Merchant navy deck officer
Navigate across the world's oceans to ensure your ship's crew and cargo arrives safely at their destination.
About the job
What it's like
You would navigate across the world’s oceans to ensure your ship’s crew and cargo arrives safely at their destination.
You would be responsible for navigation, communications, crew and cargo on board the ship. You’d also take care of passengers and oversee safety.
You’d work in watches: the system in which a team will work for a few hours and then take several hours off in a rota that runs continually throughout the day and night.
All UK-owned commercial ships are part of the Merchant Navy.
This includes:
Cruise ships
Container ships
High tech ferries
High quality oil, gas and chemical tankers
Modern bulk carriers carrying ores, grain and coal
Specialised support vessels
As a deck officer, you would work at one of four levels, depending on your experience.
As Master or Captain you would be responsible for the overall running and safety of the ship, crew, passengers and cargo. You would handle legal and commercial matters and keep all the ship's records up to date.
As Chief Officer you would assist the Master and oversee work on deck and maintenance around the ship, cargo handling and storage. You would also plan the work schedules and supervise other officers.
As Second Officer you would be responsible for navigation, using radar, satellite and computer systems. You’d also check the vessel's position, speed, direction and weather reports, and carry out watch duties at sea and in port.
The post of Third Officer would usually be your first job after training. You would look after the ship's safety equipment and lifeboats. You’d assist the Second Officer and carry out watch duties.
Some very large cargo ships and passenger liners may have a fifth officer level.
As a deck officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary you would work on civilian-crewed ships operated by the Ministry of Defence.
You could be responsible for:
Monitoring helicopter movements
Specialised navigation
Nuclear biological chemical damage control – the process used to tackle fires and other emergencies
Hours
Merchant Navy vessels operate around the clock and you would work shifts, known as 'watches', that vary according to the size of your ship. On a large vessel, you would work four hours on duty followed by eight hours off.
Environment
You would work on deck, below deck and on the bridge, in all weather conditions. If you work with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, you may work in combat zones.
Travel
Your time at sea could vary from a few days or weeks to several months. Periods of leave between voyages would also vary.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with numbers
- observation
- cooperating
- written communication
- verbal communication
- analysing
- attention to detail
- reliable
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Geography
Maths (Mathematics)
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
You'll need to complete a deck or engineering officer cadetship. To enter a cadetship, you'll need to be sponsored by a company. Most cadetships require four National 5 qualifications including English, maths and one science subject.
Your cadetship would last three years. You'd spend time training at sea and learning with a college or training school. Many cadets work towards an HNC/D qualification (SCQF Level 7/8) and a Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certificate of Competency. If you have Highers in English, maths and two science subjects, you may be eligible to complete a Foundation Degree or Professional Diploma (SCQF Level 8/9).
Sponsoring companies often recruit cadets up to a year before training begins.
All courses must be recognised by the Merchant Navy Training Board.
Qualifications and experience that show relevant skills such as:
NC Shipping and Maritime Operations (SCQF level 6) with optional Engineering Units.
Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4)
You require sponsorship by a shipping company or agency. There are training schools in Scotland to help you do this.
The sponsoring company may have additional entry requirements to training schools or colleges.
To progress in rank you will have to hold a relevant Certificate of Competency which is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
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