how to get into merchant navy

 

how to get into the merchant navy

To get into the merchant navy, you will need to meet certain qualifications and pass certain exams. Here are the basic steps you should take:

1. Meet the minimum educational requirements. You will typically need at least five GCSEs (including English, math, and science) and at least two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications).

2. Choose a merchant navy training program. You can choose to attend a maritime college or university, or you can complete a traineeship program through a shipping company.

3. Obtain your STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certificates. These are required for all merchant navy personnel and cover basic safety and survival training.

4. Pass the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) or equivalent certifying authority examinations. These include the Officer of the Watch (OOW) exam and the Master's exam, depending on the level of position you want to apply for.

5. Get your sea time. You will need to gain a certain amount of experience working on ships before you can apply for a position as a deck or engineering officer.

6. Apply for and obtain your MCA-issued CoC (Certificate of Competency) or equivalent from the certifying authority.

7. Look for job opportunities and apply for them, Networking and building professional relationships in the industry is also a good way to find job opportunities.

8. Consider taking additional training and certification to advance your career.

It's worth noting that the actual requirements may vary depending on the company and the specific role you are applying for, so you should check with individual employers for more detailed information. Additionally, different countries may have different certifying authorities and qualifications required, please check the requirements of the country you want to work in.