Merchant navy officer : Entry requirements

The Merchant Navy recruits graduates as officer trainees (either deck/navigation officer or engineering officer), offering training and development leading to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency  Certificate of Competency (CoC). All training includes a residential course at a nautical college or university, interspersed by periods spent at sea.

Graduate entry onto an engineering officer programme will provide exemptions from some aspects of the training scheme (which may accelerate the route to qualification as an engineering officer) with the following degrees:

• marine engineering;
• mechanical engineering;
• electrical engineering.

Opportunities may be available on cruise ships and passenger ferries for graduates in catering, hospitality, business, performance or entertainment, and cruise companies should be contacted directly.

A number of shipping companies sponsor candidates on a three-year Merchant Navy Foundation Degree (MNFD) course, which also includes study for the Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of Competency. The training is fully paid for by the sponsoring company and includes a training salary. The foundation degree (Professional Diploma in Scotland) can lead to an honours degree. Entry requirements for an MNFD course are 120 UCAS points at A-level plus good GCSE grades in English, maths and physics or dual/combined science. For a list of colleges/universities running the programmes and a list of employers offering sponsorship, see CareersatSea.org .

Entry into officer training may be possible with an HND in a relevant subject. Similarly, experience and qualifications gained within the fishing industry or the Royal Navy  may be recognised or accredited towards MCA requirements. Candidates are assessed on an individual basis and should make their own application for exemptions from the academic and practical aspects of officer training.

Although pre-entry experience is not essential, evidence of team work, for example through involvement in activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award , Sea Cadets , boating/sailing (sometimes offered through university clubs and societies) and other youth activity membership, will strengthen your application.

Competition for entry into training is quite high, with around 800 - 900 places available each year. Candidates with the above experience are likely to stand out.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• decision-making skills;
• the ability to remain calm in difficult situations;
• teamworking skills and the ability to lead, motivate and inspire confidence in others;
• written and verbal communication skills;
• mathematical ability;
• knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems (for engineer officer roles);
• an interest in technology;
• resourcefulness, adaptability and flexibility;
• confidence, enthusiasm and self-reliance.

All applicants for Merchant Navy officer training must be in good health and pass a pre-employment medical examination. A good standard of eyesight is required for entry as a deck officer.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.