Merchant Navy deck officer

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

Further information

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

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

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

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.