Information for Teachers
We hope you've found this website informative and to contain the information that you will need. Our aim is to provide pupils in their final years at school with information and to outline the career opportunities available to them in the Merchant Navy. We have conducted case studies with young Officer Trainees who bring to life their views and opinions while they commence their career in the Merchant Navy.
By now your school should have received two information packs with leaflets and postcards to provide pupils with information on a career in the Merchant Navy. The packs were also sent to the School Library and Pupil Care & Support Team.
For more detailed information you can visit Merchant Navy Training Board or contact one of the maritime Training Companies for more information or perhaps to arrange a school visit to further educate the pupils on a career at sea.
Please find below some FAQs
Q: Why would I recommend a career in the Merchant Navy?
A: The Merchant Navy offers students fully-paid training and a chance for them to discover the world, learn responsible new skills and provides the opportunity for a shore–based career when it suits mariners to settle down. The Trainee Officers are sponsored by a shipping company who aim to provide them with full–time employment on completion of their full training.
Q: Why should I advise on a Merchant Navy career unless it is already being considered?
A: Your pupils may not be aware of the Merchant Navy and the opportunities and job security it offers. Our own research has discovered that many students and their parents / carers are unfamiliar with the Merchant Navy as a career choice, often confusing it with the Royal Navy or having outdated beliefs about everything, from the training provided to facilities on-board. As a career, it's a long way from Del Boy's Uncle Albert!
Q: What if a young person wants to go to university?
A: No problem. There are degree courses available, full details can be obtained from the Training Companies. Also students who choose to study for an alternative degree in engineering can be sponsored for their final two years at university by one of the sponsoring companies, should they decide to pursue a career at sea.
Q. What sort of pupil will a job in the Merchant Navy suit?
A. Obviously companies are looking for ‘sensible’ people - people they judge to be capable of accepting responsibility for themselves and for the people they will eventually be in charge of. University doesn’t suit everyone. The Merchant Navy suits those with academic capability combined with practical skills and a sense of adventure, and a desire not to follow a 9-5 career path. You’d be surprised how many people take to a career in the Merchant Navy.
Q: What are the entry requirements?
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.
The entry requirements for the Foundation Degree and Scottish Diploma require 120 UCAS points which must include A Level or higher passes in Maths or Physics.
Note: Physics can be substituted by Technological Studies or, in the case of Deck Officers, Chemistry will be accepted.
The entry requirements for the Foundation Degree and Scottish Diploma require 120 UCAS points which must include A Level or higher passes in Maths or Physics.
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.
Q: What about the earning potential?
A: Newly–graduated Officers can take home tax-free earnings in the region of £23,000 pa. Pay will rise as more qualifications are achieved, as the now-qualified Officer makes his or her way up the ranks.
Q: What about the long–term prospects?
A: 90% of 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. 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.
