Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join the Merchant Navy?

Check out our dedicated careers website at www.careersatsea.org

Do I have to meet certain medical and eyesight standards to join the Merchant Navy?

Yes. You need to pass an ENG1 medical examination conducted by a doctor approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and there are also certain eyesight standards a candidate should meet. Colour blindness may not be a bar to joining, but it will be dependent on its nature and severity. When you apply to a shipping company as a trainee they will help you with the arrangements for your medical and eyesight test. The required eyesight test is available from local opticians.

Will my dyslexia be a bar to joining the Merchant Navy?

Dyslexia is not a bar to you joining the Merchant Navy. However, the nature and severity of your dyslexia will be the deciding factor as to whether you would be able to achieve seafaring certification requirements. Depending on an Educational Psychologist report, extra time can be granted during examinations if required.

Further information is available from the MCA Seafarer Standards Branch on 02380 329231

Which companies are currently recruiting for deck, engineer and electro-technical officer trainees?

See the list of sponsoring companies on the careers at sea website.

Is there a maximum age for entry?

There is no maximum entry age and all applicants will be considered on their merit. Applications and further enquiries should be made to individual companies – see above for the list of companies that provide sponsorship for officer education and training programmes.

How do I find out about SMarT funding?

Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) funding is available to recognised training providers that are registered with an organisation called MaTSU. Training providers are shipping companies and other sponsoring organisations offering MNTB approved and STCW courses. SMarT is also available to unemployed seafarers through the Merchant Navy Training Provider (MNTP). SMarT can only be claimed on behalf of UK and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens normally resident in the UK ( ie. that have been living in the UK for about a year at the time of original application). If you are a company seeking information about how to become a recognised training provider, please contact Sue Edwards at MaTSU on 0870 190 6111 for further information.

Where can I obtain a Merchant Navy Uniform?

Miller Rayner
16 City Commerce Centre
Marsh Lane
Southampton
S014 3EW
Tel: 02380 333771

Baun & Co
14 Queen Street
Portsmouth
P01 3HL
Tel: 01705 822045

S.M. Bass & Co Manchester Ltd
1 Derby Street
Cheetham Hill
Manchester
M8 8QE