Ranks

Whether you're simply trying to find information on career ranks at sea or ashore, we've got it here. This section aims to inform existing seafarers and those interested in a career at sea about what one can expect when choosing to specialise in a specific area of the maritime industry.

RATINGS
Nautilus International has a long-standing policy of encouraging ratings to train as officers. We welcome ratings as members - particularly those who serve with companies where we have agreements covering their terms and conditions.

If you are currently working as a rating, and you're interested in becoming an officer, we may be able to help.

Employer Training Schemes
Many employers offer officer training for ratings through schemes such Investors in People. Visit our Careers & Training links to find out more.

The Slater Fund
If you don't have access to a company scheme, the Slater Fund, a registered charity named after former MNAOA general secretary John William Slater, could provide financial support to British ratings wishing to train for their first certificate of competency. Click here to find out more.

COMING ASHORE
There are many shore-based professions that welcome seafaring qualifications and experience. Seafarers are in demand by shore-based employers for several reasons:

• knowledge of ships, shipping, systems and maritime processes
• 'maritime credibility' - they can easily converse with others in marine-related businesses
• reputation as independent, reliable workers with good leadership skills

Nautilus International has a substantial amount of members based in shoreside careers and is committed to encouraging seafarers to remain in the shipping industry when they come ashore.

Just to give you an idea, here are just a few examples of the type of work you could expect when coming ashore:

• ship repair
• ship agents
• education and training
• maritime law
• regulatory authorities and NGO’s
• surveying
• P&I insurers & loss adjusters
• ship & cargo brokering
• marine equipment suppliers
• marine leisure
• shipping & crew management
• shipping company management
• pilotage & harbour masters
• towage salvage & dredging
• port & terminal services

If these careers are not for you, seafaring qualifications and experience are still preferred in many other non-maritime professions. For example, ships' engineering skills are welcomed in shore-based professions, and the problem-solving and leadership skills developed at sea are ideal for many management positions.

CADETS/GRADUATES
There are many ways to join the Merchant Navy - both at sea and on shore. The first step in joining the Merchant Navy is becoming a cadet (Merchant Navy trainee officer). A trainee undergoes tuition which incorporates college study, often including practical experience - usually paid throughout.

There are two main roles you can follow:

• deck officer (navigation)
• engineer officer (ship engines, generators etc)

Other roles are also available. Your chosen college will be able to provide you with more information.

The basic qualification on offer at the end of a cadetship is Officer of the Watch (OOW) - as a Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). Introduced in 2005, the Foundation Degree enables cadets to continue on to an Honours Degree. To find out more about courses on offer, visit our Careers & Training links page.

There's no set age to start a cadetship. Many trainees commence straight after school. University graduates are also welcome, and mature cadets are not unknown.

Cadetships could be funded by a supportive employer. If you don't have such an advantage or decide you do not want to be at sea, there are many organisations willing to assist you in developing your career; whether you need to redo your GCSEs by distance learning or if you want to find out how to become a maritime lawyer.