Career Path
Ships Officers generally work in two departments – Deck and Engineering and this begins when you enrol as an officer trainee! The training for both disciplines uses a mixture of academic work which is combined with practical training both at college and at sea.
Deck Officers Engineer Officers
For each of the ranks mentioned above you will have to hold a Certificate of Competency which is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. You will receive the first of these certificates (the Officer Of the Watch certificate, also known as the OOW certificate) when you complete your Merchant Navy Training Board approved training course which is delivered through one of the maritime institutions. Further certificates will be gained as you increase your experience at sea and pass the required examinations. You will need to have the Certificate for the next rank before you can be promoted into it – so it’s important to get them as soon as you can!
CAREER AS A DECK OFFICER
A career at sea is both arduous and rewarding. It offers a high level of job satisfaction; a wide experience and challenging work environment. Experienced Mariners are in great demand in various shore assignments because of their ability to handle all types of job, their resourcefulness, sense of responsibility and ability to work under most demanding circumstances.
A Deck officer is a very valuable and responsible member of a ships team. He has to navigate the ship from one port to another in all circumstances with caution and safety at all times and maintains the equipment operated by him in good working order. This gives him watch keeping experience and tremendous confidence. However, it must be understood that the life of an officer is tough, and not suited for the weak hearted.
But there are compensations as well. A class III Certificated of Competency holder starts as a third officer (approx. Salary US$ 3500) with prospects of becoming a Master in about 8 years (approx. Salary US$ 10000 - 14000) plus leave and allowance.
CAREER AS AN ENGINEER OFFICER
A career at sea is very demanding as well as rewarding. It offers a level of job satisfaction, a wide experience and challenging work environment. Experienced Marine Engineers are in great demand in all industries because of their ability to handle very large power plants, their resourcefulness, sense of responsibility and ability to work with their own hand with almost no external assistance.
A Marine Engineer is a very valuable and responsible member of a ship's team. He has to operate and control all engineering system onboard his ship, and maintain them in good working condition. This gives him tremendous experience and confidence. However, it must be understood that the life of a Marine Engineer is tough, and not suited for the weak hearted.