Nine coastal regions will receive a share of almost £1 million in government funding to boost the maritime industry.
The funding is being made to support careers, education, training and skills to encourage more people into the sector, according to the Department for Transport
Umbrella body Maritime UK welcomed the cluster development fund which it will manage for the government.
The aim is to revitalise coastal towns and cities by helping them secure investment for local industry and deliver skills, training and educational programmes.
Funding is being made available nationwide, from Cornwall to Scotland and Northern Ireland, with amounts ranging from £85,000 to £124,100.
For example, a £117,000 fund in Teesside will enable the cluster to run maritime training and careers events for schoolchildren, school leavers, students and job seekers.
Maritime UK South West will receive £85,000 to establish four skills, careers and diversity hubs and run five school and college events reaching an estimated 500 people, again supporting and feeding the maritime jobs of the future.
Funding of £100,000 funding in Merseyside will enable the cluster to establish an annual innovation showcase to attract foreign investors to the region and boost the northwest economy.
Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) will use its £124,100 fund to create a new and innovative business tool for SMEs to improve productivity, profitability and job creation.
Maritime minister Kane said: “The UK is a proud maritime nation, with our coastal communities being vital in unleashing our full potential and unlocking economic growth across the country.
“By investing in our excellent maritime clusters, we can deliver jobs, skills and training for local communities and turbocharge growth by delivering investment into the sector.”
Maritime UK chief executive Chris Shirling-Rooke said: “The maritime cluster development fund will create a real impact and make a tangible difference to our most precious of places – our coastal communities.
“Having been on this incredible journey with partners at the Department for Transport for more than six years, this labour of love for all of us is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.
“I look forward to seeing all of our maritime clusters thrive and creating those vital jobs and growth where they’re needed most.”