Case studies: Merchant Navy officer: Stephen

Stephen has a BSc (Hons) Marine Studies (Merchant Shipping) from the University of Plymouth. (This BSc/NVQ route has now been replaced by the FdSc Marine Studies.) He is a Merchant Navy officer in the offshore support industry.

I originally started a computer systems and networks degree at the University of Plymouth but soon realised that a life behind a desk was not for me. During a gap year between my A-levels and university I had developed a love for travelling and adventure and wanted to take this further.

After looking into the possibilities, I changed course to the BSc (Hons) Marine Studies (Merchant Shipping), also at the University of Plymouth. I was drawn to it by the wide range of career options available and the possibility of getting sponsored to study. The degree was run alongside NVQ Levels 2 and 3, leading to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of Competency. During the course I also had to complete 12 months at sea as a cadet. I did my sea time in three trips (two months, four months and six months) onboard a bulk carrier. This experience gave me a valuable practical insight into the modules I was studying.

The course was set out very well with an excellent core of easily approachable lecturers to help guide you through the content. During my time at university I also became heavily involved with the university yacht club, gaining useful experience and making many friends.

After graduating I applied to many companies before getting a job with my present employer. The company works in the offshore support industry and has a fleet of close to 100 vessels, which include platform supply vessels (PSVs), anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS) and survey vessels. I joined the company as a third officer and was promoted to second officer after six months.

My job involves travelling all over the world, working in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It is very difficult to describe a typical day onboard an offshore vessel as each contract is very different. What particularly appeals to me are the technical skills required to hold a 4,000 tonne vessel within a few metres from an offshore platform or berth. There are computers that can do it for you, but not all operations can be performed in such a way.

Although the work is varied, it can be tough and the hours are long. However, the prospect of waking up and looking out the window to see a different view everyday is one I would not pass up. The large periods spent away from home are compensated for by the amount of leave (two months onboard to two months at home) and the good pay scale.

I hope to continue my career within the shipping industry. My employer supports its officers through further training to enable them to gain the required qualifications to move through the ranks onboard up to master. Currently, I am applying for study leave to gain my chief mates ticket. It is also possible to work onshore where the experience gained while working at sea is a desirable asset.