This article offers an insight into the regulation and conduct of training and education in a globalised industry, and across an international labour market. Focusing on the cargo shipping sector of the maritime industry, it considers the provision of training and education for modern merchant officers within the context of an international regulatory framework. The article is based on an international, year-long, small-scale study funded by the British Academy (Ref: LRG33549). (Contains 2 tables and 6 notes.)