The Merchant Navy is the name given to the UK’s commercial shipping industry. It is made up of a large number of shipping companies who recruit their own officer trainees. Companies vary greatly in the size of ships, types of ships and areas of the world where they operate.

Training takes place both at sea and in specialist colleges and universities throughout the UK. Click here for a list of the colleges/universities.

British Shipping is an industry of the future – well managed, technologically advanced and committed to respecting the environment.

Ships carry 90 per cent of world trade and seaborne trade is forecast to almost double over the next 15 years.

The shipping industry depends upon a core of highly competent and professional British seafarers who are respected worldwide for their high standards, the quality of their training, their ability and their judgment.

Opportunities exist NOW for capable and enthusiastic young people to train to manage and operate modern and technically sophisticated ships. The prospects for development of a worthwhile and rewarding career are excellent.

A career in the shipping industry can give you:

Your training will be carried out at one of the UK nautical colleges or university, combined with practical experience aboard ships at sea. You will be sponsored throughout your training for work in deck (navigation), engineering or dual roles as an officer or as a rating  (a skilled seafarer holding a post with a lower level of responsibility).

Opportunities for a career in the Shipping Industry have never been better.

If you would like to find out more visit www.careersatsea.org.uk