How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in the UK
Merchant navy officers run commercial ships, from container ships and tankers to ferries and cruise ships. Deck officers navigate, keep watch on the bridge and manage cargo and safety, while engineer officers run and maintain the engines, power and machinery. You live on board for rotations that commonly last several weeks to a few months, followed by long periods of leave at home.
Most UK officers start through a sponsored cadetship with a shipping company, which combines college study with time at sea. Cadetships are often free, with a training allowance, and take around 3 to 4 years.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £40,000 (cadet -> 3rd Officer)
- Mid-career salary
- £45,000 - £60,000
- Senior salary
- £70,000 - £100,000+
- Work environment
- Vessels, long rotations at sea
- Time to entry
- 3 - 4 years (cadetship)
- Degree required
- Preferred - sponsored cadetship route
- Category
- Maritime and Offshore
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers.
What a Merchant Navy Officer does
Deck or engineering officer on commercial cargo, tanker or passenger vessels.
How to become a merchant navy officer in the UK
The main route is an officer cadetship approved by the Merchant Navy Training Board, sponsored by a shipping company and delivered with a maritime college or university. You study for an HND, foundation degree or degree in nautical science or marine engineering, and complete sea phases on board. Cadets also complete STCW basic safety training and must pass an ENG1 seafarer medical. At the end, you take Maritime and Coastguard Agency exams for an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency, which lets you work as a third officer or third engineer. Experienced ratings can also progress to officer.
- Decide between deck officer and engineer officer, as the training, exams and day-to-day work are different from the start.
- Check you can pass an ENG1 seafarer medical, including the eyesight and colour vision standards for deck officers, before you apply.
- Apply to shipping companies and maritime training providers for a sponsored cadetship, usually with GCSEs in maths, English and science, or A levels for degree routes.
- Complete STCW basic training in sea survival, firefighting, first aid and personal safety at the start of your cadetship.
- Finish your college phases and sea time, keep your training record book up to date, then pass the MCA oral exam for your Officer of the Watch certificate.
- Work as a third officer or third engineer, building sea time and passing further MCA exams to move up towards chief officer, chief engineer or master.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsored officer cadetship | 3-4 years | Usually free, with a training allowance | School leavers and career changers |
| Maritime degree with sea phases | 3-4 years | Often sponsored | People who also want a degree |
| Rating to officer | Varies | Often company-supported | Experienced seafarers already at sea |
How long it takes
A cadetship takes around 3 to 4 years, including college and time at sea, before you qualify as an officer. You are paid a training allowance throughout, so you earn from the start.
Merchant Navy Officer salary in the UK
As a cadet you receive a training allowance, and once you qualify as a third officer or third engineer, pay is typically around £30,000 to £40,000. Second and chief officers usually earn £45,000 to £60,000, and a ship captain or chief engineer can earn £70,000 to £100,000 or more. Pay depends on ship type, with tankers, gas carriers and offshore vessels often paying more, and on your company and rotation. Some seafarers working outside UK waters may also qualify for the Seafarers' Earnings Deduction on UK tax.
Key skills
- STCW
- Navigation / engineering
- Leadership
- Resilience
Merchant Navy Officer FAQs
How do I become a merchant navy officer?
Apply to shipping companies or maritime training providers for a sponsored deck or engineer cadetship. Over 3 to 4 years you study at college, complete sea time and STCW training, pass an ENG1 medical, and take MCA exams for your Officer of the Watch certificate.
Do you need a degree to join the merchant navy as an officer?
No. Many cadets study for an HND or foundation degree, and degree routes are also available. Sponsors usually ask for GCSEs in maths, English and science, or A levels for degree-level cadetships.
How much does a merchant navy officer earn?
Newly qualified third officers and third engineers typically earn around £30,000 to £40,000. Second and chief officers earn £45,000 to £60,000, and masters and chief engineers can earn £70,000 to £100,000 or more.
How long are you away at sea in the merchant navy?
It depends on the company and ship type. Rotations commonly range from a few weeks to several months on board, followed by a period of leave. Ferry and offshore jobs often have shorter, more regular rotations than deep-sea cargo ships.
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