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Merchant Navy rating

Alternative titles for this job include Engine rating, deck rating, able seafarer, petty officer

Merchant Navy ratings support navigation, watchkeeping and engine room duties on board cargo and passenger ships.

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£30,000 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:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a sponsored apprenticeship with a shipping company, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary or other small vessel and ferry operators.

Apprenticeships include:

  • Seafarer (Deck Rating) Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Small Commercial Vessel Crew Member Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Your training will combine classroom study with placements at sea to get practical experience of working on a ship. The length of training depends on your sponsoring company.

Employers will expect you to have good practical skills, enthusiasm for the career and the potential to complete ratings training.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs directly with shipping companies, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary or small vessel operators, if you have qualifications and experience in:

  • engineering
  • freight handling
  • navigation

More Information

Career tips

You can find work on all types of ships, including tankers, container ships, ferries, supply vessels and tugboats.

As well as deck and engine room roles, there may be opportunities to work in the hospitality and catering side of a ship’s operations.

Further information

You can find out more about working in the Merchant Navy through Careers at Sea and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

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
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • problem-solving skills
  • observation and recording skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You may need a Certificate of Competency if you are a deck or engine room watch rating.

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 rating, you could:

  • help to moor vessels and load and unload cargo
  • inspect and clean holds, tanks, cranes and winches
  • repair and paint the ship's hull, fixtures and fittings
  • test fire-fighting and life-saving equipment
  • carry out routine mechanical and electrical maintenance
  • monitor equipment controls
  • prepare meals in the galley and serve food and drinks
  • clean cabins, corridors and decks
  • track stock and re-order supplies

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 safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

As your career progresses, you could move up through the Merchant Navy ranks to become a:

  • senior deck rating
  • petty officer
  • chief petty officer

With the necessary skills and experience, you could take further training to become a deck officer or engineering officer.

You could also use your skills to move into onshore engineering, marine surveying, port management or shipping business services.

You'll find 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

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 January 2027
  • Location: South Shields

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: South Shields
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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