Merchant Navy Deck Officer

Typical Salary

£20,500 To £80,000

Typical Hours

52 to 54 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Merchant Navy Deck Officer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You can start your career after completing an industry-backed foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. These courses usually include onboard practical training. Relevant subjects include:

nautical science
navigation and maritime science
marine engineering

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship as an able seafarer (deck). This will usually take around 18 to 24 months to complete, including time at sea.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can join the Merchant Navy from age 16 onwards as an officer cadet or marine apprentice and train on the job.

You will also usually need to find a sponsoring company to put you through initial training.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to work well with others
sensitivity and understanding
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to use your initiative
excellent verbal communication skills
physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
observation and recording skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks will depend on your rank:

as third officer, you'll be responsible for safety equipment and lifeboats
as second officer, you'll navigate the ship using radar, satellites, computers and weather reports
as chief officer, you'll manage other officers and handle financial, legal and commercial matters
as master or captain, you'll have overall responsibility for the efficient running of the ship and the safety of the crew, passengers and cargo

Working Environment

You could work on a ship.

Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers, cramped and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

The Merchant Navy has clear progression routes through its ranks

You could find onshore and offshore positions with shipping companies, port authorities, maritime insurance companies and shipping brokers. Roles include logistics and fleet coordination, training and general management.

You could work for UK companies or for shipping companies based overseas.

You could also become a manager in other sectors.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a Merchant Navy deck officer from Careers at Sea and the Royal Fleet Auxilliary.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.