World Maritime Day takes place on Thursday 24 September 2026, putting the maritime industry and the people who work in it in the spotlight.
Maritime training in Gravesend
Here in Gravesend, we have a rich maritime history, and the town’s location on the River Thames has played an important role in the movement of people, goods and vessels for centuries. Today, that connection continues through the National Maritime Training Centre at NKC Gravesend College, helping prepare the next generation of professionals for careers across the maritime industry.
The centre provides specialist maritime education, and practical training and facilities at NMTC include dedicated classrooms, a training pool, a fire ground and a jetty on the River Thames, giving learners access to practical environments designed around the demands of maritime work.
This combination of expert instruction, specialist equipment and hands-on experience helps learners develop the skills and confidence required in a sector where safety, teamwork and technical knowledge are essential.
What careers are available in the maritime industry?
There are lots of different jobs in the maritime sector, ranging from vessel operations to engineering, and from safety to port services.
Depending on their interests and training, our students can progress into careers involving:
- Maritime operations and vessel support
- Engineering and technical maintenance
- Marine safety and emergency response
- Port and logistics operations
- Commercial shipping
- Maritime training and instruction
- Environmental and sustainability-focused roles
Many of these careers require a combination of practical ability, technical understanding, problem-solving and strong communication skills. At NMTC, practical facilities support the development of skills in realistic settings. Training on the water, in the pool and around specialist fire and safety facilities can help learners understand how knowledge is applied beyond the classroom.
Supporting the next generation of maritime professionals
This World Maritime Day, NKC Gravesend College is celebrating the people who keep the maritime sector moving and highlighting the value of high-quality training in helping future professionals turn knowledge into action.
Find out more about the National Maritime Training Centre and explore opportunities to develop skills for a career in the maritime industry.