Merchant navy rating

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.

• Careers at Sea - Information about career options and training in the Merchant Navy

• Merchant Navy Training Board - the shipping industry's body for sector-specific education, training and skills