What are you interested in?
The Career Development pages relate to the technical professional seafaring roles on board.
For further Career Development information on Hotel and Catering, Hospitality & Support Services and Opportunities Ashore please go to Roles.
- Is responsible for making sure the fire-fighting equipment and lifeboats are in order.
- Understudies the 2nd Officer.
- Undertakes bridge watches.
Normally the first post-certification appointment for an officer trainee.
What qualities & skills will you need?
You'll need to be decisive, calm and able to inspire confidence in others. You'll be a good team member with mathematical ability, an interest in technology, and good written and verbal communication skills. Beyond that, confidence, enthusiasm and self-reliance are essential attributes.
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. A list of maritime institutions is available. 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!