APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED AND WILL RE-OPEN 1ST APRIL 2027

Trinity House ASTO Career Development Bursary

What is Trinity House?

Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1514, Trinity House is a major charity dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers. Trinity House has two distinct but connected roles:

Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England and Wales, with responsibility for the safety of all vessels using UK waters. They are responsible for nearly 600 Aids to Navigation, such as lighthouses, buoys and beacons as well as the latest satellite navigation technology and the development of solar and wind energy systems for both onshore and offshore installations. In addition, it inspects over 10,000 local Aids to Navigation provided by port and harbour authorities, and on offshore structures

The Trinity House Maritime Charity is committed to providing education, support and welfare to mariners of all ages. Each year the charity disperses £5 million to meet its goals, this includes the funding Trinity House provides for sea-going staff and volunteers who work on sail training vessels operated by ASTO member organisations.

These bursaries support the career development of staff and volunteers in the UK sail training industry who wish to become qualified as mates and skippers or to increase their current qualifications.

Who can apply for a bursary?

Eligibility

Full criteria for eligibility are detailed in the ‘Application Guidance Notes‘, which can be downloaded here.

Please note you will usually need to hold a minimum of the RYA Day Skipper practical qualification before being considered for a bursary.

Be a British citizen (includes Isle of Man and Channel Islands) or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland
Will have accrued the qualifying sea-time relevant to the qualification applied for by the time date the course is taken
Have sail training experience and intend to continue a career working in UK sail training

ASTO Member Organisation Endorsement

From 2026, ALL applications for the Trinity House ASTO Career Development Bursary must be endorsed by an ASTO member organisation.

Each ASTO member organisation has a named sponsor with whom all applicants must discuss their application prior to submission.

Sponsors and applicants must discuss which qualifications to apply for funding for based on their current qualifications, skills and experience. They should also discuss how the courses will enable the applicant to progress their career within the sail training sector.

Please see the Application Guidance Notes for further details on the endorsement process and the names of each Member Organisation sponsor.

Course Selection

The courses you are requesting funding for must reflect a recognised career progression and enable you to achieve the next appropriate level of qualification, developing your overall skills and ability.

Funding requests for qualification updates and instructional qualifications are not included in this bursary.

Please ensure that you select all the courses you require to achieve the qualification level applied for. You will need to research the relevant publication for guidance on which courses are needed prior to making your selections

RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus Logbook (G158) or online at: org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence
MGN 280 & The Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code (Appendix 5: Safe Manning)
MSN 1858 (M+F) (yachts over 24m)

Please ensure you discuss your application including the qualifications you would like to apply for with the sponsor at the ASTO member organisation endorsing your application.

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