The Merchant Navy is the collective term for the British civilian shipping industry, consisting of companies operating ships ranging from small tugs, coasters and ferries through to large ocean going tankers, bulk carriers, container and cruise ships. It also includes the entire offshore energy industry as well as the supply and support ships operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary for the Royal Navy.

However, the Merchant Navy is not a single entity, being actually composed of individual companies who are responsible for their own recruitment and training.

Merchant Navy officers have responsibility for a range of tasks in either the deck or the engine department. There are also some dual officer roles, covering both departments. Deck officers are responsible for steering and navigating the ship, while engineer officers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's mechanical and electrical equipment.

The person in charge of a ship is known as the master or captain. This post carries full responsibility for the ship, the crew, the cargo, passengers, the safety of the ship and everyone on board, and for navigating the ship to where it needs to go. The person in charge of a ship's engineering and technical systems is the chief engineer.

Entry level

You can start your training at 16, 18 or 21, with a range of entry routes, and you can choose from deck or engineering options. Whether you join as a cadet, undergraduate or graduate, you would follow a programme of learning and experience, with alternating periods at college and at sea, obtaining the relevant qualifications and professional maritime certificates. Each route provides progression opportunities to the next stage, through the ranks to master/captain or chief engineer, depending on your chosen option, ability and ambition. You would be sponsored during your training. The sponsorship package would vary according to the training programme and the company concerned but your tuition fees would be paid and the total cost of practical training and experience at sea met by the company. In some cases, sponsorship can include a salary or training allowance to cover residential costs at college. The Merchant Navy Training Board is at present developing a framework for two-year Foundation Degrees in the merchant navy. These will eventually become the mainstream entry route for officer cadets, although the current graduate entry route will remain unchanged.

You must be in good health and you would have to pass a statutory medical examination before being employed at sea. A good standard of eyesight is also required for prospective deck (navigation) personnel. You should generally be aged between 16 and 21, although older candidates are sometimes considered. For officer cadet training, you can enter with at least four good GCSE/S Grade passes A-C/1-3 including English, maths and physics or combined science; or with A level/Advanced Higher/Higher or equivalent, preferably including maths and/or physics. For graduate entry, you would need to have a science-based degree.

Making the grade

Career development will often depend on the employing shipping company and the kinds of vessels it operates.

As a qualified deck or engineering officer, and with further training and experience, you can gain the qualifications required to sail as captain or as chief engineer officer. It generally takes an additional six years to achieve these qualifications.