How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a sponsored university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- direct application
- a pre-cadetship course
University
You can start your career as a Merchant Navy officer cadet (deck) on an industry sponsored course at a maritime college or university.
You can choose a course that suits your needs, from a foundation degree, higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND), up to a degree.
Subjects include:
- nautical science
- marine operations
- navigation and maritime science
Courses can last up to 3 years and include 12 months of onboard practical training spread over 5 phases. Phases 2 and 4 are spent at sea.
Alongside an academic qualification, you will get a professional qualification known as an unlimited Certificate of Competency. This is internationally recognised and allows you to work on ships anywhere in the world.
You will need to apply directly to a sponsoring company to do an officer cadetship. Your course costs will be funded by your sponsor and you will receive a bursary payment throughout your training.
Entry requirements for academic courses vary. Sponsoring companies may also have their own entry requirements beyond those needed for the courses themselves.
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
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Officer of the Watch (Near Coastal) Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This allows you to work on vessels that operate in near coastal waters around the UK.
This apprenticeship and its assessment takes around 42 months to complete, including time at sea.
Another option is to do a Seafarer (Deck Rating) Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a shipping company. On completion and with some experience, your employer may support you through further training to become a deck officer.
You may also be able to do a Ship's Master Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to work on support vessels up to 500 gross tonnage.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
Work
If you’re a Merchant Navy rating, you may be able to apply to the Slater Memorial Fund for financial help towards deck officer training. This is for seafarers who wish to do training without the support of an employer.
Direct Application
If you have been in the Royal Navy, or are an experienced Merchant Navy rating, you may be able to apply directly for jobs.
Details of the conversion routes from Royal Navy to Merchant Navy can be found in the Royal Navy Memorandums of Understanding.
Other Routes
If you do not meet the entry requirements for deck officer cadet training you can do a pre-cadetship course at a nautical training college.
This lasts around 1 year and will help you develop your knowledge and skills, so you can apply for Merchant Navy deck officer training.
More Information
Career tips
You can learn more about careers at sea through open days and events held by maritime colleges around the country.
You can also join a cadet group to learn new skills and take part in activities on the water. Groups include:
- Sea Cadets for young people between 12 and 18 years old
- Sea Rangers for young women aged 13 to 21
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a Merchant Navy deck officer from: