Merchant Navy Jobs Rating 

Merchant Navy Jobs Rating 

Merchant Navy Jobs participate in the operation of the ship and work in the deck, in the engineering, and supply departments. The nature of their duties depends on their department, but they are all thoroughly trained in basic navigation and survival skills. There are three main types of mariners in the merchant fleet: deck hands, engine hands, and food hands.

As an engine room hand, you can:

• Perform general maintenance tasks, including cleaning, polishing and painting all surfaces in the roof area.
• Repair and maintenance of equipment such as deck machinery, cargo lifts, fire firefighting equipment.
• Operate lifting equipment such as cranes and hoists to load and unload cargo.
• Cleaning and inspection of cargo stores and tanks.
• Participate in police and fire patrols.
• Assist in berthing the ship in port.

Assist the officer of the watch in performing navigational duties and act as the ship’s lookout or captain. As an engine room hand, you can:

• Ensure that all machinery on board, including the engine room, is kept in good condition.
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, oiling, and maintenance of machinery.
• Monitor electrical and safety systems, such as fire alarms and air conditioning.
• Assist the duty engineer in supervising the safe operation of the engine plant and associated equipment.

In port, assist with the refueling process by checking pump controls and fuel gauges. As a Catering Specialist, you may:

• Participate in the ship’s catering and accommodation services as a cook or waiter.
• As a cook, you will be required to prepare and cook a wide variety of food, sometimes in large quantities.
• As a cook, you are responsible for washing and cleaning all equipment, work surfaces, walls, and floors.
• As a waiter, you will set the table, serve the food, and then clear the table.
• As a host, you will clean the cabins, provide fresh linens, and ensure cleanliness and order in all common areas, such as corridors, stairwells, and lounges.
• Supervise the loading and storage of supplies in port.
• You may also serve as a sailor, engineer, or caterer for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Although RFA ships provide support and supplies to Royal Navy warships, their crews are civilian.

The figures below are for reference only. Actual salary may depend on factors such as:

Workplace

The size of the company or organization you work for

The demand for the position. The basic salary for a skilled seafarer is £18,500 to £20,500 per year, which can go up to £24,000 per year.

Experienced sailors can earn around £30,000 per year. They will enjoy free accommodation and food while at sea, in addition to having some of their travel expenses covered.

Conditions

Seafarers work for shipping companies, from ferries and cruise ships to various cargo ships, such as freighters, reefers, container ships, and tankers. Conditions vary according to the type of ship and the department in which they work.

As a crew member, you will need to work outdoors in all weather conditions, although you may sometimes be able to escape work on the bridge.

As an engine room seaman, you will need to work in a hot, noisy, and potentially crowded engine room.

As a catering staff member on board, you may work in the kitchen, which can be hot and crowded. You may have to lift heavy weights.

You will have to work in shifts.

Depending on whether you are on a short or long voyage, you may be away from home for long periods, but you are entitled to reasonable beach holidays.

Your vacation can be quite generous to make up for the time you spend on board and away from home.

You will share accommodation with other crew members.

You may be required to wear a uniform.