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Merchant Navy rating apprenticeships

Marine and waterways transport operatives > Merchant Navy Rating

Emergency and uniform services | Government services | Transport

Merchant Navy rating apprenticeships - where to start

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

    • Apprenticeship
    You can get into this job through an able seafarer (deck) Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.


    Direct Application
    You can apply directly to shipping companies or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Your training will combine college-based study with placements at sea to get practical experience of working on a ship. The length of training depends on your sponsoring company. You'll need 3 to 4 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in subjects like English, maths and physics, or combined science, or equivalent qualifications. 

    Employers will expect you to have good practical skills, enthusiasm for the career and the potential to complete ratings training. You may also find it useful if you have qualifications and experience in: catering, engineering, freight handling or navigation. 

    Merchant Navy rating 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
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass a medical check

    Merchant Navy rating apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You could: 

    • 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
    You could work on a ship. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, cramped, at height and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Merchant Navy rating apprenticeships

    You could progress to the ranks of leading hand, petty officer and chief petty officer. With the necessary skills and experience, you could take further training to join the junior officer ranks. You could also use your skills to move into onshore engineering or a hospitality and catering career.

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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!
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      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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