Merchant Navy Rating

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

53 to 55 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Merchant Navy Rating

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an able seafarer (deck) intermediate apprenticeship.

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

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly to shipping companies or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Your training will combine college-based study with placements at sea to get practical experience of working on a ship. The length of training depends on your sponsoring company.

You'll need 3 to 4 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in subjects like English, maths and physics, or combined science, or equivalent qualifications.

Employers will expect you to have good practical skills, enthusiasm for the career and the potential to complete ratings training.

You may also find it useful if you have qualifications and experience in:

catering
engineering
freight handling
navigation

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

You could:

load and unload cargo
inspect and clean holds, tanks, cranes and winches
repair and paint the ship's hull, fixtures and fittings
test fire-fighting and life-saving equipment
carry out routine mechanical and electrical maintenance
monitor equipment controls
prepare meals in the galley and serve food and drinks
clean cabins, corridors and decks
track stock and re-order supplies

Working Environment

You could work on a ship.

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

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

You could progress to the ranks of leading hand, petty officer and chief petty officer. With the necessary skills and experience, you could take further training to join the junior officer ranks.

You could also use your skills to move into onshore engineering or a hospitality and catering career.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a Merchant Navy rating from Careers at Sea.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass a medical check