The HM Coastguard vessels which will be based in Shamrock Quay Marina, along the Itchen River in Southampton will be used to provide extra practical experience.
As part of ongoing work to encourage more people to bring their transferable skills into the maritime world, the training is being offered to those who have not had experience of being at sea. It will also be offered for refresher training.
The boats are undergoing a refit and HM Coastguard branding at Berthon Boat Company based in Lymington, Hampshire.
On board the boats, coastguards and other MCA staff will gain further knowledge of practical navigational skills, nautical terminology, as well as the sending and receiving of VHF radio messages as well as studying search plans and getting experience in using them.
It will also give them a taste of what life is like on board a vessel and on the water in general.
Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said: “I am delighted to see MCA delivering two new training boats, all part of its work to encourage as many people as possible to embark on a rewarding career within the maritime sector.
“The Government is committed to boosting skills, creating training opportunities for seafarers and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of the maritime sector – with a workforce fit for the future.”
James Instance from HM Coastguard said: “These training vessels will provide invaluable experience and insight into what life on board can be like for seafarers which will help coastguards in their search and rescue operations as well as their routine working.
“They will also provide understanding for others working in the MCA in their day-to-day maritime safety roles.”
The HM Coastguard boats will be used purely as training vessels and not as declared search and rescue assets.
It will be bound by the same rules that apply internationally to all mariners that state all masters/skippers of a vessel are required to help anyone in danger at sea as long as it does not cause serious danger to the rescuing ship.
HM Coastguard’s training vessels will be based along the Itchen River and there are no plans to deploy it anywhere else in the UK.
