Why the Merchant Navy?

Very simply, it's a great career! You'll be well paid to travel the world. You could see more excitement in a week at sea than most people have in a year in a job ashore. You'll make great mates. And when the time comes for you to settle down and maybe start a family, you can command a well-paid career on-shore in the maritime industry – a job you can commute to and sleep in your own home every night – but still retain that contact with the sea and the people who make it their workplace.

Scotland has an international reputation as a leading centre for commercial ship management, a heritage dating back hundreds of years. Glasgow in particular has previously been at the forefront of the global maritime industry, with the Clyde's historic ship–building industry achieving prominence in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries’ golden age of seafaring. The maritime industry is just as important in the 21st century, and Scotland has a significant opportunity once again to drive its growth and development.

In order to achieve this, more students should consider a career at sea. It's an option of which many people are unaware. When thinking of the Merchant Navy, many confuse it with the Royal Navy, or consider it a little old–fashioned. And many are unfamiliar with the modern opportunities available at sea – and on-shore – after they complete their studies to join the Merchant Navy.

Scottish Enterprise and Careers Scotland are committed to increasing the awareness of the maritime industry (what it is and what it does). Find out about potential career prospects you can hope to achieve, such as fully–funded study, opportunities to travel, starting salaries for graduates usually in the region of £23k per annum once you’ve qualified and superb long–term employment prospects, at sea and on-shore.

The aim is to encourage enquiry and understanding, leading to yet more Scots studying for a career as an Officer in the maritime sector. This in turn will lead to the continued growth and development of the Scottish maritime industry. A true win–win scenario for the students and the Scottish economy.

Believe it or not, despite the size of the population compared to the rest of the UK, already more than half of the Trainee Officers joining the UK Merchant Navy each year come from Scotland - a real legacy of Scotland’s long affinity with the sea. If you choose to join the Merchant Navy there’s no doubt that you’ll be in good company.

 

Click the link to find out more facts about the past, present and future of the Merchant Navy.