A: No. It's the Royal Navy's job to defend the United Kingdom's rights and interests at sea. They're the ones with the guns and the torpedoes. You may be required to serve alongside the Royal Navy if you're with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – part of the Merchant Navy that backs up our warships with essential supplies. Otherwise, you'll be carrying grain or oil or tourists, not guns and missiles and bullets.

A: Absolutely. Traditionally a male-dominated industry, women now train as Merchant Navy Training Officers and subsequently enjoy careers at sea.

A: On TV, in newspapers, on the internet and on radio. This website contains a lot of information but for further specifics you can go to the Merchant Navy Training Board.

A: Excellent pay! Newly qualified Officers can take home tax-free earnings in the region of £23,000+ per annum.

A: Absolutely. New graduates can rise through the ranks, gaining new qualifications along the way and could end up as captain of a ship one day. Or, if they wanted to spend more time with family, elect to move their career to a shore–based position.

A: People become focused and independent–minded as they receive training. Candidates come from all walks of life. Training for the Merchant Navy develops many life skills in those willing to learn.

A: Sometimes weeks, sometimes months. Time spent at sea is offset by generous shore leave. During training a cadet tends to spend between 3-4 months away from home but it is obviously a significant element of a maritime career choice.

A: Five Standard Grades (or GCSEs), including Maths, Physics and English.
Note: Physics can be substituted by Technological Studies or, in the case of Deck Officers, Chemistry will be accepted.

A: Travel. Self-confidence. Responsibility. And not forgetting pay. They're all very attractive.

A: The cost of tuition fees will be met by the Trainee's Sponsoring Company. For Scottish Officer Trainees this will only be the case if the trainee applies for, and for whatever reason, is refused payment of his/her tuition fees from SAAS.  Either way as a Trainee Officer you will not have to pay your tuition fees personally.

A: Normally there are two rates of pay depending on whether you are at college or at sea – and it will depend on the rates your training provider pays. In addition to free tuition fees, a free uniform, free mandatory test and certification, free travel to join your ship during the sea phases of your training. You will also receive a range of other benefits which can include a living allowance.  As an example, Trainee Officers with Clyde Marine currently receive £160 per week while at college and £120 per week while at sea.  During the final college phase the college pay rises to £180 per week. There may also be bonuses available amounting to some £1000 over the period of training.

A: Trip lengths will vary depending which company sponsors your training. With a ferry company a trip could be 3 or 4 weeks, with a North Sea supply company a trip could be 6 or 8 weeks and with a deep sea company you may be away from home for up to 4 months at a time.

A: The duration of your training depends on your chosen discipline. Deck Trainee Officers will take between 3 and 3½ years to complete training; Engineer and ETO Trainee Officers will take about 3 years to complete their training.  The degree course can last up to 4 years.

A: Whilst at college you will get normal college holidays. On a sea phase you can expect to earn one week of leave for every month you are away from home. With a deep sea company you will get all your leave prior to returning to college, with other companies you will get leave between trips.

A: There are many colleges throughout UK who run Merchant Navy Officer courses. Detailed below are the seven main colleges.

• Glasgow College of Nautical Studies
• South Tyneside College
• Shetland School of Nautical Studies
• Liverpool John Moors University
• Fleetwood Nautical Campus
• Warsash Maritime Centre
• Plymouth Maritime Training