Marine Support & Training Service
The Marine Support & Training Service (MSTS) was founded in December 2003, and is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1126365). Based within the Port of Blyth, Northumberland, it is a totally voluntary organisation.
The MSTS provides its uniformed membership with comprehensive training in seamanship, small craft engineering and logistic support, and encourages them to take up careers at sea. The lower age limit for the Cadet Section is thirteen, and whilst there is no upper limit, all members must be able to carry out their tasks in a fully professional manner. As an integral part of the community of South-East Northumberland, the MSTS take an ACTIVE part in many local events, including Open Days and numerous fundraising projects for different groups, including Care Homes, Community Centres and local schools. With close links to the Blyth & Wansbeck Submariners Association, the MSTS provide an Honour Guard each year at the Submariners Service of Remembrance, which takes place on the first Sunday in November. They also participate in the Armistice Day Parade at the Ridley Park Cenotaph the following Sunday.
Partner organisations include Sea Vision, the Small Charities Coalition, the North East Regional Alcohol Forum, Civil DeFence Scotland, Tyne & Wear Emergency Planning Unit, the Scottish Garelochhead 2-Day Marches and a local wildlife rescue organisation, ‘Animalgique’.