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Merchant Navy deck officer

Alternative titles for this job include Chief officer, navigation officer, captain, master

Merchant Navy deck officers are responsible for the safety, navigation, operation and crew of cargo and passenger ships.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£80,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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.

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:

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a Merchant Navy deck officer from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • leadership and management skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a Merchant Navy deck officer, you would:

  • plan sailing routes between ports
  • navigate a ship, using radar, satellite data and weather reports
  • manage maintenance schedules and safety inspections
  • communicate with other ships and onshore stations
  • manage a team of officers and ratings
  • handle financial, legal and commercial matters, as chief officer
  • take responsibility for the efficient running of the vessel and the safety of the crew, passengers and cargo, as ship’s master or captain

You could work on passenger or cargo ships, operating nationally or internationally. You could also work on vessels around the UK coast, such as tugs, ferries and supply ships.

Working environment

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

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

The Merchant Navy has clear progression routes through its ranks on board ship.

You could also find onshore positions with:

  • shipping companies
  • port authorities
  • maritime training providers
  • insurance companies
  • shipping brokers

You could work for UK companies or for shipping operators based overseas.

The high level of training and experience gained in leadership, communications and management would help you find management roles in other sectors.

You can get information and support for moving to onshore careers from the Marine Society.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a merchant navy deck officer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Maritime Studies Certificate

  • Provider: SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Dartmouth

Deck Shipping and Maritime Operations - Level 3

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 January 2026
  • Location: Fleetwood

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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