Information for Parents
Any questions?
We want to give you the answers. Your son/daughter is thinking of embarking on a career that will really go places. He or she will develop skills and character that will stand them in line for an excellent career path and a job for life. And that career can be pursued on dry land as well as at sea.
Q: Is it a civilized job? I think of 'Old Uncle Albert' in Only Fools and Horses when I think of the Merchant Navy.
A: Gone are the days of 'salty old sea dogs'. As an Officer in today's Merchant Navy your son or daughter will be an important executive in an ocean–borne industry.
Q: What about safety on-board?
A: This is paramount. The sea can be an unpredictable place. That's why all ships have to be extremely safe places, to study and to work. Life jackets, hard hats, ear-protectors, goggles are all provided. The industry takes every precaution with the safety and well–being of their crews.
Q: What is on-board accommodation like?
A: Gone are the days of hammocks swinging from wooden beams and bunk beds of 10 in a cabin built for four. These days Trainee Officers can generally expect their own cabins, usually en-suite.
Q: Will my child be able to explore his or her own personal interests?
A: Absolutely. There's plenty of leisure time on board and shore leave in new and exciting cities. All Trainee Officers are encouraged to develop any interests they have on–board and on-shore. On larger ships you can expect to find gyms and swimming pools to keep the Trainee Officers busy when they're off duty. There's also plenty of studying to be done!
Q: What kind of long–term security does the Merchant Navy offer?
A: The Merchant Navy offers excellent long–term security – even when Officers decide they no longer wish to serve at sea. They can usually secure, well paid jobs on–shore.
Q: What is the range of careers available?
A: The Merchant Navy needs men and women to train in all disciplines to keep the Merchant Navy ships and ports working. Engineering, mechanics, navigating, team–management and motivation are just a few of the skills people acquire as part of their training. They will be engaged in training which will be applicable to a wide range of careers, both at sea and on–shore.
Q: What are the minimum qualifications my child needs to apply?
A: Five Standard Grades (or GCSEs) including Maths, English and Physics.
Note: Physics can be substituted by Technological Studies or, in the case of Deck Officers, Chemistry will be accepted.
Note: Physics can be substituted by Technological Studies or, in the case of Deck Officers, Chemistry will be accepted.
Q: What qualifications will my child gain?
A: As well as a recognised academic qualification they will also gain internationally–recognised qualifications that will allow him or her to work on ships and on-shore all over the world. And, during the course of a career at sea, your son or daughter will have the opportunity to gain further qualifications and degrees – and even become Captain of a ship.
Q: How long will they spend away from home?
A: The training process is very much based around a practical element and to this end most Officer Trainees will spend a large part of their time at sea. The length of time depends on whether they choose to go 'deep sea' on larger vessels or to work on the coastal sector. Most enjoy the experience immensely. The time away from home can be anything from 5 or 6 weeks up to 4 months with a leave ratio whilst training or 4:1, i.e. for every four weeks at sea, one week's leave is earned.
Q: What is the starting salary?
A: A newly graduated Merchant Navy Officer can expect to earn in the region of £23,000 per annum tax–free. Unlike students at most colleges our Trainee Officers are sponsored by shipping companies so your child will be earning money from the very start. That will save you the money many parents spend putting a son or daughter through further education.
Q: What about the long–term prospects?
A: 90% or the world's trade is carried by ships. Trading nations will always need ships and men and women to crew them, so long–term prospects are excellent in the Merchant Navy. And, as mentioned above, the demand for qualified Officers to work on-shore is now higher than ever.
Q: Will they learn any transferable skills?
A: Very many. Employers in all walks of life value the experience, self–discipline, reliability and many skills former Merchant Navy Officers bring to the workplace.
Q: How do ships maintain contact with the shore from the middle of the ocean?
A: By long–distance satellite links. No ship, nowadays in the Merchant Navy, is ever likely to be out of contact with the shore.
Q: Is there hot water on board ships?
A: Ships are like a small village and produce their own water, heating and electricity so every modern system is on-board including hot water.
Q: Is the Merchant Navy suitable for Officers of either sex?
A: Absolutely. Traditionally a male–dominated industry, many women now engage in Merchant Navy cadetships and subsequently enjoy careers at sea.
Q: Where can I find advertising for the Merchant Navy?
A: On TV, in newspapers, on the internet and on radio. This website contains a lot of the information available, but for further specifics, visit Merchant Navy Training Board
Q: Is the Merchant Navy connected to the Forces?
A: No. Some Merchant Navy vessels deliver supplies to Royal Navy ships but otherwise there is no connection.
Q: What about the earning potential?
A: Newly–graduated Officers can take home tax-free earnings in the region of £23,000 pa.
Q: Is there a good career structure?
A: Absolutely. New Officers can rise through the ranks, gaining new qualifications along the way and could end up as Captain of a ship or Chief Engineer one day. Or, if they wanted to spend more time with family, elect to move their career to a shore–based position.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Go to Merchant Navy Training Board – the official Merchant Navy website - and have a look at the student testimonials on this website to find out, first hand, what they think of life in the Merchant Navy.