A Career at Sea…

On completion of your training and on passing the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) statutory examinations you will qualify as a junior Deck or Engineer Officer and be able to serve as such on a International merchant ship. You will also have the appropriate Nautical or Marine Engineering degree. From there through further sea service and qualifying examinations, it is possible to attain the rank of Master or Chief Engineer Officer in a relatively few short years.

In addition to service at sea qualified and experienced officers have traditionally filled a variety of responsible posts in other areas of the maritime world where skills knowledge and professionalism can be put to good use. In a number of instances this may require further study and qualifications. Among the extended career opportunities are ship broking, maritime law, ship management, technical management, ship surveying, management in ports and harbours, teaching and Government service. There are opportunities both at home and overseas.

Did You Know...?

  • ...All the training schemes require a commitment to hard work and personal qualities which accept the challenge of developing technology. You will also need to be physically fit. The MCA medical and eyesight examination ( particularly for Deck Officer Trainees) must be passed before applying for sponsorship. You also need to get on easily with your fellow trainees. Running a modern Merchant Ship requires good teamwork skills but also involves a high degree of personal responsibility...