Merchant navy rating
Work on board a ship, doing tasks like loading cargoes, maintaining the engines and looking after passengers.
About the job
What it's like
You would work on board a ship, doing tasks like loading cargoes, maintaining the engines and looking after passengers.
As a skilled seafarer, you would assist the officers in the day-to-day running of a ship.
You could work on:
Container vessels
Bulk carriers
Tankers
Tugs
Cruise liners
Ferries
You could specialise in different areas of work: Deck, Engine, Catering and Communications.
Depending on your job and the type of ship, you would:
Load and unload cargo
Inspect and clean holds, tanks, cranes and winches
Repair and paint the ship's hull, fixtures and fittings
Test fire-fighting and life-saving equipment
Routine mechanical and electrical maintenance
Watch the equipment controls
Prepare meals and serve food and drinks
Clean cabins, corridors and decks
Check stock and re-order supplies
You would also help deck officers with navigational and duties when on watch: the system in which a team will work for a few hours and then take several hours off in a rota that runs continually throughout the day and night.
You’d also anchor the ship when coming into port.
If you work for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – the civilian-crewed ships operated by the Ministry of Defence – you would work on the flight deck during helicopter operations, and help with refuelling. You’d also be trained in nuclear, biological and chemical defence measures, weapons handling and repair.
You’d need to have a good awareness of health and safety issues and have a responsible attitude.
Hours
You would normally work shifts, known as 'watches'. On a large ship, you might work four hours on duty followed by eight hours off.
Environment
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.
Travel
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.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- respecting
- supporting
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- time management
- taking responsibility
- reliable
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Geography
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
You would need to apply directly to a shipping company. Once successful, you'll complete basic training and certification.
You could also get this job through an apprenticeship. Some companies offer Marine Apprenticeships for applicants who want the chance to move on to Merchant Navy officer training
There are no set qualifications but most employers will look for at least three subjects at National 4 or 5 (SCQF level 4/5) including English and maths.
To become a deck, engineering or catering rating with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) - the civilian-staffed fleet that supports the Royal Navy - you need a good general education and will have to pass an entrance examination.
Qualifications and experience that show relevant skills such as:
Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4).
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills (SCQF Level 5)
To be physically fit
Good eyesight and normal colour vision
To pass a medical
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