How to become Merchant Navy deck officer
You can get into this job through:
- a sponsored university course
- an apprenticeship
- direct application
- pre-cadetship courses
University
You can start your career as a Merchant Navy officer cadet (deck) by doing a sponsored foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree at a maritime college or university.
You would apply to a sponsoring shipping company or charity to do this.
Courses usually include onboard practical training. Subjects offered include:
- nautical science
- marine operations
- navigation and maritime science
- mechanical and 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
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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.
With experience your employer may support you to complete rating to officer training.
The Slater Scholarship Fund aims to help ratings who choose to do the conversion to officer training, without their employers support.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Direct Application
If you have been in the Royal Navy, or have transferable skills from professions like mechanical engineering, you may be able to apply directly. You will still need to find a sponsoring company to take you through the training needed.
Other Routes
If you do not have the right qualifications to go direct to an officer programme you can do a pre-cadetship course (see FAQs section). This lasts around a year and will develop your skills to get you ready for an officer level course in the Merchant Navy.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a Merchant Navy deck officer from Careers at Sea and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.