Merchant Navy ratings are involved in the running of their ships and work in the deck, engineering or catering departments. The nature of their duties depends on the department they work in, but all are fully trained in basic seagoing and survival skills.
There are three main types of Merchant Navy rating: deck, engine room and catering.
As a deck rating you could be:
As an engine room rating you could be:
As a catering rating you could be:
You could also work as a deck, engineering or catering rating with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). RFA ships are staffed by civilians, even though they support and supply Royal Navy warships.
The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:
Starting salaries for qualified ratings range from about £16,500 to £19,500 a year and can rise to £23,000 a year. Experienced ratings can earn up to around £30,000 a year. While at sea, you would have free food and accommodation as well as some travel costs.
Ratings work for shipping companies, ranging from ferries and cruise liners to a wide range of freight vessels such as dry cargo ships, freezer ships, container ships and tankers. The conditions will vary depending on the type of ship you work on and the department you work in.
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There is a National 4 Skills for Work course in Uniformed and Emergency Services which introduces school pupils to careers in the emergency services, the armed services and the Merchant Navy. There is also a National 5 Skills for Work in Maritime Skills.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Employment
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You need to be:
Relevant courses are available at: City of Glasgow College, Argyll College UHI, Lews Castle College UHI and West Highland College UHI.
Courtesy of Maritime UK
The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
Maritime Skills Alliance
Website:
https://www.maritimeskills.org
The Maritime Skills Alliance designs and promotes qualifications and apprenticeships for the UK’s maritime sector.
Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB)
E-mail:
enquiry@careersatsea.org
Website:
http://mntb.org.uk/
Website (2):
http://www.careersatsea.org/
Twitter:
@careersatsea
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/careersatsea
The MNTB can provide information on the shipping companies and training groups which operate training schemes for ratings and officer cadets. The MNTB websites also have useful careers information.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Tel: 08456 04 05 20
Website:
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers
Twitter:
@RNJobsUK
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RoyalNavyRecruitment
Contact the RFA recruitment line to ask for a Careers information pack. The line is open from 9am to 9pm daily.