Merchant Navy Rating
What is the work like?
Merchant Navy ratings are ship crew members who carry out duties on the deck, in the engine room and with the onboard catering services. They work on container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, cruise liners and ferries.
As a rating, your tasks would depend on the type of ship and your exact role, but could include:
- loading and unloading cargo
- inspecting and cleaning holds, tanks, cranes and winches
- repairing and painting the ship's hull, fixtures and fittings
- testing fire-fighting and life-saving equipment
- routine mechanical and electrical maintenance
- monitoring equipment controls
- preparing meals in the galley and serving food and drinks
- cleaning cabins, corridors and decks
- stock control and re-ordering supplies.
You would also help deck officers with navigational and watch duties, and anchor the ship when coming into port.
In the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (civilian-crewed ships operated by the Ministry of Defence), you would work on the flight deck during helicopter operations, and help with refuelling. You would also be trained in nuclear, biological and chemical defence measures, weapons handling and repair.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a Merchant Navy rating, you must apply to shipping companies or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary directly. If you are successful, they will sponsor you through a training programme.
Your training would combine college-based study with placements at sea to gain practical experience of working on a ship. The length of your training would depend on your sponsoring company. You would also be expected to pass a medical.
Most sponsoring companies will ask for three to four GCSEs in subjects like English, maths and physics (or combined science), or equivalent qualifications. Relevant qualifications and experience, for example in catering, engineering, freight handling or navigation could also be useful.
You can find details about careers, training and sponsoring organisations on the websites of the Merchant Navy Training Board, Marine Society, A Career at Sea and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, in the 'Further Information' section below.
What further training and development can I do?
Once working on a ship, you could take the NVQ in Marine Vessel Support at Level 2, choosing either the deck or engineering option. As a deck rating, you would also study for the Efficient Deck Hand Certificate. Catering ratings can take NVQs in hospitality and catering.
With further training, you could apply to become a trainee officer. You can gain entry onto the officer training programme with NVQ Level 3 Marine Vessel Operations or NVQ Marine Engineering Operations.
For more details about officer training, see the related profiles for Merchant Navy Deck / Engineering Officer.
Where can I go for more information?
202 Lambeth RoadLondon
SE1 7JW
Tel: 020 7654 7000
Room 122
Victory Building
HM Naval Base Portsmouth
PO1 3LS
Tel: 0845 604 0520
12 Carthusian St
London
EC1M 6EZ
Tel: 0800 085 0973
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
Merchant Navy Engineering Officer
Electrical Engineering Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Trainee Merchant Navy ratings receive a small salary, plus all college and living costs.
- Trainee Royal Fleet Auxiliary ratings earn around £15,000 plus additional allowances.
- Experienced ratings can earn between £16,000 and £30,000 a year.
Many companies pay salaries that include the average overtime worked, food and accommodation whilst at sea, and travel costs when appropriate.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work shifts, known as 'watches'. On a large ship, you could work four hours on duty followed by eight hours off.
Conditions on deck could be cold, wet and windy at times, and below deck it could be very noisy, hot and cramped.
If you work for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, you may be required to work in combat zones or as part of peace-keeping operations.
The length of time you spend at sea could vary from a few days or weeks to several months. Your leave between voyages would also vary.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good teamworking skills
- a responsible attitude and the ability to work unsupervised
- good practical and technical skills
- catering and customer care skills (for cooking and stewarding jobs)
- good fitness levels
- an awareness of health and safety
- the ability to cope with being away from home for long periods.
What opportunities are there?
You would find job opportunities by approaching individual shipping companies directly. You can find a list of these shipping companies on the Merchant Navy Training Board website.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary also takes on a number of trainees each year. See their website for more details.
Your promotion options would depend on your length of service, experience and qualifications. You could progress to the ranks of leading hand, petty officer and chief petty officer.
With the necessary skills and experience, you could take further training to join the junior officer ranks.
You could also use your skills to move into onshore engineering, or a hospitality and catering career.
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