MNTB - Careers At Sea

The main way to apply is direct to the companies who sponsor the education and training programmes.

Sponsoring companies will be one of three types:

• shipping companies that organise their own education and training arrangements
• training organisations that organise the education and training programmes on behalf of a number of shipping companies
• scholarship organisations that offer scholarship places on education and training programmes where onboard training is undertaken on various ships belonging to different shipping companies

You will need to think about which type of sponsoring company you want to apply to. Useful things to consider when applying.

You may apply to more than one company to seek sponsorship. The sponsoring companies vary with regard to the types of ship and the areas of the world in which they operate.

It is important to consider the types of ships that you would like to train/work on before you start applying to companies. To find out more about different ship types.

You do not need to wait for your academic results before applying, as recruitment may be possible anything up to one year in advance of beginning the course and there are multiple entry dates, usually September and January and possibly March/April.

Some companies may encourage you to apply online while others will need you to apply to them in writing. You will need to decide whether you wish to train as a Navigation(Deck) Officer or Engineer Officer. There are also some places for Electro-Technical Officers. Look at the list of companies for contact details - they will advise you on their requirements. If they do not have online applications they will usually send you an information pack containing their application form.

If you meet the company's initial requirements you will be invited for an interview.

For degree programmes you can also apply through the normal UCAS application channel but you will still require a sponsoring company to fund your training and enable you to obtain the sea experience necessary to undertake the course.

General Requirements

You will need to satisfy the relevant statutory health and eyesight requirements for seafarers in the UK. The sponsoring companies will give you guidance on any particular requirements which they may have.

If you have any doubt about your ability to pass the statutory health and/or eyesight requirements you may find it worthwhile to take the appropriate examination before applying. You can ask the sponsoring companies or contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to establish the details of the requirements and how they may affect you.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency website is at www.mcga.gov.uk

You will need to be at least 17 to begin the Foundation degree/Scottish Professional diploma course.