Merchant Navy
The Merchant Navy is the common term for the commercial shipping industry. Roles within the Merchant Navy vary depending on a number of factors, including size and type of vessel. The range of vessels includes passenger ferries, container ships, tankers, small tugs, and cruise ship. Some vessels have a large number of officers and ratings, whilst others have a very small number of officers and ratings. This affects the breadth of responsibilities and seniority of those on board. Furthermore, there are fewer statutory certification requirements for officers working on small vessels and on vessels working in the near coastal area
Officers (Navigation Deck)
- Master (Captain)
- Chief Officer (Chief Mate)
- 2nd Officer (2nd Mate)
- 3rd Officer (3rd Mate)
- Cadet (Trainee Officer)
- Radio Office (IT officer)
Officers (Engineering)
- Chief Engineer Officer
- 2nd Engineer Officer
- 3rd Engineer Officer
- Junior Engineer
- Engineer Cadet
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
- Electrician
Support Staff/Ratings
- Seaman Grade 1 (Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., Bosun, Deck Chief Petty Officer, Senior Rating, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P. )
- Seaman Grade 2 (Ordinary Seafarer, O.S., Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P.)
- Pumpm
- Fitter (Engineering Maintenance Fitter)
- Motorman (Mechanic)
- General hand (Oiler, Wiper)
- Cook (Ship's Cook, Chief Cook)
- Steward
- Trainee Rating (Junior Ordinary Seafarer)
Staff sepcific toTtugs
- Tug Master (Tug Skipper)
- Tug Engineer
- Tug Hand ( Tug G.P, Tug Deckhand)
Hospitality Staff Specific to Passenger Vessels
- Cruise Director
- Chief Purser ( Hotel Service Officer, HR Officer)
Shore-based Ship Management
- Fleet Operations;
- Fleet Director (Commerical Director
- Logistics Co-ordination and Training - Fleet Personnel;
- Personnel Manager (Human Resources Manager)
- Training Manager (Head of Training)
- Personnel Officer
- Training Officer
General Operations
- Operations Manager (Safety Manager, Quality Manager)
- Safety Officer (Quality Officer)
Marine Operations
- Marine Superindendent
- Marine Technical Assistant
Engineering Operations
- Engineering Superindendent (Technical Superintendent)
- Assistant Engineering Superindendent (Assistant Technical Manager)
- Engineering Technical Assistant
Role, Career Pathways & Qualifications
Click the links below to find out more about specific roles, career pathways and required qualifications
Roles
Master (Captain)
In overall command of the vessel. Full responsibility for the crew, ship handling, the cargo, passengers and the safety of the vessel. The Master manages the ship and all on board administration and normally keeps the ships records. The Master is responsible for dealings with the shore authorities and ports on matters such as health and safety.
Chief Officer (Chief Mate)
Understudy to the Master and holds a II/2 Certificate of Competency. Directly responsible for all deck operations including cargo storage and handling, deck maintenance and deck supplies. The Chief Officer is responsible for the deck officers and allocates tasks to the deck officers. Undertakes bridge watches.
2nd Officer (2nd Mate
Understudy to the Chief Officer. Specifically responsible for the navigation of the vessel and keeps charts and publications up to date. The 2 nd Officer produces the passage plan for the ship, for approval by the Master. Other duties include monitoring the navigation and radio equipment on the bridge, undertaking the watch when at sea and the cargo watch when in port. If there are cadets on board, the 2 nd Officer may also be the designated training officer. The 2 nd Officer (but sometimes one of the other officers) may also be the designated security, safety, environmental or medical officer.
3rd Officer (3rd Mate)
Responsible for making sure that fire-fighting equipment and Life Saving Appliances are in order and for learning job of the 2 nd Officer. Undertakes bridge watches.
Cadet (Trainee Officer)
On a training programme lasting approximately 3 years. Working to gain sea time. Receives structured training and experience on board. They assist and understudy deck officers.
Radio Office (IT officer)
Normally only on passenger ships. Duties are undertaken by 2 nd or 3 rd Officer where there isn't a dedicated Radio Officer. Oversees the ship's communications regarding weather, traffic etc. Maintains radio log book and radio accounts. Responsible for maintaining all radio equipment, including emergency communication equipment onboard and in the life boats.
Career Pathways
Master (Captain)
An experienced Master may captain a variety of sizes and types of vessel.
Opportunities in the marine leisure industry include super yachts.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Opportunities in consultancy, surveying, lecturing and maritime law.
Chief Officer (Chief Mate)
Master.
Opportunities in other Sectors
2nd Officer (2nd Mate)
Opportunities in other Sectors
3rd Officer (3rd Mate)
2nd Officer.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Opportunities in consultancy, surveying, lecturing and maritime law.
Upon qualification, a trainee officer will usually join a vessel as 3 rd officer, depending on the size of the vessel.
Radio Office (IT officer)
Usually only found on passenger ships, the Radio Officer can progress through the normal deck officer route.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Lecturing
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
All new entrants require the MCA Basic Safety Training course, covering personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid and personal safety and social responsibilities.
Officers (Navigation Deck)
STCW II/2
Medical Care Onboard Certificate
Chief Officer (Chief Mate)
STCW II/2
Medical Care Onboard Certificate
2nd Officer (2nd Mate)
STCW II/1
May have Medical Care Onboard Certificate
3rd Officer (3rd Mate)
STCW II/1
Level 4 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Operations (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Cadets will be training for:
STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch Certification
Level 3 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Operations (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
HND Nautical Science
BSc/BSc (Hons) Degrees including: Nautical Science, Nautical Studies, Merchant Ship Operations
(Incorporating L3 Marine Vessel Operations and L2 Marine Vessel Support)
Merchant Navy Foundation Degree
Radio Office (IT officer)
STCW 95 GMDSS General Operators Certificate
Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance Certificate
May have STCW III/1
Level 3 Diploma in Communications Systems (City & Guilds)
Level 5 HND in Marine Engineering (Radio Communication Engineering) (EDEXCEL)
Roles
In charge of the engineering department and responsible to the Master for its efficient operation. Has overall control and decision making powers for the engineering department. Responsible for ensuring that all planned mechanical and electrical maintenance takes place. Co-ordinates operations with shore-side port engineer.
2nd Engineer Officer
Directly responsible to the Chief Engineer Officer. Responsible for the management of the engine room and the engine room maintenance team. Oversees the training of engineers. Has watch-keeping engineering responsibilities.
3rd Engineer Officer
Responsible for the maintenance of certain engine room equipment e.g. auxiliary generators. May look after the electrics if there isn't an electrician or ETO on board. Has watch-keeping engineering responsibilities.
Junior Engineer
Supports the 3 rd Engineer. Responsible for the fuelling and also the maintenance of certain engine room equipment e.g. purifiers. Has watch-keeping engineering responsibilities.
Engineer Cadet
On a training programme lasting approximately 3 years (less if on fast track scheme for qualified engineers). Receives structured training and experience on board. They assist and understudy the ship's engineer officers in their duties.
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Specialist officer with particular responsibility for the maintenance of on board electronic and electrical systems including radio communications and electronic navigation aids. Usually acts as a replacement for the Electrician or IT Officer.
Electrician
Responsible for all aspects of the electrical systems on the vessel.
Career Pathways
Must be holder of the Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competence
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Chief Engineers are needed on a range of vessels, from oil tankers to passenger liners.
Support opportunities include Engineering Superintendent and Technical Superintendent positions. Other opportunities include consultancy work and top level positions in ship building and repair, design and surveying.
Both the Royal Navy and the marine leisure sector employ Chief Engineers. There are also director and management opportunities in the ports and sector
Opportunities in other Sectors
Consultancy, Lecturing.
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring engineering experience.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Chief Engineer.
Middle level shore-based roles include Assistant Engineering Superintendent and Assistant Technical Manager. There are also opportunities in ship yards, design and surveying.
Management and support opportunities in the ports sector. Marine leisure and Royal Navy roles.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Consultancy, Lecturing
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring engineering experience.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
2nd Engineer.
Shore-based Engineering Technical Assistant
There are engineering opportunities in the marine leisure and supervising technicians in the ports sector.
Opportunities in other Sectors
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring engineering experience.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
3rd Engineer, depending on the size of the vessel.
Shore-based Engineering Technical Assistant. There are support opportunities in the ports sector and engineering opportunities in the fishing and marine leisure sectors.
Established routes from other Sectors
Mechanic, general engineering experience
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
The first posting for an Engineer Cadet is as a Junior Engineer.
Established routes from other Sectors
Mechanic, general engineering experience
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
With experience and relevant study, an ETO can progress to senior rank, especially on large passenger vessels with very large electrical plant.
There are technician opportunities in the ports sector.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Specialised or management opportunities in a Power Plant.
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring electro-technical experience.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
An electrician may specialise to progress to ETO.
There are technician opportunities in the ports sector.
Opportunities in other Sectors
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring electrical experience.
Established routes from other sectors
General electrician
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
Officers (Engineering)
Must be holder of the Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competence
Chief Engineer Officer
STCW III/2
2nd Engineer Officer
STCW III/2
3rd Engineer Officer
STCW III/1
Level 4 S/NVQ in Marine Engineering Operations (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Junior Engineer
STCW III/1
Medical First Aid Certificate
Level 4 S/NVQ in Marine Engineering Operations
(Pathway B) (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Engineer Cadet
Engineer cadets will be training for:
MCA STCW III/1 Officer of the Watch Certification
Level 3 S/NVQ in Marine Engineering Operations
(Pathway B) (SQA/EDEXCEL)
HND in Marine Engineering (EDEXCEL)
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
BEng/BEng (Hons) Degrees including: Marine Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , Mechanical and Power Plant Systems
(Incorporating L3 Marine Engineering Operations and L2 Marine Vessel Support)
Merchant Navy Foundation Degree
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Relevant electrical engineering qualification
Electrician
Relevant electrical engineering qualification
Roles
Seaman Grade 1 (Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., Bosun, Deck Chief Petty Officer, Senior Rating, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P. )
A member of the deck crew. Undertakes watches, and duties include steering the vessel, standing lookout and assisting the Officer on watch. Carries out deck and accommodation patrols. Moors and unmoors the vessel, secures and unsecures cargo, and carries out deck maintenance and cleaning. The most senior and experienced at this level may have responsibilities tantamount to foreman. Duties would additionally include directly supervising maintenance operations and allocating tasks. Some ratings at Seaman Grade 1 level may be qualified to work on the deck or engineering side, and are classed as "General Purpose Ratings".
Seaman Grade 2 (Ordinary Seafarer, O.S., Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P.)
Member of deck crew; undertakes similar tasks to Seaman Grade 1, whilst gaining experience. Normally has less experience and sea-time than Seaman Grade 1. Some ratings at Seaman Grade 2 level may be qualified to work on the deck or engineering side, and are classed as "General Purpose Ratings".
Pumpman
Normally a member of the deck department, but sometimes a member of the engineering department. Works on tankers and operates pumps and discharges liquid cargo, mostly petroleum products. Responsible for maintaining and repairing all cargo handling equipment.
Fitter (Engineering Maintenance Fitter)
A fitter is semi-skilled and mechanically trained. Responsible for ensuring the continuous running of machinery and equipment, organising routine maintenance procedures and any necessary repairs. Normally the most senior rating on the engineering side.
Motorman (Mechanic)
Supports the engineering officers as directed. Maintains the engine room machinery plant.
General hand (Oiler, Wiper)
Supports the engineering team as directed. Cleans the machinery plant, checks systems and assists with engineering tasks.
Cook (Ship's Cook, Chief Cook)
Food planning, preparation and stock taking/provisions ordering. Beyond the basic training all seafarers have to undertake, the only catering requirement is that the cook must hold a Ship's Cook certificate.
Steward
Cleans and maintains cleanliness of accommodation as directed.
Trainee Rating (Junior Ordinary Seafarer)
Learns the role of Seaman whilst working towards the Navigational Watch Rating Certificate.
Career Pathways
DO NOT hold the Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competence
Seaman Grade 1 (Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., Bosun, Deck Chief Petty Officer, Senior Rating, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P. )
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
An experienced Seaman Grade 1 could be promoted to a Senior Rating position by the company, and they would then have a supervisory role.
Significant sea experience will be an advantage in a number of support roles, including operation, safety and marine assistant.
Opportunities in marine leisure include commercial yachts.
Seagoing experience valued in ports industry eg in marine operations or in VTS Officer posts (with further training).
It is possible for Ratings to undertake officer training and apply for officer positions once they have certification and sea time.
G.P. may progress through either the deck or the engineering rating route. A GP's engineering experience may qualify them for a technician role in the port sector.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Technician role in a non-maritime sector (for G.P only).
Seaman Grade 2 (Ordinary Seafarer, O.S., Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P.)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
An experienced Seaman Grade 2 can progress to Seaman Grade 1.
Opportunities in marine leisure include commercial yachts.
Seagoing experience valued in ports industry eg in marine operations.
It is possible for Ratings to undertake officer training and apply for officer positions once they have certification and sea time.
A G.P. may progress through either the deck or the engineering rating route. A GP's engineering experience may qualify them for a technician role in the port sector.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Technician role in a non-maritime sector (for G.P. only).
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Technician opportunities in ports sector.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Technician opportunities in non-maritime sector.
Fire Service, Off-shore petroleum sector.
Fitter (Engineering Maintenance Fitter)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
It is possible for Ratings to undertake officer training and apply for officer positions once they have certification and sea time.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
May progress to senior engineering rating level, such as Fitter.
It is possible for Ratings to undertake officer training and apply for officer positions once they have certification and sea time.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Fire Service
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
May progress to senior engineering rating level, such as Fitter.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Fire Service
Cook (Ship's Cook, Chief Cook)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
With experience can progress to Chief Cook
Opportunities in other Sectors
Hotel, restaurant and catering sectors.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Could work in Port Operations
Opportunities in other Sectors
Hotel work
Trainee Rating (Junior Ordinary Seafarer)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Seaman Grade 2
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
There are three different types of Ratings: deck/general purpose, engine-room and catering
All ratings need to have undertaken basic safety training
Seaman Grade 1 (Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., Bosun, Deck Chief Petty Officer, Senior Rating, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P. )
Efficient Deck Hand (leads to Able Seaman Certificate) Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats or Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft
Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
The General Purpose Rating must also have the Engineering Watch Rating Certificate
Plus extensive sea time (approx 2 years)
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Seaman Grade 2 (Ordinary Seafarer, O.S., Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P.)
May have or will be working towards the Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
The General Purpose Rating must also work towards the Engineering Watch Rating Certificate
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Pumpman
Engine room experience and sea time
May be required by the company to have an advanced fire fighting certificate.
May have relevant qualification, for example:
Level 3 in Engineering Technology Maintenance (City and Guilds)
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Fitter (Engineering Maintenance Fitter)
Engine Room Watch Rating Certificate
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Engineering (EAL)
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Motorman (Mechanic)
Engine Room Watch Rating Certificate
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
General hand (Oiler, Wiper)
Level 2 S/NVQ in Marine Vessel Support (SQA/EDEXCEL)
Cook (Ship's Cook, Chief Cook)
Certificate of Competency as Ship’s Cook
Steward
Hospitality/catering experience is an advantage. Qualifications include:
Level 1 in Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Skills (ABC)
Trainee Rating (Junior Ordinary Seafarer)
Works towards gaining the Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
Roles
Tug Master (Tug Skipper)
In command of vessel operations. The Tug Master is responsible for safety and operations onboard. The role normally involves working very closely with operational staff ashore who retain responsibility for vessels husbandry and management. Expertise is centred on the precision handling of the craft, towage in coastal areas and salvage and environmental protection.
Tug Engineer
In charge of the engine-room, power plant and auxiliary machinery onboard a harbour or coastal tug. The Tug Engineer would usually be the sole engineer onboard, although for routine operations there may not be an Engineer on board. The Tug Engineer works closely with shore-based staff who are responsible for the long term planning and management of engineering activities. The power of the vessel is significant in comparison to its size but is usually limited to 6000kW.
Tug Hand (Tug G.P, Tug Deckhand)
An uncertificated general purpose rating works as part of a tug's small team. This is a wide ranging role with input to all aspects of a tug's operation include working on deck, in the engine room, communications and catering / hotel services.
Career Pathways
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Seagoing experience valued in ports industry eg in marine operations
Fleet Management
Opportunities in other Sectors
Other commercial vessels outside of the Merchant Navy
Opportunities in other Sectors
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring engineering experience.
Tug Hand (Tug G.P, Tug Deckhand)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Seagoing experience valued in ports industry eg in marine operations.
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
Tug Master (Tug Skipper)
Minimum qualification STCW III/3 restricted Certificate of Competence for Tug Master (Inshore). STCW short courses including fire fighting, first aid etc. 36 months Tug service.
Tug Engineer
Minimum qualification STCW III/3 restricted Certificate of Competence for Tug Master (Inshore). STCW short courses including fire fighting, first aid etc. 36 months Tug service.
Tug Hand (Tug G.P, Tug Deckhand)
Roles
Cruise Director
The Cruise Director is in charge of passenger facing services (but not food and beverages, housekeeping or purser staff) and is responsible for all on-board entertainment and activities. Much of the role is administrative and managerial, requiring good IT, organisational, and marketing skills. Must have excellent communication and public speaking skills, as is normally the "voice of the ship". Usually need a good understanding of how entertainment works and experience of dealing with children. Liaises closely with other departments, such as concessions and shore excursions, and needs good understanding of the ship. The cruise director is the most visible crew member to the passengers.
Chief Purser (Hotel Service Officer, HR Officer)
The Chief Purser is a senior officer responsible for accounting and finances on board. The Chief Purser supervises the Purser staff (such as Crew Purser) and oversees payroll. In addition, they are usually in charge of crew passports and visas, passenger's safety boxes, currency exchange, immigration and customs, and passenger credit accounts. They must have an understanding of international regulations and laws in relation to immigration and customs.
Career Pathways
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Member/Head of Corporate Entertainment for Cruise Company.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Non-maritime related sectors such as events management, entertainment, hospitality, marketing and tourism.
Chief Purser (Hotel Service Officer, HR Officer)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Other positions include Financial Controller and Corporate Purser (for a number of ships).
Financial management role.
Opportunities in other Sectors
As finance manager/director in hospitality sector. With an accounting qualification can work in a number of sectors.
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
Cruise Director
No mandatory qualifications other than safety training in basic sea survival (Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft).
Would normally need a Certificate in Crowd Management and Human Behaviour.
May have hotel management experience. Relevant qualifications could include qualifications in conflict handling, customer service, marketing, and management
HAB Level 2 Introductory Certificate in Conflict Handling
Chief Purser (Hotel Service Officer, HR Officer)
No mandatory qualifications other than safety training in basic sea survival (Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft).
Would normally need a Certificate in Crowd Management and Human Behaviour.
Accounting qualification (CIMA/ACCA) preferred.
Hotel management experience/qualification
Other relevant qualifications could include qualifications in conflict handling, customer service, business, and management.
Note: other staff on passenger vessels may include restaurant and bar staff, housekeepers, entertainers, photographers, hairdressers etc.
Roles
Overall responsibility for ensuring that vessels comply with relevant regulations, quality assurance, safety and environmental management, and maintenance and repair programmes.
Personnel Manager (Human Resources Manager)
Overall responsibility for the sourcing, employing and deploying of marine personnel for ship operations. Establishes succession planning policies to meet future organisational needs for seafarers. Ensures compliance of seafarers with safety and environmental regulations. Also deals with employment law, industrial relations and employee terms and conditions.
Training Manager (Head of Training)
Overall responsibility for the design and implementation of training programmes. Responsible for the training of shore-based employees. May also be responsible for providing for the training needs of new and existing seafarers. Ensures that statutory training requirements are met.
Personnel Officer
Supports the Personnel Manager. Responsible for ensuring that documentation and certification compliance is maintained at all times. Other duties include assisting with the recruitment of staff and maintaining employee personnel files, vessel files and records to document employee locations.
Training Officer
Supports the Training Manager. Responsible for the administration and implementation of the training function, including monitoring of training compliance levels and arrangements for in-house training courses. Specific responsibilities include the scheduling of training courses, monitoring of training attendance, and liaison with training centres.
Career Pathways
Fleet Operations;
Fleet Director (Commercial Director)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Chief Executive.
Ports Senior Management positions.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Logistics, business, management.
Logistics Co-ordination and Training - Fleet Personnel;
Personnel Manager (Human Resources Manager)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Personnel Director.
Related industries might include ports and marine leisure.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Personnel management positions in related sectors might include transport/distribution, hospitality and catering.
Training Manager (Head of Training)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Training Director.
Related industries might include ports and marine leisure.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Training management positions in related sectors might include manufacturing, engineering, transport/distribution, hospitality and catering.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Senior personnel officer or manager. Other opportunities include a sideways move to training.
Related industries might include ports and marine leisure.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Personnel officer positions in related sectors might include transport/distribution, hospitality and catering.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Senior training officer or manager.
Opportunities in personnel.
Related industries might include ports and marine leisure.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Training officer positions in related sectors might include manufacturing, engineering, transport/distribution, hospitality and catering.
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
Fleet Operations;
Fleet Director (Commercial Director)
Usually has seagoing experience as a Master but no formal or statutory requirements.
Logistics Co-ordination and Training - Fleet Personnel;
Personnel Manager (Human Resources Manager)
Experience in personnel management. Often also have seafaring experience. Qualifications in this area include:
Level 4 S/NVQ in Personnel Management (CIPD)
Level 4 S/NVQ in Personnel management (ILM)
Training Manager (Head of Training)
Experience in Learning and Development. Often also have seafaring experience. Qualifications in this area are offered by a number of providers, including CIPD, City and Guilds and EAL.
Personnel Officer
Experience in personnel management. Often also have seafaring experience. Qualifications in this area include:
Level 3 S/NVQ in Personnel Support (CIPD)
Level 3 S/NVQ in Personnel Support (ILM)
Training Officer
Experience in Learning Development. Often also have seafaring experience. Qualifications in this area are offered by a number of providers, including CIPD, PAA/QSET, EDI, City and Guilds and EAL.
Roles
Oversees the operation of vessel quality assurance and control systems. Also responsible for vessel safety and environmental management systems.
Safety Officer (Quality Officer)
Assists in the operation of vessel quality assurance and control systems. May also have specific responsibilities in relation to environmental testing.
Career Pathways
Operations Manager (Safety Manager, Quality Manager)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Operations Director, Safety Director, Fleet Director
Related industries include ports and harbours and marine leisure.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Related sectors might include manufacturing, engineering and transport/distribution
Safety Officer (Quality Officer)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Senior Safety Officer, Safety Manager
Related industries include ports and harbours and marine leisure.
Opportunities in other Sectors
Related sectors might include manufacturing, engineering and transport/distribution
Roles
Oversees the provision of marine support. Provides marine expertise and solutions to ensure there are effective and efficient commercial shipping operations that meet health and safety expectations. Normally a qualified Master or Chief Engineer Officer.
Marine Technical Assistant
Responsible for providing marine support. Normally has seagoing experience and qualifications.
Career Pathways
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Management opportunities, such as operations and safety.
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Deputy Marine Superintendent,
Port Operations Manager, Port Operations Operative, Marina Operative.
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
Marine Superindendent
Usually has seagoing experience and STCW II/2 certification.
Marine Technical Assistant
Usually has seagoing experience.
Roles
Engineering Superindendent (Technical Superintendent)
Leads the company's technical team. Oversees the maintenance of vessels, and the organisation and planning of vessel dockings. Normally a qualified and experienced Chief Engineer Officer.
Assistant Engineering Superindendent (Assistant Technical Manager)
Supervises the maintenance and docking of vessels.
Engineering Technical Assistant
Undertake routine and regular engineering maintenance work on machinery to ensure that it is in good working order.
Career Pathways
Engineering Superindendent (Technical Superintendent)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Engineering management or director role.
Port engineer, Port Engineering manager, related engineering fields.
Opportunities in other Sectors
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring engineering experience.
Assistant Engineering Superindendent (Assistant Technical Manager)
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Engineering Superintendent or Engineering Management role.
Port Engineering Supervisor.
Opportunities in other Sectors
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring engineering experience.
Engineering Technical Assistant
Opportunities in the Maritime Sector
Assistant Engineering Superintendent.
Port technician. Draughtsman/CAD technician, Marine craftsperson.
Opportunities in other Sectors
There are a wide variety of shore based industries requiring engineering experience.
Qualifications Required
Key: Mandatory requirements Common training available
Engineering Superindendent (Technical Superintendent)
Usually has seagoing experience as a Chief Engineer Officer.
Assistant Engineering Superindendent (Assistant Technical Manager)
Usually has seagoing experience and STCW III/2 certification.
Engineering Technical Assistant
Usually has seagoing experience.
Latest news
Maritime Minister calls on companies to "double" the number of apprentices they employ
John Hayes was speaking at the Maritime Skills Alliance's reception for London International Shipping Week, held at Trinity House. He said:
Let’s not think in terms of modest incremental increases, but rise to the challenge of doubling the number of apprenticeships offered.
I want the Board of every maritime business, whether they pay the Levy or not, to discuss how apprenticeships can help them succeed by growing the next generation of talent.
The Minister was launching "Maritime Apprenticeships: your future, their future, our future", a booklet jointly published by the Department for Transport and industry lead body Maritime UK.
Click here for the full Press Release - Apprenticeships booklet.
Click here for the Apprenticeships booklet itself. (Contact Iain Mackinnon if you want printed copies).
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Iain Mackinnon
Secretary to the Alliance
Phone: 0208 99 88 77 2
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Email: iain@maritimeskills.org