Career at sea?
Discussion
Hello guys long time no posting but I've always found this forum a good resource regarding careers due to the sheer variety of people.
As the title says I'm interested in a career at sea on ships any ship really I've already looked on some sites at job posting seems quite lucrative £100+ a day 6wk on 6wk off for just deck ratings on uk/western europe flagged ships which is what i'm interested in but I can't get round most the acronyms and courses to start from the bottom up?
I understand the bare min i'd need is ENG1(medical) STCW (basic safety stuff?) and Able seafarer although the seafarer is abit confusing as to get this you need to serve a min of 6 months? so how do you even get your foot in the door to do that?
I assume you start as a wiper or something low like that? although I've read these roles have been taken mostly by cheap labour from the Philippines or Russia.
I just would like some advice/direction before I sign upto a million courses for nothing and what would be the efficient/cost effective way to get started?
As the title says I'm interested in a career at sea on ships any ship really I've already looked on some sites at job posting seems quite lucrative £100+ a day 6wk on 6wk off for just deck ratings on uk/western europe flagged ships which is what i'm interested in but I can't get round most the acronyms and courses to start from the bottom up?
I understand the bare min i'd need is ENG1(medical) STCW (basic safety stuff?) and Able seafarer although the seafarer is abit confusing as to get this you need to serve a min of 6 months? so how do you even get your foot in the door to do that?
I assume you start as a wiper or something low like that? although I've read these roles have been taken mostly by cheap labour from the Philippines or Russia.
I just would like some advice/direction before I sign upto a million courses for nothing and what would be the efficient/cost effective way to get started?
I'm looking myself but I want to be an engineer as opposed to on deck. From what I've been told and can see the best route is a cadetship with the MN so you get your Officer of the Watch. 3 years of college/sea time with a HND or FD at the end of it sponsored by a shipping company.
Warash Academy do a yacht deck cadetship which may also interest you.
Warash Academy do a yacht deck cadetship which may also interest you.
If you've got a bit about you, I'd suggest getting back to school and doing a cadetship (Deck/Engine/ETO).
The deckhand/AB is fast becoming a job for the cheapest of labour - Philipino, Indian, Eastern Europeans. Of course many ships still go for British ABs etc but they are becoming fewer every year.
That said, regardless of position, a career at sea is hugely rewarding. Both culturally and financially. My career has went from strength to strength year on year, each year more fun and diverse than the last.
Be aware though; long stretches away from home, stressful times onboard, politics, silly hours, silly colleagues, trying to manage home life from the middle of Atlantic all take away from the fun but for me at least, it's all worthwhile.
The deckhand/AB is fast becoming a job for the cheapest of labour - Philipino, Indian, Eastern Europeans. Of course many ships still go for British ABs etc but they are becoming fewer every year.
That said, regardless of position, a career at sea is hugely rewarding. Both culturally and financially. My career has went from strength to strength year on year, each year more fun and diverse than the last.
Be aware though; long stretches away from home, stressful times onboard, politics, silly hours, silly colleagues, trying to manage home life from the middle of Atlantic all take away from the fun but for me at least, it's all worthwhile.
UK government linked shipping companies will be your best option for becoming a Rating and working relatively short tours as a Brit and wanting good money.
Deepsea as others have said is an Indian, Filipino and Eastern European game at ITF rates of pay. There is nothing to say you can't get work in that area but you will be working for relatively low wages on long tours.
The government linked companies like British Antarctic Survey, Border Force, Northern Lighthouse, Trinity House, NMFSS and the fisheries enforcement all actively recruit for British Ratings and while they get lots of applicants when they advertise there is always room for a keen youngster with something about them.
They will take care of all your training and you can expect to be on about £25k a year for six months work, more than likely also tax free.
If you then want to think about going for Officer qualifications there are lots of funding options like the J W Slater Fund etc.
Deepsea as others have said is an Indian, Filipino and Eastern European game at ITF rates of pay. There is nothing to say you can't get work in that area but you will be working for relatively low wages on long tours.
The government linked companies like British Antarctic Survey, Border Force, Northern Lighthouse, Trinity House, NMFSS and the fisheries enforcement all actively recruit for British Ratings and while they get lots of applicants when they advertise there is always room for a keen youngster with something about them.
They will take care of all your training and you can expect to be on about £25k a year for six months work, more than likely also tax free.
If you then want to think about going for Officer qualifications there are lots of funding options like the J W Slater Fund etc.
mybrainhurts said:
And don't forget the U boats...
Or there's the RN who are always on the look out for submariners and they were recently desperate for Marine Engineers.The pay or leave isn't as good but still decent plus a pension and other perks.
Also the RFA for better rotations and a more chilled out working environment/loads better food.
Hi there. Firstly do not try and get the qualifications you will need off your own back. The cost will be horrendous. You're going to need Firefighting, first aid, Sea survival and so forth. I've no idea of the cost, but I'm sure its around the £20,000 for everything. So from that point of view you will need sponsorship in some form.
I've no doubt that British crews are around for some companies, but these are getting rarer as the years go by. I've no idea regarding recruitment. One thing to consider if this is the direction you are looking is in private yachts. I'll agree that Warsash Maritime Academy (or whatever it's called this week) is the best place to investigate this option.
I've no doubt that British crews are around for some companies, but these are getting rarer as the years go by. I've no idea regarding recruitment. One thing to consider if this is the direction you are looking is in private yachts. I'll agree that Warsash Maritime Academy (or whatever it's called this week) is the best place to investigate this option.
Gaspowered said:
Hi there. Firstly do not try and get the qualifications you will need off your own back. The cost will be horrendous. You're going to need Firefighting, first aid, Sea survival and so forth. I've no idea of the cost, but I'm sure its around the £20,000 for everything. So from that point of view you will need sponsorship in some form.
I've no doubt that British crews are around for some companies, but these are getting rarer as the years go by. I've no idea regarding recruitment. One thing to consider if this is the direction you are looking is in private yachts. I'll agree that Warsash Maritime Academy (or whatever it's called this week) is the best place to investigate this option.
Basic STCW Courses (Firefighting, PSST, First Aid etc that you referenced) are 'only' £1k, with the advanced courses being approx the same again. Although most have these paid for by their employer, many pay for these themselves - guys who prefer contractor work, doing a trip here and there as it suits, with no permanent employer.I've no doubt that British crews are around for some companies, but these are getting rarer as the years go by. I've no idea regarding recruitment. One thing to consider if this is the direction you are looking is in private yachts. I'll agree that Warsash Maritime Academy (or whatever it's called this week) is the best place to investigate this option.
The CoC will cost in excess of £20k, which is what you're getting confused with. This will allow a seafarer to work as an Deck/Engine/Electrical officer on commercial and larger private vessels. I've never heard of anyone self-funding this although I suppose it is possible, they'd just have to find willing companies to give them the required sea-time.
The cadetships are often funded by marine training or shipping companies - Trinity House, Chiltern Maritime, Clyde Marine, Bibby Shipping, Maersk and Carnival UK are some of the bigger ones but there are many.
The Marine schools in the UK have decent websites which can help prospective students - should you wish to go down the cadetship route - which I would recommend to anyone.
South Shield Maritime Academy - www.stc.ac.uk
Glasgow Nautical College - www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/...
Warsash Maritime Academy - www.warsashacademy.co.uk
The CoC will cost in excess of £20k, which is what you're getting confused with. This will allow a seafarer to work as an Deck/Engine/Electrical officer on commercial and larger private vessels. I've never heard of anyone self-funding this although I suppose it is possible, they'd just have to find willing companies to give them the required sea-time.
Hi ColdoRS, you're right, my man maths was also including the cost of training. It was 26 years ago for me so its probably a bit more today.
dai1983 said:
mybrainhurts said:
And don't forget the U boats...
Or there's the RN who are always on the look out for submariners and they were recently desperate for Marine Engineers.The pay or leave isn't as good but still decent plus a pension and other perks.
Also the RFA for better rotations and a more chilled out working environment/loads better food.
Best bit is when he gets the call about a week to go before he's due to report back, telling him not to bother and to take another month of fully paid holiday.
I went to sea as an engineering officer cadet fairy recently. Have a look at "careers at sea" website and go from there, the one thing I would say is be very careful of what sponsoring company you choose as some are a lot better than others. My personal preference would be to go through a ship owner/operator such as MAERSK, Carival, Disney etc rather than an agency like clyde marine. Also have to decide on engineering or deck, both have a fair bit of maths to study but deck more so I would say.
I now work as a service engineer for a company that provides equipment to ships, a lot more varied than life at sea and shorter trips which appealed to me. Life at sea isn't for everyone but if you can stick out the three years and get yourself a qualification it is a good entry point into a few careers. Cruise ships would be my choice if you want to avoid getting your hands dirty and swan about in a white suit at nightime but if you prefer actual hands on skills a ship with a smaller crew would be better, ferry or cargo ship or something.
Happy to answer any questions, send me a PM if you want.
I now work as a service engineer for a company that provides equipment to ships, a lot more varied than life at sea and shorter trips which appealed to me. Life at sea isn't for everyone but if you can stick out the three years and get yourself a qualification it is a good entry point into a few careers. Cruise ships would be my choice if you want to avoid getting your hands dirty and swan about in a white suit at nightime but if you prefer actual hands on skills a ship with a smaller crew would be better, ferry or cargo ship or something.
Happy to answer any questions, send me a PM if you want.
Go in with your eyes wide open, it's a hard life at times.
My only advice would be to stick at it until you get the highest Certificate of Competency available; Masters or Chiefs and do a number of trips as Captain or Chief Engineer. Also get experience on as many ship types as you can (cruise ships only, although appealing to a young officer, limit your job options ashore.)
You would then be a desirable commodity and should be able to fulfil numerous jobs ashore. I was recently looking for someone to work with me, with this kind of background and really struggled to find someone suitable.
I had obtained my Master Mariners CoC and done 7 trips as Captain by the age of 30, and then came ashore. I'm now in a very nice shore job, little responsibility and no stress, leave the office at 1700 every night, for a six figure salary package. If you ever think of jacking in a seagoing career too early, don't, you should be able to reap the rewards in time.
My only advice would be to stick at it until you get the highest Certificate of Competency available; Masters or Chiefs and do a number of trips as Captain or Chief Engineer. Also get experience on as many ship types as you can (cruise ships only, although appealing to a young officer, limit your job options ashore.)
You would then be a desirable commodity and should be able to fulfil numerous jobs ashore. I was recently looking for someone to work with me, with this kind of background and really struggled to find someone suitable.
I had obtained my Master Mariners CoC and done 7 trips as Captain by the age of 30, and then came ashore. I'm now in a very nice shore job, little responsibility and no stress, leave the office at 1700 every night, for a six figure salary package. If you ever think of jacking in a seagoing career too early, don't, you should be able to reap the rewards in time.
Recently learned that they are introducing a Small Vessel CoC that covers yachts, tuggs, fishing boats etc under a certain size/power. This takes two years but today I sent off my apprenticeship to get assessed. Hopefully this will lead to exemptions in the commercial or SV schemes.
If I do the BSSC (RN safety course) I can apply for this to be converted to a STCW in my notice period. Problem is getting on the course again as I'm not on ship or likely to be in the near future. Did it in 2011 so that's long expired now.
Probably gonna do a HNC while im still in the RNRM during th next 12-24 months. This will give me exemptions for some of the chief engineer exams. It'll also be handy if I decide not to work at sea but at the moment I can't see any negatives apart from being away for 3-4 months and less salary to start. I'm away through the week at the moment anyway.
The RFA apprenticeship scheme could also be an option for the OP. It's not great money to start but there's a choice of roles to choose from. £24k once qualified, civil service pension, 4 months on 3 off etc.
If I do the BSSC (RN safety course) I can apply for this to be converted to a STCW in my notice period. Problem is getting on the course again as I'm not on ship or likely to be in the near future. Did it in 2011 so that's long expired now.
Probably gonna do a HNC while im still in the RNRM during th next 12-24 months. This will give me exemptions for some of the chief engineer exams. It'll also be handy if I decide not to work at sea but at the moment I can't see any negatives apart from being away for 3-4 months and less salary to start. I'm away through the week at the moment anyway.
The RFA apprenticeship scheme could also be an option for the OP. It's not great money to start but there's a choice of roles to choose from. £24k once qualified, civil service pension, 4 months on 3 off etc.
If you have the academic qualifications it would be far better for you to go down the Officer route as a Cadet. If you can, pick a company that employ their cadets after, a lot simply train them and dump them, which then makes it hard to find jobs as most vacancies specify 12 months in rank.
If you do want to do the rating route, the RFA is probably the only one worth considering.
You are right that the EDH (Able Seaman exam) needs 6 months seatime, so you basically need to be an apprentice to get the seatime in. In the past you could sail as an Ordinary Seaman first then do EDH but this is more rare now as an OS doesnt count towards the Minimum Safe Manning requirements.
TLDR: Do a cadetship or join RFA as Apprentice AB.
I have my OOW ticket but I'm still working as an AB despite completing a cadetship (with a company that doesn't employ its cadets)
The jobs market is not great for deck OOWs (or british ones anyway!) but therr are plenty on the engineering side. This may well change in a few years though
If you do want to do the rating route, the RFA is probably the only one worth considering.
You are right that the EDH (Able Seaman exam) needs 6 months seatime, so you basically need to be an apprentice to get the seatime in. In the past you could sail as an Ordinary Seaman first then do EDH but this is more rare now as an OS doesnt count towards the Minimum Safe Manning requirements.
TLDR: Do a cadetship or join RFA as Apprentice AB.
I have my OOW ticket but I'm still working as an AB despite completing a cadetship (with a company that doesn't employ its cadets)
The jobs market is not great for deck OOWs (or british ones anyway!) but therr are plenty on the engineering side. This may well change in a few years though
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