Stories

Dean Hodgson (2024 Outstanding Achievement Award Winner):

• AB for 17 years before qualification
• Studied via distance learning while working full time and raising young family
• Qualified as second officer in July 2024
• Now trainee dynamic positioning operator and second officer at North Star
• Quote: “Despite not being good in school...with hard work you will reap the rewards in the end.”
• Marine Society's Carla Rockson: “Dean was the outstanding candidate in a strong field. He worked incredibly hard to achieve his Officer of the Watch Unlimited CoC via the blended learning pathway.”

John Bacon (2018 recipient):

• Overcame head and neck cancer diagnosis in 2016
• Unable to work for one year during treatment
• Successfully gained qualifications with Slater Fund support
• Quote: “The Slater Fund helped to save my life”
• Now working onboard UK-flagged drillship Stena Carron

Jack Jones (2018 recipient):

• Entered yacht sector and gained chief mate's certificate
• Pursued OOW unlimited route at Warsash
• Passed every assessment first time with overall distinction

Language and Terminology

The fund consistently uses terms emphasizing:

• “Experienced seafarers” and “completed sea service”
• “Career progression” and “professional development”
• “Officer of the Watch” and “Certificate of Competency”
• “British merchant fleet” and “maritime professionals”
• “Hard work”, “dedication”, and “overcoming challenges”

Tips for Standing Out

1. Demonstrate exceptional commitment: Highlight persistence, resilience, and dedication to maritime career
2. Show completed preparation: Document all sea service, obtain NOE, complete preparatory courses
3. Emphasize career intentions: Clearly articulate plans to work at sea and contribute to British merchant fleet
4. Study efficiently: Plan to complete certification in shortest reasonable time to retain knowledge for examinations
5. Choose approved providers: Prioritize the 25+ maritime colleges and training providers with whom the fund has established relationships
6. Seek support early: Marine Society staff provide “advice, guidance and encouragement to seafarers throughout their studies”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Complete all sea service first: This is the most critical eligibility requirement—applications without completed sea service will not be considered. Document this thoroughly.
• No funding caps mean accessibility: Unlike many scholarship programs, there's no fixed number of annual awards, suggesting strong prospects for qualified applicants who meet all criteria.
• Strong ongoing support: The Marine Society team provides guidance throughout the study period, not just at application stage, demonstrating commitment to scholar success.
• Demonstrate resilience: Success stories emphasize overcoming adversity—mature seafarers with work/family commitments and those who have faced challenges are valued.
• Time commitment matters: Plan to complete studies efficiently (ideally within 2 years) and take exams while knowledge is fresh for best results.
• Apply early: Submit applications 6-8 weeks before intended course start to allow adequate time for processing and course enrollment.
• Historic agreement ensures continuity: The October 2024 agreement securing the fund in perpetuity signals long-term stability and commitment to supporting seafarer education.

References

• Marine Society & Sea Cadets. “Nautilus International John William Slater Memorial Fund.” www.marine-society.org/slater-scholarship. Accessed 7 November 2025.
• Charity Commission. “The John William Slater Memorial Fund - Charity 270706.” Register of Charities. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=270706. Accessed 7 November 2025.
• Nautilus International. “Nautilus International and MSSC sign historic agreement to secure Slater Fund scholarships in perpetuity.” October 2024. www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/news/nautilus-international-and-mssc-sign-historic-agreement-to-secure-slater-fund-scholarships-in-perpetuity/
• Nautilus International. "'Exceptional abilities' accolade for 2024 JW Slater Fund officer training awardee." 2024. www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/news/exceptional-abilities-accolade-for-2024-jw-slater-fund-officer-training-awardee/
• Nautilus International. “Nautilus feature: New year, better career – how the Nautilus Slater Fund helps seafarers with their studies.” www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/telegraph/new-year-better-career-how-the-nautilus-slater-fund-helps-seafarers-with-their-studies/
• Nautilus International. “Slater Fund scholarship success for officer training.” Nautilus Telegraph. www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/telegraph/slater-fund-scholarship-success-for-officer-training
• Marine Society. “John William Slater Scholarship Guidance Notes.” www.marine-society.org/userfiles/files/files%202/MS%20Slater%20Guidance%20Notes%20FINAL.pdf. Accessed 7 November 2025.
• Fred's Oral Prep. “Slater Fund Guide: Maritime Certification Financial Support - 2025.” www.fredsoralprep.com/blog/slater-fund. Accessed 7 November 2025.