Merchant Navy Officer

Deck or engineering officer on commercial cargo, tanker or passenger vessels.

This UK merchant navy officer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£30,000 - £40,000 (cadet -> 3rd Officer)
Mid-career salary
£45,000 - £60,000
Senior salary
£70,000 - £100,000+
Work environment
Vessels, long rotations at sea
Time to entry
3 - 4 years (cadetship)
Degree required
Preferred - sponsored cadetship route
Category
Maritime and Offshore

What a Merchant Navy Officer does

Deck or engineering officer on commercial cargo, tanker or passenger vessels.

How to become a Merchant Navy Officer

  1. Look up Merchant Navy Officer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Merchant Navy Officer - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • STCW
  • Navigation / engineering
  • Leadership
  • Resilience