New 'UK Ship Register' launched

Source: Media Newswire

(Media-Newswire.com) - A new-look UK Ship Register was launched today by Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman after a complete review of customer service provided by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ( MCA ).

Speaking at a reception to mark the launch at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, Dr Ladyman said:

"I am delighted to announce that the UK Register has a new identity. From today it will be known as the UK Ship Register. This is much more than a re-branding exercise. It is real change that brings together all stages of the registration process into one unit and will provide even better customer care.

The UK Ship Register will communicate more with its customers, and make online registration easier and quicker."

Major changes being introduced include:

* Dedicated Customer Account Managers to provide on-going customer care with focused assistance throughout and after registration
* 24-hour assistance
* A new interactive website [http://www.ukshipregister.co.uk]
* On-line registration, where customers will be just 'two clicks' away from the start of the registration process.

CADET AWARD

During the reception, Dr Ladyman presented the first MCA Officer Trainee of the Year award to Liam Thompson, a former cadet with Zodiac Maritime Agencies Limited and managed by Clyde Marine Training. He studied at Blackpool and The Fylde College, Fleetwood Nautical Campus.

Liam displayed a number of qualities which particularly impressed the judges, including his academic progress, and his completion of additional studies at college and sea in order to achieve a Certificate of Competency. Described as a 'true leader who encourages his peers to achieve their true potential', Liam is an all-rounder who is an example to others in his class.

Colin McMurray, General Manager of Clyde Marine Training, said

"Liam was a very deserving winner. He had shown tremendous maturity throughout his training and it is fitting that someone of Liam's calibre should win the first MCA Officer Trainee Award of the year. This also positively reflects the commitment of Zodiac Maritime Agencies Ltd to invest in the future of British Officers, as we look forward to the continued growth of our industry"

Notes to Editors

1. The UK Ship Register is a division of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and currently has 1,456 ships registered. During 2006, the Register had a net increase of 33 ships, adding an additional 1 million tonnes. Ranked third on the Paris MoU 'White List', the UK Ship Register is in competition with 197 Flag States globally.

2. The MCA Officer Trainee of the Year award is made in association with Lloyd's List and the Merchant Navy Training Board ( MNTB ). It recognises the excellence of attitude and commitment during training. Nominations were of an extremely high standard, and the judging panel deliberated hard before reaching a unanimous decision on the winner.

3. Clyde Marine Training Ltd is the UK's largest maritime training company. Currently, it recruits 51% of all the officer trainees and manages some 800 trainees on behalf of over 55 clients. It is also part of the Clyde Group based in Glasgow.