Marine Engineers & Deck Officer Trainees, Merchant Navy

Description Fully sponsored training phased between college or university and being onboard ship.

There are normally two main departments on board - deck and engine room. Ships carrying passengers also have a hotel services department.

The deck department is concerned with the overall operation of the ship, responsibilities including navigation, communications, cargo or other ship operation, stability, maintenance, and safety.

The engine room department is responsible for all technical services including main engine propulsion, other plant and machinery, electrical generation, maintenance, cargo or other ship operation, and safety.

Master

The ship’s master is the highest ranking officer on board and has overall command and responsibility for the vessel, its crew, any passengers and cargo. The Master (Captain) maintains the ship’s records, has responsibility for accounting and bookkeeping, and receives and implements instructions from the operating company of the vessel. The Master will also take command of the vessel in inclement weather or any other emergency, and in crowded or narrow waters.

First Mate (Chief Mate)


The First Mate has direct responsibility for all deck operations including cargo storage and handling, deck maintenance, and deck supplies. He or she will also assign and monitor watches and will be on smaller ships the medical officer.

Second Mate
The Second Mate is the ship’s navigation officer and has the responsibility for maintaining charts and monitoring the navigation equipment on the bridge.

Third Mate
The Third Mate assists other officers as directed and has immediate responsibility for the regular maintenance of emergency survival equipment including lifeboats and life rings.


The Engine Room Department falls under the overall charge of the Master but with day-to-day immediate duties as below.


Chief Engineer

The head of the Engineering Department, the Chief Engineer has overall responsibility for the functioning of the engine room and all mechanical equipment on the ship. He or she will keep records of all engine parts and repairs, be responsible for calculating fuel and water consumption and requirements, and coordinate operations with the shore side port engineer.

Second Engineer

Directly involved in engine maintenance and assigns duties to engine room ratings and work priorities according to the Chief’s requirements.

Third Engineer
Assists other engineer officers as required.

Electrical Technical Officer
Some ships will have a dedicated electrical officer responsible for all the electrical and electronic control systems and equipment depending on the requirements of the vessel..

For more information www.sstg.org

Requirements Academic Entry Requirements


Higher National Diploma Programme (HND)


Candidates must hold at least GCSE's (Grades A-C)/SCE Standard Grades (Levels 1-3), or equivalent qualifications, in Mathematics, Physics (or Combined Science), English (or subject using English), and at least one other subject. .

Foundation Degree (FD)

Candidates must hold the core subjects referred to above at either the GCSE/SCE Standard and at least One A level/H level equal to 120 ucas


Undergraduate Degree Programmes (BSC) (B/eng)

Entry to a maritime related degree course, approved by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency/Merchant Navy Training Board as meeting the academic requirements for a certificate of competency, (e.g. a B.Sc. in Nautical Science or Maritime Studies for deck officer trainees or B.Sc. in Marine or Mechanical Engineering for engineer officer trainees) is in accordance with the admission requirements of the universities and colleges concerned. Typically the minimum standard will include Mathematics and/or Physics at GCE 'A' or SCE 'H' level.

Other Training Programmes Leading to Officer Qualifications

A range of previous qualifications and experience may be considered, including shore based engineering studies, relevant marine diplomas and degrees, engineering apprenticeships, marine experience with the Services, and similar. Training programmes will vary in length and content depending on previous qualifications and experience

Entry Requirements: Medical and Eyesight

All candidates must be in good health and pass a statutory Merchant Navy medical examination prior to commencement of training. Subsequently all seafarers are required to undertake a medical examination every two years (every year if under eighteen years of age).

The medical examination referred to above includes both a general and colour vision test. The specific standards vary depending on the department the candidate wishes to enter. Click here for full details of the MCA medical examination. This external link to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will open a PDF file. If you do not have Adobe® Reader®, this application can be downloaded FREE by clicking here.

Age Entry Requirements

All applications are considered on their merits irrespective of the age of the candidate. However all candidates must be at least sixteen years of age by the date they commence training.


If you would like further information on any of the above requirements before applying please contact the SSTG, who will be pleased to supply advice and information on how to check that you meet the required

For more information www.sstg.org