Frequently Asked Questions
Any Questions?
You will find all the FAQs throughout this website detailed in this section. If you have a question which has not been answered you can contact one of the Training Companies who will have all the up–do–date information to answer any further questions you may have.
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. Shipping is one of the safest modes of transport.
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 the Trainee Officer 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 is 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. Men and woman with good skills and sea experience are much in demand for 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 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 ashore.
Q: What are the minimum qualifications needed 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 be gained?
A: As well as a recognised academic qualification Trainee Officers will also gain internationally-recognised ones that will allow them to work on ships and on-shore all over the world. And, during the course of a career at sea, Trainee Officers will have the opportunity to gain further qualifications and degrees - and even become Captain of a ship.
Q: How long will Trainee Officers 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 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 of 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 pa 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 parents or carers you the money many spend putting a son or daughter through further education.
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. 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. While it’s been a male-dominated industry, an ever increasing number of women now apply to be a Merchant Navy Trainee Officers 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 much 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. Obviously as Officers progress through the ranks at sea, pay will increase. And the jobs on-shore will obviously reflects their skills, experience and pay expectations.
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.
Q: What if I’m already studying an Engineering degree?
A: If you are at present and engineering student you can obtain sponsorship for the last two years of your degree. After you finish your degree you will then go on to complete further training at sea and short courses to ultimately obtain the Officer-of-the-Watch qualification
Q: How long is the training?
A: The duration of the training depends on their chosen discipline. Deck Training Officers will take between 3 and 3½ years to complete training; Engineer and ETO Training Officers will take about 3 years to complete their training. The degree course can last up to 4 years.
Q: Will I be expected to fight at sea?
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.
Q: What about the pay after training?
A: Excellent pay! Newly-qualified Officers can take home tax-free earnings in the region of £23,000+ pa.
Q: Does an individual need to be very focused and independent-minded to join the Merchant Navy?
A: People become focused and independent-minded as they receive training. Candidates come from all walks of life, and they don’t necessarily demonstrate the maturity they’ll develop in future years, before they apply. Training for the Merchant Navy develops many life skills in those willing to learn.
Q: What are the entry requirements?
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.
Note: Physics can be substituted by Technological Studies or, in the case of Deck Officers, Chemistry will be accepted.
Q: What is so rewarding about the Merchant Navy?
A: Travel. Self-confidence. Responsibility. (And not forgetting pay). They’re all very attractive.
Q: Who pays for my tuition fees?
A: The cost of tuition fees will be met by the Officer 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.
Q: How much will I be paid while studying?
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.
Q: How long will I be away at sea?
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.
Q: Do I get time off?
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.
Q: Which colleges are used for the courses?
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
- Fleetwood Nautical Campus
- Warsash Maritime Centre
- Liverpool John Moors University
- Plymouth Maritime Training
Q: What about seasickness?
A: If you’re prone to seasickness you will receive medication until you no longer feel seasick. It’s as simple as that. Seasickness is a common condition (Nelson used to suffer from it) but it does pass and you will get used to the motion of the ship beneath your feet.
Q: What happens when I want to stay on-shore/start a family, etc?
A: You can work for the Merchant Navy ‘landside’. There are lots of jobs on-shore in the Merchant Navy. Lots of administration and organisation has to be done on the ground here in Scotland to keep Britain’s merchant fleet sailing the world.