The Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA) has welcomed the strong focus on skills in the Maritime Growth Study published this week. Nine of the 18 recommendations relate to skills and education, placing far more emphasis on skills than there was in the initial brief. Speaking after the MSA Board had considered the report, Chairman Bill Walworth said: “I served on some terrifically impressive ships in my time with the RFA, working with some truly impressive equipment, but we all know that counts for nothing without the right people, properly trained. We are delighted to see Lord Mountevans giving such high profile to attracting and training the next generation of seafarers, and to helping people to prepare for their next steps when they come ashore.