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Merchant Navy deck officer apprenticeships

Ship and hovercraft officers > Merchant Navy Deck Officer

Emergency and uniform services | Government services | Transport

Merchant Navy deck officer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

    • University
    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 or marine engineering.


    You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

    Apprenticeship
    You could do a Level 2 apprenticeship as an able seafarer (deck). This will usually take around 18 to 24 months to complete, including time at sea.  You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.

    Direct Application
    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. 

    Merchant Navy deck officer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    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

    Merchant Navy deck officer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    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
    Working environment
    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.

    Career path and progression - Merchant Navy deck officer apprenticeships

    The Merchant Navy has clear progression routes through its ranks You could find onshore and offshore positions with shipping companies, port authorities, maritime insurance companies and shipping brokers. Roles include logistics and fleet coordination, training and general management. You could work for UK companies or for shipping companies based overseas. You could also become a manager in other sectors.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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