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You can do a maritime mechanic intermediate apprenticeship. You will cover both electrical and mechanical engineering work.

You would take further training to qualify as an officer after completing your apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

You can apply to sponsoring shipping or engineering companies to train as an engineering officer.

You will do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in marine or mechanical engineering. Your training will also include the Certificate of Competency, which you need to work at sea.

You'll normally need:

• GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English, maths, and a science, preferably physics
• 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications

If you've worked as a mechanical engineer elsewhere, for example in the fishing industry or the Royal Navy, you may be exempt from some of the training to become an engineer. You'll still need to find a company to sponsor you.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a Merchant Navy engineering officer from Careers At Sea and Merchant Navy Training Board.

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• business management skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass a medical check

You'll work with the engines, ventilation systems, navigation and communications equipment, and deck fittings like cranes, hoists and landing craft.

On a typical day you will:

• monitor hydraulic and control equipment
• run maintenance checks on machinery and systems
• respond to equipment failure alerts and repair faults
• maintain fuel levels and stocks of spare parts
• update record management systems
• inspect equipment
• mentor and support trainees

As you move up through the ranks to senior engineer you'll also supervise a team of engineers.

You could work on a ship.

Your working environment may be cramped, at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.