SO YOU WANT to GO to SEA by Captain Michael Lloyd

SO YOU WANT TO GO TO SEA by Captain Michael Lloyd

Witherby Seamanship International A Division of Witherby Publishing Group Ltd 4 Dunlop Square, Livingston, Edinburgh, EH54 8SB, Scotland, UK Tel No: +44(0)1506 463 227 - Fax No: +44(0)1506 468 999 Email: [email protected] - Web: www.witherbyseamanship.com First edition published 2011

eISBN: xxxxxxxxxx

Notice of Terms of Use All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. While the advice given in this book So you want to go to Sea has been developed using the best information currently available, it is intended purely as guidance to be used at the userÊs own risk. Witherby Publishing Group accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any information or advice given in the document or any omission from the document or for any consequence whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly from compliance with or adoption of guidance contained in the document even if caused by failure to exercise reasonable care. This publication has been prepared to deal with the subject of So you want to go to Sea. This should not however, be taken to mean that this publication deals comprehensively with all of the issues that will need to be addressed or even, where a particular issue is addressed, that this publication sets out the only definitive view for all situations.

Published by Witherby Publishing Group Ltd 4 Dunlop Square, Livingston, Edinburgh, EH54 8SB, Scotland, UK Tel No: +44(0)1506 463 227 Fax No: +44(0)1506 468 999 Email: [email protected] Web: www.witherbys.com

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This book would not have been possible without the co-operation of the organisations who have been involved. They have all played a part in putting together a comprehensive guide to our Marine Industry for those wishing to enter the Merchant Navy.

The overwhelming positive response to the book has much to do with all those who not only assisted with the drafts but with their advice during the writing. My thanks for your consideration and assistance.

iii

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement iii Introduction 1 1. A Career at Sea 3 1.1 What do you Expect? 3 1.2 Education 3 1.3 Qualities 4 1.4 Going Away 4 1.5 Lifestyle Differences 4 1.6 Advantages and Disadvantages 5 1.7 Parents 5 1.8 Cadet or Rating 5 1.9 Costs 5 1.10 Employment Figures 6 1.11 Retention Rates 7 1.12 Career Potential 7 1.13 Nautilus Cadet Survey 7 1.13.1 Key Findings 8 1.14 Initial Path 8 2. Preparation 11 2.1 Nautical Periodicals 11 2.2 Schools 12 3. The Merchant Navy 13 3.1 History 13 3.2 Flag 14 3.3 Manning 14 3.4 Tonnage Tax and Training 15 3.5 The Ship 15 3.5.1 The Engine Room 15 3.5.2 The Decks 15 3.5.3 Cabins 16 3.5.4 Main Deck 16 3.6 Shipboard Structure 16 3.6.1 Deck 17 3.6.2 Engineering 17 3.6.3 The Catering Department 17 3.7 Watchkeeping 18 3.8 Working Hours 18 3.9 Fatigue Rules 18 3.10 Duties and Responsibilities on Board 18 3.10.1 The Captain 18 3.10.2 The Deck Department 18 3.10.3 The Second Officer 18 3.10.4 The Third Officer 19 3.10.5 The Deck Cadet Officer 19

v So you want to go to Sea

3.10.6 The Chief Engineering Officer 19 3.10.7 2nd Engineer 19 3.10.8 3rd Engineer 19 3.10.9 4th Engineer Officer 19 3.10.10 Engineer Cadet Officer 19 3.10.11 Electro Technical Officer 19 3.10.12 Electro-Technical Cadet Officer 19 3.11 Discipline 20 3.12 Problems Affecting the Merchant Navy 20 3.12.1 The Risk Element 20 3.12.2 Piracy 20 3.12.3 Criminalisation 21 3.12.4 Manning 21 3.12.5 Fatigue 21 3.12.6 Shore Leave 21 4. The Ships 23 4.1 Ship Groups 23 4.1.1 Coastal 23 4.1.1.1 Advantages 24 4.1.1.2 Disadvantages 24 4.1.2 Ocean Going 24 4.1.2.1 Advantages 24 4.1.2.2 Disadvantages 25 4.2 Ship Types 25 4.2.1 Bulk Carriers 25 4.2.2 Container Ships 26 4.2.3 General Cargo 27 4.2.4 Tankers 27 4.2.5 Chemical and Gas Tankers 28 4.2.6 Cruise Ships 28 4.2.7 Specialist Sargo and Passenger Ships 29 4.2.8 RoRo 29 4.2.9 Ferries 29 4.2.10 Specialist Ships 29 4.2.10.1 Ice vessels 30 4.2.10.2 Cable laying 30 4.2.10.3 Salvage and deepsea towing 30 4.2.10.4 Dredging 30 4.2.10.5 Research vessels, oceanography, fishery, weather and others 31 4.2.10.6 Military support 31 4.2.10.7 Offshore support vessels 32 4.2.11 The Fishing Fleets 35 5. Shipowning and Management Companies 37 5.1 Training Companies 37 6. Medical Standards and Eyesight Test 39 7. Entry Qualifications and Initial Training 43 7.1 Entry Routes 43

vi Contents

7.1.1 Officer Entry ă Mainstream 43 7.1.2 Officer Entry ă Previous Experience/Qualifications 44 7.1.3 Rating Entry 46 7.2 Joining a Ship 48 7.2.1 Before Leaving 48 7.2.2 Baggage 48 7.2.3 Compensation 48 7.2.4 The Port 49 7.2.5 Boarding 49 7.2.6 Your Position on Board 49 7.2.7 The Captain 50 7.2.8 Senior Officers 50 7.2.9 Junior Officers 50 7.2.10 The Ratings 50 7.2.11 Initial Shipboard Training 51 7.2.12 Personal Protection Equipment 51 7.2.13 Seeing the Ship 51 7.2.14 Discipline 51 7.2.15 Complaints Procedure 52 7.2.16 Living on Board 52 7.2.17 Your Training 52 7.2.18 The Bar 53 7.2.19 Going Ashore 53 7.2.20 Leaving the Ship 53 8. The Colleges 55 9. Merchant Navy Organisations 57 10. The Marine Support Structure 59 11. Charitable Bodies and Welfare Organisations 61 12. Professional Organisations 63 13. Financial Matters 65 13.1 Salaries and Allowances 65 13.2 Currency 65 13.3 Getting your Money 65 13.4 Tax 66 13.5 Pensions 66 13.5.1 The Merchant Navy Officers Pension Plan (MNOPP) 66 14. The Royal Naval Reserve 69 15. Conclusion 71 15.1 Coming Ashore 72 15.2 Opportunities 72 15.3 The Future 73 Appendices 75 Acknowledgements 117

vii

INTRODUCTION

The United Kingdom used to be a truly maritime nation. who would consider such a career course can be diverted Both the Royal and Merchant Navies were among the to other more publicly visible careers. largest in the world, a considerable number of young men and, to a lesser degree, young women, have gone It is often said within and outside the marine industry, to sea as their chosen career path. Most schools had that today there is a lack of interest in going to sea as information about the companies and conditions, in fact a career. This lack of interest, in the majority of cases large companies had recruiting teams that visited schools can be due to a lack of knowledge of the available and career exhibitions. Parents who indicated that their opportunities in a career at sea. children were interested in a seagoing career, would receive information from several shipping companies This book is not intended to be a recruitment book but a within days. guide to the Merchant Navy and the available pathways for those wishing to go to sea, their parents, schools, As there were so many seafarers in the country, almost career advisors and anyone who wants to know about everyone had a relative or neighbour who was or had career opportunities at sea. It also shows the wealth been at sea with whom they could discuss a career at of organisations surrounding the MN and how their sea. Our trade, safety and welfare depended on the ships support is structured. Hopefully, a prospective entrant and those who manned them. will get an idea of what to expect and what is expected of them. Looking back it would seem that with so much opportunity, information and ships, many drifted to sea Unlike the Royal Navy, there is no central organisation rather than a determined career course. Encouraged by or recruiting office covering all aspects of seagoing. the wealth of our nautical history, the sea was a natural There is also not a requirement for all the recruiting to world for us to enter. be done through the Merchant Navy Training Board whose invaluable careers, training and educational Times have changed, fleets have been reduced and service provides guidance about careers at sea. For those our place on the seas does not receive the recognition unsure about the type of company or career path to it once did, even though it is as vital as it always was. follow or who want information about any aspect of a With the diminishing awareness of the sea and available career at sea, this organisation should be regarded as the opportunities, the existing career structures are not ÂFirst Stop ShopÊ. This organisationÊs work is outlined in understood, this lack of knowledge means that those Chapter 10, The Marine Support Organisations.

1 So you want to go to Sea

The sea is not for everyone, but for those who go to ashore. The training, experience and confidence that is sea knowing what to expect, work hard and conform established and developed at sea is invaluable. to shipboard life, it can be a career like no other. No matter how long a person remains at sea, it can provide Hopefully readers of this book will realise the incredible an experience that will contribute to their character and array of opportunities and career paths within the abilities with qualities that are invaluable no matter what Merchant Navy, the wide ranging educational and their future career path is. professional programmes that are continually kept up to date, the comprehensive support services that exist There are very few seamen, while quick to point out the and the way that training and professional qualifications difficulties of a career at sea, who regret having gone obtained at sea can lead into numerous other careers to sea, no matter whether their career was at sea or ashore.

2 1 A CAREER AT SEA

As seagoing in the Merchant Navy is an unknown 1.1 What do you Expect? course to those who have had no previous experience, the reasons why people consider going to sea are All careers have good and bad points. The bad points often based on indirect information from novels and are rarely discussed and are often only discovered once fictional media programmes rather than solid facts. an applicant has been accepted and joined. In most This is fine as long as this information is treated as occupations, this is not too much of a problem. Apart stirring an interest in a possible course of action with a from the time wasted, the new applicant can simply determination to find out the truth before making any clear his desk and walk away. This is not so easy at sea, decision. as ships today do not trade regularly with British ports and deciding that the life is not for you in Japan would Most people know more about the Royal Navy than involve considerable expense on behalf of the shipÊs the Merchant Navy. This is because the Royal Navy operator in getting you off the ship and transported has more exposure in the media and have a public home. This is why many companies may not seem keen relations and recruiting organisation that is devoted to to recruit you and will emphasise the reality of seagoing. ensuring they are in the public eye. Because of this, It is not that you are not wanted, it is that you are wanted the knowledge they have is based on what they see but with your eyes wide open. portrayed in this service. The Merchant navy is very different to the Royal Navy (Chapter 3 The Merchant Those who go to sea having done very little research into Navy) and they should not be confused. the career paths and opportunities will be disappointed, as will those who see it as a form of escape. What you The Royal Navy is a military naval service that has will find often depends on the company you join, the type the expected organisation and support for individuals of ships they have in their fleet and the makeup of the in that service. The Merchant Navy has no central ships company. Boredom occurs at sea as well as ashore organisation or central recruitment office, there are and the restrictions on personal freedom are far greater. several methods of entry. The ships are manned by seamen from a multitude of nationalities, serving on 1.2 Education a mix of ships under flags that tend not to bear any relation to those who own or serve on them. This is not At one time, those who wanted to go to sea, followed a criticism, to those at sea on merchant ships today it is a specific educational path that was unrelated to that normal. of the shore, except for the basic educational entrance

3 So you want to go to Sea requirements. This meant that university was not an There are ways to lessen the impact of the demands put option and that the qualifications achieved, regardless of on you, for example joining a cruise company, where how arduous or academic, could not be related to those the lifestyle is more like a hotel than a ship and the work ashore. is more office orientated. But even here, if you wish to move on to the more demanding shipping sectors, these This has now changed and it can be seen in the chapter qualities must be met. about training (Chapter 7), that entrants can take training and educational courses appropriate to their initial On most general ships the job is demanding, your ability qualifications and proceed through to honours degree to cope with what is required of you must be a prime level, with maritime degrees now recognised throughout consideration in this career choice. the world. 1.4 Going Away The training is designed to suit all educational backgrounds and allows professional and academic Embarking on a ship and sailing away carries a certain qualifications to be obtained by studying ashore and at finality with it. Once you have sailed, there is no turning sea. The academic qualifications obtained are recognised back, unless there is some serious emergency or by all universities and can be added to by further studies homesickness, sea sickness is not treated as that. or used as a way of entering other professions. This means the marine qualifications gained, both academic The pre sea period of training can provide some and professional, are recognised ashore. separation experience but being able to use a mobile phone and the ability to walk out of the gates to go 1.3 Qualities home takes away any real finality. Flying out to join a ship is exciting but once on board and alone in a small All occupations list the qualities required for entry. Very metal cabin, people can be brought down to earth with few achieve the perfect entrant, however there are a thump. certain qualities which are necessary when undertaking a career at sea. Assuming the educational and medical There will initially be periods of considerable loneliness. requirements are met, these qualities are a willingness If allowed to continue it can lead to depression. to learn, accept a new way of life, confidence, resilience, sociability, teamwork and leadership. The training ashore Of course the ship will call frequently at ports and if and on board is designed to enhance these qualities but the situation becomes intolerable, you can be flown there must be a base to build on. A sense of humour also home. helps.

Interviews are an important part of the 1.5 Lifestyle Differences recruitment process and it is important that This can be traumatic for some, especially those who the best impression is given. A few do not’s have never been away from home for an extended period (from experience) that may help include: before. When advised that the company has a strict drug and alcohol policy, the correct response is not Of course it is accepted that you are being trained and “oh that’s okay I am pretty much fine now...” allowances in your work will be given but even as a When asked how your family feel about your trainee, as you become more skilled, you will increasingly career choice answering “Am I going straight to become an essential member of a team. the ship from here, my mother in law helped me pack my bags?” does not inspire confidence. All ships operate under a disciplined environment. Turning up at an interview carrying several This tends to be of a quasi- military nature, without shopping bags filled with purchases after the this no ship could operate. Acceptance of discipline company has paid for you to attend. It gives the is a prerequisite for anyone going to sea (Chapter 2, distinct impression of ulterior motives. Discipline).

4 A Career at Sea

The ship will become your home for several months, As a career at sea may be unfamiliar territory for them often without shore leave. You cannot wander off to and not one that was probably considered previously, see your friends, go to a party or a restaurant. Your unless they or relatives are from a seafaring background, life becomes confined to the ship its facilities and the they may be doubtful about the suitability of what you are activities provided on board. considering.

Unfortunately, many school or local government career 1.6 Advantages and Disadvantages advisors do not have much knowledge of this either. Summing up the initial advantages and disadvantages a You may have to gather as much information as possible career at sea is not as easy as it first appears. Many of about the various opportunities on offer (Chapter 7). the advantages are found later in life from the experience of sailing on a ship, the comradeship, the quick growth Various training organisations organise career days of maturity, the pride in being able to do a tough job and around the country where you can meet people who are being a seaman. at sea and discuss the opportunities with them.

Advantages Often it is not the career opportunities that parents are  Paid academic and professional training concerned about, but the unfortunate and misleading  qualifications gained are internationally recognised reputation that seamen have from a bygone age. In and transferable ashore the dim and distant past, seamen did tend to behave  good salary (often tax free. Chapter 13, financial impulsively when they had the rare opportunity to matters) go ashore and had little money. When the two came  free accommodation and food together the inevitable happened.  free travel  opportunity to see the world It may surprise many that todayÊs seafarers drink far less  free medical and dental treatment during time on than their counterparts ashore, as many ships have a no board alcohol policy, but also have too many responsibilities  paid leave in port to be able to spend the night roistering around  good promotion prospects town. They are concerned about mortgage payments,  the qualifications obtained lead to many other family and most are paying into their pension fund. careers ashore. Unfortunately merchant ships do not have open days where those ashore can visit the ships to meet those on Disadvantages board and to see the conditions.  Away for prolonged periods  disruption of family life  redundancy common 1.8 Cadet or Rating  often international contracts without UK It is easier to join the Merchant Navy as a cadet than employment guarantees a rating, if you have the appropriate educational  sailing under Foreign Flags without UK protection requirements. This is because there are fewer training  increasingly restricted shore leave berths and colleges for ratings than cadets and many  acceptance of a disciplined environment 24/7 while companies employ foreign ratings rather than British ones. on the ship. This is not to say that British ratings are not required but 1.7 Parents companies that employ them are few and far between. Parental support is a considerable advantage to the initial success of a sea career. For this reason, the initial 1.9 Costs idea and future progress towards this goal should be For Officer Cadets, there are no costs to the applicants. discussed with your parents. Most companies pay the interview expenses and once

5 So you want to go to Sea accepted, they also pay for the required uniform and year for which estimates are available for all groups. The work clothing. number of those with qualifications related to ship and engine handling was down 7 per cent. College fees are paid for by the company and an allowance is given while the initial pre sea course is The number of certificated officers in 2009 was attended. 20 per cent lower than in 1997. However, the certification system for deck and engine officers has been expanded in While the cadet training costs are paid for, this does recent years, and if the newly eligible groups are excluded, not necessarily apply to rating training. If funding is the overall decrease since 1997 is 25 per cent. not paid for by a prospective company, funding must either be paid for by the trainee or from another The number of certificated officers was marginally lower source, for example job centres or local council in 2009 than in 2008. grants. In 2008/9, there were around 930 new entrant officer cadets, the highest number since the current system 1.10 Employment Figures* began in 1999. The latest figures for new starts in Since 2000, shipping in the UK has seen remarkable 2009/10 are lower, standing at 700. This fall partly growth as a result of the GovernmentÊs policies. The reflects the onset of the recession, but also the fact that UK-owned fleet has increased by some 200 per cent, a boost to new starts following last yearÊs introduction of and the UK-flag fleet has grown by more than six times. the new Foundation Degrees has worn off.

The number of new entrant officer cadets in 2009 The number of uncertificated technical officers has risen increased to more than 950, twice the level in 2000 and recently, from around 700 to 900 between 2003 and the highest for at least 20 years. The growth in trainee 2007, to 1,100 in 2009. The number of uncertificated officer recruitment has risen twice as quickly as the officers with hotel and other specialisations is more number of UK based ships. variable: numbers increased from 1,000 to 1,900 between 2007 and 2008, rising again to 2,100 in 2009. In 2009, about 26,700 UK nationals were seafarers working regularly at sea, consisting of: The overall number of UK ratings in 2009 was about 9 per cent higher than in 2002, though with some  11,400 certificated deck and engine officers variations over the period. The number of deck and (assuming a retirement age of 62), engine room ratings was 2 per cent lower, and the  1,100 uncertificated technical officers, number of catering/hotel ratings was 23 per cent higher.  2,100 uncertificated Âhotel & otherÊ officers,  5,000 deck, engineroom and general purpose In 2009, nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of certificated ratings, officers were aged over 40. The pattern for deck and  5,400 catering/hotel ratings and engine room ratings is similar, at 72 per cent.  1,800 trainees in training. Projections have been made to 2029 of the number of Of these, just under two thirds held qualifications related UK certificated officers, based on assumptions about to handling ships or their engines (ÂdeckÊ or ÂengineÊ wastage rates, retirement age and cadet intake. The officers and ratings), while the remainder were employed number is projected to decline by 32 per cent by 2019 for other duties (e.g. technical or hotel/hospitality staff), and by 38 per cent by 2029, largely due to the high or were trainees. average age of officers currently in employment. *Taken from Department of Transport ă Transport Statistics Bulletin, The total number of UK seafarers active at sea in 2009 UK Seafarers Statistics: 2009. was about 4 per cent higher than in 2002, the earliest

6 A Career at Sea

1.11 Retention Rates training. The survey consisted of 25 questions on issues such as pay, leave, accommodation, travel costs and The number of Cadets who either leave during or at the uniforms. end of their cadetship has always been high, this is often due to insufficient or misleading information regarding a The cadets taking part in the survey attended 10 career at sea. different colleges and training institutions almost 50% rated the quality of their training as good, 37% said it A recent study of UK cadets employed by the three was adequate and 13% described it as poor. companies with the largest cadet intake suggests that attrition rates vary considerably from one employer to From the responses it was clear there were wide another and that the safest assumption of the overall variations in the cadetsÊ perceptions of the standards of rate of loss is between 40% and 50% over the three-year their college training, there were also frequent complaints period. about the state of their accommodation and leisure facilities. Another study made in 2008 of 229 serving seafarers indicated that approximately one third intended to make Several cadets suggested that the first phase of college seafaring a lifelong career, while two thirds indicated they training should be shorter and that there should be an would move ashore as soon as circumstances permitted earlier opportunity to go to sea. One cadet explained (Shiptalk 2008). that:

1.12 Career Potential ÂSeatime experience is essential in deciding if a career at sea is right for you and therefore it would If the above figures are kept in mind and considering be better to have a few weeks experience at sea that a number of those presently at sea are approaching before wasting months at college.Ê retirement age, the long term career prospects are excellent, even allowing for occasional redundancies due Another added: to fluctuating fortunes of the industry. ÂI feel this would enable cadets to have a better One cadet was threatened with the sack if he understanding of all the basic subjects taught in missed any more college time, but then slept classes. I would have benefitted from a trip at sea in a few days later. A classmate had a at an early stage as it would have helped with my doctor’s appointment around 10 am so learning of the collision regulations and simple swung round to his flat to get him up & concoct a things like ship construction and actual effects of the plan afterwards. sea and weather.Ê After a couple of pints they bandaged up his arm and got his girlfriend’s mum who worked in another Huge differences in the quality of on board training and doctor’s surgery to forge a sicknote. support were a source of discontent, many cadets would He kept the bandage on for around 5 weeks & is still like a more standardised approach to this part of their working at sea. training.

Careers at sea and many other careers ashore depend on A common complaint was a lack of understanding or the skills of properly qualified seamen in many segments support for training from foreign officers. Some cadets of the marine industry. (See Chapter 12 Career Options). said they had been the only UK citizen on board and said that the foreign officers had ignored them, some stated that English was not spoken in the workplace. 1.13 Nautilus Cadet Survey A recent survey completed by the Officers Union, One cadet commented that ÂBritish cadets should be Nautilus (published August 2010) of more than placed on ships with British officersÊ. ÂForeign officers 260 cadets, of this approximately a quarter were in and ratings often have language difficulties when

7 So you want to go to Sea communicating with cadets and the cadets end up allowance to cover food and incidental socially isolated from the rest of the crew.Ê expenditure of at least £25 per day? Yes 79% No 18% DonÊt know 3% Another cadet described how it was lonely and 8. Does your company provide anything frustrating being the only English speaker on a ship. similar? ÂThis is something that can greatly affect your training Yes 17% No 69% DonÊt know 14% and experience as a cadet,Ê he added. ÂI am aware that I am only on board for tax reasons and am unlikely to be 9. Do you think that college and exam fees offered a job. ItÊs a little bit of a morale killer.Ê should be paid by the company? Yes 98% No 1% DonÊt know 1% Irrespective of the above comments, three-quarters 10. Does your company provide anything of those who took part in the survey said they were similar? optimistic about their future career and employment Yes 87% No 7% DonÊt know 6% prospects. ÂPeople complain about low pay, but considering I am being paid to train it is infinitely better 11. Do you think that the company should value than university,Ê one told the union. reimburse all travel costs to and from college at the start and end of each college ÂThereÊs no other job in the world I would rather be term and/or semester? doing,Ê another added. ÂItÊs been fantastic so far!Ê Yes 96% No 2% DonÊt know 2% 12. Do you think cadets should be allowed paid 1.13.1 Key Findings leave for a family problem or a medical 1. Do you think cadets should be paid in problem? line with National Minimum Wage for the Yes 94% No 3% DonÊt know 3% work they carry out onboard? 13. Does your company provide anything Yes 78% No 14% DonÊt know 8% similar? 2. Do you think cadets’ salaries should be Yes 35% No 13% DonÊt know 52% linked to increases awarded to other 14. How do you rate the quality of your training officers employed by the company? so far at college? Yes 75% No 13% DonÊt know 12% Good 49% Adequate 37% Poor 13% 3. Does your company provide such a link? 15. How do you rate the quality of your training Yes 9% No 52% DonÊt know 39% so far at sea? 4. Do you think that all cadets should earn Good 44% Adequate 36% Poor 14% N/a 6% leave at a rate of no less than 8 days 16. Are you optimistic about your future career per month including time at college? In and employment prospects? addition, should 4 weeks paid annual leave Yes 75% No 18% DonÊt know 7% should be payable to all cadets? Yes 73% No 20% DonÊt know 7% 5. Does your company provide anything similar? 1.14 Initial Path Yes 21% No 46% DonÊt know 33% A basic guide to a career at sea follows: 6. Do you think that whilst at college cadets should be provided with accommodation of Eyesight ă Does your eyesight meet the criteria? a good standard at no charge? Yes 84% No 12% DonÊt know 5% This standard must be passed before any decisions on joining are made (Chapter 6). 7. Do you think that whilst attending college, cadets should be paid a daily subsistence

8 A Career at Sea

Medical ă Entry into the Merchant Navy requires strict Are you Staying or Leaving? ă This will depend medical standards, outlined in as Chapter 6. on your experiences during training and your personal situation. Once you have got your first qualification, Entry as an Officer Cadet or as a Trainee sponsoring will stop. You may be offered a position with Rating ă In most cases this is decided by your existing your existing company depending on their requirements educational qualifications. Training positions for ratings and opinion of you. are very limited as are the sponsoring companies. What Company or Ship Type? If you are entering as a rating, check to see if you can get funding for your initial safety and survival training. Do you want: Lifestyle? Nautical Background ă If you are too young to go to Money? sea, you might wish to gain some understanding of the A more adventurous seagoing experience? sea and the available careers. Home life? This is not essential but is useful to both you and the What you require will point to your choice of company interviewers, Chapter 2. and type of ship. Engineering, Deck or Electro Technical ă This Fully Qualified ă The choice is to either stay or leave. may be decided by your eye sight, a higher standard If you do leave there are various career paths open to of eye sight is required for deck officers than for you especially in the marine sector. On the other hand engineering and electro-technical officers. If you wish staying and achieving Command or Chief Engineer to command a ship you must join the deck department. status will open more doors ashore. However, the engineering department provides superb technical education and professional qualifications that If staying, the choice of seagoing career path is open to can lead to more general occupations ashore if you leave you, you should remember that what you choose may the sea. be your final choice regarding ship type and style of seagoing life. Educational Requirements ă If you do not have the necessary qualifications then it may be advisable to stay Captain or Chief Engineer ă These are the highest at school to attain them. Chapter 1.2 ranks you can obtain at sea. It is also often another point in a sea going career to choose to either stay or leave? Type of Ship ă Assuming that your education, medical More doors are now open in various careers and age is and eyesight are acceptable, you can consider the type not a problem. Some careers ashore require an individual of ship or ships that you wish to be trained on. Some to have spent a certain amount of time in these ranks companies will only have one type, others will have a before being accepted. mix, Chapter 4. If you stay at sea you will have the advantage of Direct Application or Training Company ă The progressing to larger and more challenging ships, with above will lead you into the choice of company. the benefits of higher salaries than ashore. You will also continue to become more professionally experienced. HNC/HND, Foundation Degree/SPD ă Most Some companies are willing to employ their senior companies offer a choice of courses but some only have officers ashore for a certain period of time throughout one or two types, Chapter 7. their career so they can combine shore and sea employment. The College ă This depends on the company sponsoring you for the training but you can ask for a college if it is close to your home, Chapter 8.

2 PREPARATION

Little is often known about careers at sea and advice The United Kingdom Sailing Association offers a sail may not always be easy to come by, it is essential that training orientation course which runs over six weeks, some preparation and study about being at sea and the this is an excellent presea training opportunity. disciplines required is carried out before committing going to sea. Boating or any sailing sport displays an affiliation with the sea. Reading books and magazines about the sea can An indication of nautical awareness in a prospective provide a degree of knowledge although readers must entrant is how interested they are in associated clubs be careful not to glamorise the subject. These types of and sports. Membership of the Sea Cadets or a similar associations with the sea provide a positive background organisation is a sign of early commitment. to sea training on which a future career can be built.

The Sea Cadet Corps, for example offers an excellent Just because you want to go to sea and appear to have training ground for a future career at sea whether the the appropriate qualifications does not necessarily mean Royal or Merchant Navy. As well as the many available you will be welcomed into the company of your choice. activities, it provides an excellent introduction to the The interest that you display in your intended career will teamwork and discipline that is required at sea. It has initiate interest in you. Knowledge of the Merchant Navy its own power and sail training vessels as well as many and the company or organisation you are applying to is sailing and inshore craft. The junior section can be joined very important. from the age of 10 and the main section from the age of 12. This is one of the best ways to prepare at an early stage for going to sea. You can also join your local cadet 2.1 Nautical Periodicals force it provides a good background of the discipline that There are a number of different nautical publications is required. available, they are of professional and general interest.

The Tall Ships Youth Trust also provide excellent training These include; for the sea, membership of this organisation and a voyage on one of their ships, will provide an excellent General Interest: base. Sea Breezes Ships Monthly The World Ship Society Marine News

11 So you want to go to Sea

Marine and Industry: into other syllabuses but there are some schools that The Nautical Magazine have a nautical department. Attending these can be Fairplay beneficial to those wishing to go to sea. Safety at Sea Tradewinds These schools offer exactly the same type of education Lloyds List as any other school except that within their school, there Nautilus Telegraph is an emphasis or association with the sea and sailing is usually part of the schools activities. While attending In addition many marine organisations produce their pupils will get a good idea of whether being at sea is for own magazine. them or not.

Lews Castle College in Stornoway continues to offer a 2.2 Schools one year pre sea training course (Appendix 3). Until the late 20th century, there were several schools dedicated to training those wishing to go to sea. Most A brief outline of some of these schools can be found in have now closed and those that remain have diversified Appendix 1 of this book.

12 3 THE MERCHANT NAVY

The definition of the Merchant Navy and a Merchant Captain Cook who served in the Merchant Navy for Fleet is often confused. Shipping or Ship Management nine years before transferring to the Royal Navy. Even Companies operate a fleet of ships. The nation describes NelsonÊs seagoing career started in the Merchant Navy. ships that operate under that nationÊs flag as a national Merchant Fleet. The Merchant Navy are those who man As the Empire grew so did the Merchant Fleets, by the our commercial ships. The British Merchant Navy is 20th century we had the largest Merchant and Royal therefore not just the British who serve on the ships but Navies in the world. Training ships such as HMS Conway all other nationals as well. and HMS Worcester were established in the 19th century. After this there was HMS Britannia for pre-sea training officers, HMS Indefatigable and HMS Mercury were used 3.1 History for training ratings. The history of our Merchant Fleet and those who man the ships has gone from a minor maritime power in The First and the Second World Wars saw the Merchant the 14th century where our trading ships challenged the Navy in the forefront of defending our country. As maritime powers of Spain, Portugal and Holland. By always in times of war, thousands of merchant seamen the 16th century our ships ranged over the known world. transferred to the Royal Navy to supplement the At that time there was no Royal Navy. Merchant ships manning of warships, the remainder manned merchant traded during peace and fought during wars, all merchant ships that were used to transport supplies of food, troops ships that traded in deep water were fully armed. and weapons.

The British fleet which defeated the Spanish Armada During the First World War, King George V granted the comprised of merchant ships manned almost entirely by title „Merchant Navy‰, instead of mercantile marine, to merchant seamen, this was one of the Merchant NavyÊs the service and signed the Act of Parliament that gave first major military achievements. the Merchant Navy a standard uniform. Until then, company livery was all that was available. The Prince Our empire was built on trade that was carried in of Wales was made the Master of the Merchant Navy, merchant ships, without this there would have been no today Her Majesty the Queen holds this position. The empire or commonwealth that we belong to today. Merchant Navy became was established as the countryÊs Many great explorers were merchant seamen including fourth service with their flag being displayed on the Martin Frobisher, Henry Hudson, William Baffin and national cenotaph.

13 So you want to go to Sea

By the end of the Second World War, the Merchant Navy serve on. Every ship must be registered to a port in a had suffered more than 30,000 casualties, this was more country. While the port that a ship is registered to is not than the combined casualties of the other three services. important, its country and the national flag it displays are, as are the civil and maritime laws that govern the At the end of this war the fleets expanded to replace the ship which must be followed by those on board. losses of the war, after a short time and with competition from other countries who had cheaper ships and crews, Most countries welcome a ship owner registering their the decline began. The 70Ês and 80Ês saw continuing ship as it contributes towards their revenue. This is redundancies and companies disappearing. how the phrase ÂFlag of ConvenienceÊ has developed. Initially these states made a business out of registering As the decline continued, training ships were closed and ships without imposing many rules or requirements that ships disappeared off the seas. For many ratings there are associated with traditional national flags, as a result were no ships to serve on and for officers the only work the costs were lower. The countries mainly associated was on foreign ships. This was a tragic time for the with this initially were Panama and Liberia, today they Merchant Navy. continue to have the majority of the world shipping tonnage. More countries have recently joined and today By the beginning of the 21st century, a new style a ship owner can choose where to register a ship from of Merchant Navy had emerged. Foreign Owners several countries. were attracted to the British Flag due to monetary concessions, foreign crews who earned lower salaries The UK has in recent years been accused of becoming were allowed to be recruited for British vessels, training a Flag of Convenience state in their bid to attract foreign periods were shortened which resulted in reduced costs, ship owners. For this reason the flag that a ship displays the government realised it was essential to have ships in most cases bears little relationship to the nationality of and more importantly officers and crews to man them. the owner, operator or crew.

While new growth is not established, the decline has stopped. With such a decline, recruitment into 3.3 Manning the Merchant Navy almost stopped for some time, With the internationalisation of the Merchant Fleets, companies which operated career guidance services manning has also become international. Today British ceased their activities. Schools which had previously had ships are allowed to have any nationality the operators excellent advice for those wishing to go to sea, received want to employ to sail the ship, some British ships do not little information and were often reluctant to advise have any British nationals on board. students to enter what they saw as a dying career. For centuries British ships have employed foreign crews, The situation today is that while there are less ships than many of these crews served with distinction on our before, there is a shortage of suitably qualified young merchant ships. British shipping companies in the 19th people. and 20th centuries relied on Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and African crews, so manning ships with foreign crews The Merchant Navy has its own service record, its is well established. However, employing foreign officers own uniform and traditions, many of which have been is a comparatively new feature. With the UK joining the adopted by the Royal Navy. It exists as a collection of EU, many EU citizens today, predominantly from the commercial companies which will when required become eastern areas, are employed on British vessels, officers a united service. from Russia, the Ukraine and other parts of the world are employed. 3.2 Flag Crewing a ship is carried out in various ways. Officers While the Merchant Navy is really the men and women can be recruited directly as either cadets or officers, by a serving on the ships, there must be ships for them to company through their own personnel office.

14 The Merchant Navy

A company who need officers or ratings will send out purpose, the more economic the ship becomes. Modern their requirements to an agency, they will then send ships may look very large to an outside observer, but can them information about those waiting for employment, have surprisingly small accommodation in proportion to the company will choose who they wish to employ. Many their size, especially as container ships use as much deck companies prefer this method as it frees them from space as possible for carrying containers. certain responsibilities and office costs. The ship is controlled from the bridge, this name It is normal for a company to use both methods. They originally came from paddle steamers. To allow an easy will train or recruit officers directly and employ ratings crossing between the wheels on each side of the ship a through a manning agency or vice versa. high walkway was built, which was known as the bridge. The Captain and deck officers who controlled the ship At present there is a worldwide shortage of officers and from the stern, moved to this bridge as the view was ratings, it is likely that this situation is going to become better from there. worse over the next few decades. The bridge is the nerve centre of the ship, this is where the communication, navigation and engine controls are 3.4 Tonnage Tax and Training located. In the UK, to try and encourage growth in British Flag shipping and to persuade shipping companies to train The compasses and steering systems are all found on future generations of seamen, a tonnage tax system of the bridge. All ships have an auto steering system, when shipping taxation was introduced in 1999. This linked the ship is not in confined waters it is switched on. The shipping companies that were taking part for ten years to engine controls range from ultra modern computer a training commitment. assisted controls which operate the engines and thruster units together, to a basic single engine control. Companies must submit a training plan that demonstrates a commitment to providing officer training Electronic technology has transformed the bridge on places or make a payment in lieu of training which is many ships with an array of radars, navigational systems in proportion to the crewing complement of the ships and communications. Deck officers are required to operated by the company. understand how to operate this equipment.

While this has been successful in increasing the number 3.5.1 The Engine Room of training positions on ships under the British Flag, there If the bridge is the nerve centre, the engine control room is no commitment for future employment once the initial is the heart. This is where the main engines, auxiliaries cadet training is completed. This means that a number of and the main electrical switchboard are. As important cadets who have been trained under the British Flag, have are the generators which provide the electrical power discovered that the company that trained them cannot for the ship. The control room is air conditioned and offer them a position as a junior officer. soundproofed, computers play an essential part in the operations. The concept of engine rooms being hot, dark 3.5 The Ship oily places, has gone except on very old ships. Today the engine room is brightly lit and often immaculate. Ships are metal structures which are designed to carry The ship may well have an elevator which goes from the cargo, passengers or both, from one place to another in bridge to the engine room. the most economical way under the management of the Company Office ashore and the operational command of 3.5.2 The Decks the Captain. The deck down from the bridge is the top deck, this The majority of the space in a ship is used to carry cargo and is reserved for Senior Officers, often this is the or passengers. The more space that is used for this Captain and Chief Engineer. The next deck is the

15 So you want to go to Sea officers deck and the deck below that is the Crew deck. At the forward part of the ship is the forecastle, which The main deck is usually reserved for storerooms, gets its name from when soldiers were carried on ships. laundry services and working offices. The food and To protect them from arrows, they built small wooden refrigeration rooms may also be on this deck or one deck castles on the bow of the ship. The forecastle is the further down inside the hull of the ship. Throughout the main store for the deck department, on the deck of this accommodation there are various public rooms, some storeroom is the mooring and anchoring equipment for are required by international law and others depend on the ship. At the stern of the ship is the poop deck. The the company. Some companies will provide the bare name comes from Latin, ÂpuppisÊ and the French ÂLa minimum such as a games room/gymnasium, mess PoopeÊ meaning stern. On this deck are the mooring rooms and lounges. Other companies will add to these winches for the stern lines. by including bars, a library, saunas and hobby rooms. You must understand that in the Merchant Navy, your The shipÊs hull is strengthened by steel girders. Due to accommodation, furnishings and facilities depend almost the danger of pollution, double hulls are now required completely on the company you join and the age of the for certain types of ships. Depending on whether a ship ship. is loaded or not, the height of the hull will vary. When a ship is loaded, only the painted hull will be seen, when 3.5.3 Cabins it is unloaded the underwater part will also be seen, this is painted with antifouling paint to prevent weed from On the average modern ship, it is normal for officers growing. On very large ships those with an underwater to have their own bathroom, ratings may also have this hull of 20 metres in depth, there are only a few ports facility. Senior officers might have a dayroom as well as a that can accommodate them. This means that the larger bedroom and even an office. In most cases the Captain part of the ship is under the water when loaded, shallow and Chief Engineer will certainly have an office. Air waters require very careful navigation. conditioning is now required by law as well as heating. Bedding and a laundry service are provided by the Ballast tanks are found at the side and bottom of the company. Cadets may be berthed in a single or double ship. This allows the ship to discharge a cargo, these bedded accommodation. It is not unusual for ships to tanks are then filled with water to maintain the stability have Satellite TV available in the cabins. Satellite phone of the ship for seagoing in any weather condition. Some calls can also be made from cabins, if not there may be a of these tanks will be fresh water tanks, although many phone booth in the accommodation. ships these days make their own water.

3.5.4 Main Deck The ships fuel tanks are also at the bottom of the The main deck is outside the accommodation. This deck ship. The amount of fuel required will depend on the sits on top of the hull and runs aft to forward. Uncovered size of ship, trading pattern and speed, for example outside decks are referred to as weather decks. On an a 150,000 dwt container ship travelling at 24 knots average cargo ship the hatch openings are on this deck, will use 300-350 tonnes per day, while a 50,000 dwt very large bulk carriers can have up to eleven hatch general cargo ship travelling at 14 knots will use around openings. On tankers, the deck is a maze of pipes but 30 tonnes per day. under the deck the ship has large tanks which similar to a bulk carrier are for cargo. As every ship is different it is difficult to generalise, but all ships must provide at least the basic facilities for living On many ships, the main deck is also used to carry on board. Therefore food, water, electricity, cabins, cargo, this is particularly the case on container ships laundry, cooking, eating and recreation areas must be where the containers are stacked on the deck as high as provided. they are below in the ships holds.

Between the holds on smaller vessels there may be 3.6 Shipboard Structure cranes which are used for loading and discharging cargo. The manning of a ship is governed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations contained

16 The Merchant Navy in The Standards of Training, Certification and crew has borne the brunt of the reductions in manning. Watchkeeping (STCW95) and any applicable national In the past it was headed by a Purser or Chief Steward, regulations. Each ship must have a minimum manning on some ships with larger crews, these ranks may still certificate approved by the maritime administration the be carried but often the department is headed by a ship is registered to, in the UK this is the Maritime and Cook/Chief Steward where the ships Cook heads the Coastguard Agency (MCA), (chapter 10). Once this is department and is usually overseen by the Captain. The given, the ship cannot sail without the ranks being filled, full extent of this departmentÊs responsibilities at times is unless special permission is granted. A company can not fully appreciated by those ashore. These include: carry as many additional crew as they wish, provided there are sufficient lifeboats for those on board.  The feeding of those on board  the cleanliness of the ship Similar to a company or office ashore, the ship,  provisioning under the Captain as the head of the ship, is divided  food storage into departments. On the vast majority of ships the  health and hygiene departments are as follows.  laundry services  public rooms 3.6.1 Deck  accommodation maintenance. This is the Seamanship Department of the ship and is When these departments are put together a typical headed by the Chief Officer. The responsibilities of this oceangoing shipÊs crewing arrangement may look like this: department include:

 Navigation CAPTAIN  seamanship  communications  safety and security Deck Department Engineering Department  cargo and stability Chief Officer Chief Engineer nd nd  medical 2 Officer 2 Engineer  administration. 3rd Officer 3rd Engineer 4th Officer* 4th Engineer* 3.6.2 Engineering Cadet/s* Cadet/s* Bosun Fitter The engineering department is headed by the Chief Deck Ratings Engine Ratings Engineer and is responsible for all the machinery and Trainees* Trainees* technical aspects of the shipÊs operations, including:

Catering Department  The main engines Chief Steward*  the electrical and electronic systems Chief Cook  auxiliary systems such as air conditioning, stabilisers Stewards  all deck machinery Calley Boy*  plumbing and sanitation systems  fuel and pollution prevention. *These positions may not be filled on many ships.

3.6.3 The Catering Department The above is for a basic oceangoing ship structure. This department is responsible for providing all the Depending on the type of ship and work that the ship ÂhotelÊ services. is designed to carry out, the positions can also be enhanced. An example is the comparatively new position Apart from cruise ships and ferries where this is the of Electro Technical Officers and cadets, who deal with largest department, on the average ship the catering the electronic aspects of the ship.

17 So you want to go to Sea

3.7 Watchkeeping 3.10 Duties and Responsibilities The structure of the deck department and to an extent on Board the engine department is based on the traditional 3.10.1 The Captain watchkeeping system when the ship is at sea. The Captain, while trained in the deck department, is This allows an officer and lookout to be on watch on the the head of the ship and is responsible for all matters on bridge throughout a 24 hour period, the usual routines board. The department heads report to him and he in are four hours on watch and eight hours off. Again a turn reports to the office ashore. The Captain does not typical system would be: keep specific hours unless on a small vessel where he may keep a watch as one of the bridge watchkeepers.  0800-1200 3rd Officer His place of duty is the bridge, particularly when in  1200-1600 2nd Officer restricted waters or entering or leaving harbour. On a  1600-2000 Chief Officer merchant ship, while in command of all aspects of the  2000-2400 3rd Officer ship, he will oversee the navigation and quite often the  1200-0400 2nd Officer operation of the catering department.  0400-0800 Chief Officer. 3.10.2 The Deck Department Under this system the Captain is on call at all times. The Head of the Deck Department is the Chief Officer, often referred to as the ÂMateÊ In port the system may change to one where the Chief Officer is required to be on call constantly while the He is in effect the Chief Seaman of the ship and is other two officers work a six hour on and six hour off responsible to the Captain for all seamanship and cargo routine during cargo work. matters. On certain ships he will often be referred to as a day-worker, this means that he does not have a 3.8 Working Hours set watch on the bridge, leaving him time to oversee his department. He is also responsible for the safety The normal working hours on board are: equipment and training on board. This will include the shipÊs boats, fire fighting and corresponding training  Watchkeepers 60 hours plus. This is in addition to exercises. On most ships, this officer is the busiest on their time on the bridge or engine room, as they board, with a watch, usually 0400-0800 and 1600-2000 have other duties to attend to on the bridge and a department to run. In port he is even  deck officers this can change in port to 84 hours or busier, as he takes care of all the cargo matters. more depending on the cargo requirements  day workers 44 hours. This depends on work He is responsible to the Captain for the daily running of requirements, training and drills. the ship and discipline on board.

3.9 Fatigue Rules 3.10.3 The Second Officer The 2nd Officer is under the Chief Officer. This officer Recently ship operators have reduced the number of is usually the Navigator of the ship and works closely officers and crew on board ships considerably. This has with the Captain. He is often responsible for updating lead to a high level of fatigue, as a result there have been the shipÊs publications. In some companies he is the many accidents. The International Maritime Organization cargo officer. At sea he will keep the 1200 -1600 and has brought in regulations that limit the number of hours 0000 - 0400 watch, in port when working cargo many of work. Regrettably, due to the nature of the ships 2nd and 3rd officers divide the duty between them working trading patterns and the demands on them, it is not six hours on and six hours off. With this type of system uncommon for some on board, such as the Chief Officer there is not much opportunity for shore leave. to work excessive hours in port.

18 The Merchant Navy

He may also be the ships medical officer, under the Pollution on ships is a major concern whether it is from CaptainÊs guidance. fuel, smoke or sanitation systems. The 2nd Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all operations under 3.10.4 The Third Officer his control conform to the international pollution requirements. The bunkering, which is taking fuel oil on Normally this is the most junior officer of the board is also this officerÊs responsibility. department. In this position he usually assists the chief officer in safety maintenance, act as training officer, rd in fact he will take on as many positions as are assigned 3.10.8 3 Engineer to him. This junior officer may be the most junior in the engineering department and as such his duties will His watch hours are 0800 to 1200 and 2000 - 0000 at include assisting the 2nd and Chief Engineer. He should sea, in port working cargo his hours will be six hours on be able to start and carry out routine maintenance and six hours off. on the generators and oil purifiers, be able to operate all pumps and assist with bunkering. He should also 3.10.5 The Deck Cadet Officer continue to learn while carrying out work that fits with Cadets are classified as trainee officers whose training his capabilities. will take priority on board. Due to the manning situation on modern ships, the cadet is an important member of 3.10.9 4th Engineer Officer the deck team who will be integrated according to their Some ships may still carry this officer. Similar to the abilities. 3rd Engineer, he will function under the 2nd Engineer, carrying out watchkeeping duties as required and general 3.10.6 The Chief Engineering Officer engineering duties. The Chief Engineer is responsible to the Captain for maintaining the engines, all secondary machinery 3.10.10 Engineer Cadet Officer such as air conditioning and deck cranes and running his department. Because of the Chief EngineerÊs Exactly the same as the deck cadets except their training responsibilities and qualifications, he is regarded in is engineering rather than seamanship. a similar way to the Captain. The Chief Engineer oversees his department, the 2nd Engineer is the 3.10.11 Electro Technical Officer working head of the department. Like the Captain he This officer depending on the company may be attached has no specific duty, but is available as required. His to the Engineering Department or the Deck Department. responsibilities increase with the size of ship, except for On large cruise vessels, they might have their own certain types of specialist ships, covering a wide range department because of the large amount of electronic of machinery. equipment carried. 3.10.7 2nd Engineer The Electro Technical Officer deals with electrical and This is a senior officer who is similar to the Chief electronic equipment on board and the communications Officer, as they are both responsible for the daily equipment on the ship. They are day workers and operation of their department. On modern ships operate under the Chief Officer or Chief Engineer. there is a crossover of responsibilities and these two officers must have a close relationship. If the ship has 3.10.12 Electro-Technical Cadet Officer a manned engine room, he will keep the same watches as the deck department but most modern ships have This is a new training rank brought in due to the unmanned engine rooms, this means the ship will have increasing need for specialist officers to deal with the a system where a duty engineer will check the engine electronics on board. room periodically.

19 So you want to go to Sea

3.11 Discipline 3.12.1 The Risk Element While discipline is required in most aspects of our The sea is not a natural element for humans. We can lives, on shore it tends to be very different from a and do drown, it is important that you learn to swim ship. Discipline at sea is well defined, impersonal and if you intend to go to sea. Ships are machines that immediate, regardless of whether it is a Royal Navy or are designed to float on the sea. This combination Merchant Navy ship. can produce dangerous circumstances, as ships sink and sailors drown. The ship is in itself a factory with As a trainee, the old idea of when told to jump the only all the dangers of a factory ashore. Regardless of the answer is how high is not a bad analogy. Direct orders position you are training for, it is likely that you will at are given, not because the person giving the order is times work in hazardous environments. Going to sea is impolite, but for clarity. listed as one of the most dangerous occupations, it is estimated that 103 in every 100,000 fishermen and 52 This is important for two reasons. A ship is a small in every 100,000 merchant seamen die while working community of people often unknown to each other, who at sea. These figures must be kept in perspective as are confined in a small space for long periods of time. they include all seagoing craft in the world, if the figures It is essential that there are established rules on board for were taken for the average merchant ships, they would living together in harmony, the rules must be clear and if be considerably lower. Unfortunately, the Health and broken must be dealt with immediately. Safety Executive, which has done so much for industry ashore in improving the safety has no authority on ships. Today it is unusual for ships to resort to punishment and Merchant Seamen are the only group of workers who everyone tries to avoid such situations. When they are are exempt from their regulations. Instead the safety of imposed and depending on the flag state of the ship, seamen is governed by international regulations through they can range from verbal and written warnings to fines the International Maritime Organization and the Maritime or dismissal from the ship, often with the repatriation Coast Guard Agency. expenses down to the offending person. On UK ships there is a mandatory code of conduct which is part of There is danger in almost everything we do if a person the articles of agreement, everybody who joins the ship is careless or untrained. Far more people die from must sign. accidents on the roads than at sea, so the element of danger must be kept in perspective. Ships have an established hierarchy. It is based on qualifications and experience, anyone with training 3.12.2 Piracy and work can progress up the hierarchical ladder. On One occupation at sea that most ashore know about a ship, especially in an emergency, situations demand is piracy, this is due to recent news reports. To those that orders are obeyed immediately and without undue ashore there is an element of glamour attached to this, question, all on board must understand and comply based on old stories. In reality they are armed thugs in with this type of existence. The Captain and Officers old fishing boats who unfortunately gain a great deal of will expect those newly joining the ship to accept the publicity. There are certainly areas of the sea, usually necessity of this existence from the very beginning. close to land where national governments have little or no control of their waters. In these areas ships must take 3.12 Problems Affecting the security precautions. Merchant Navy As the problem is growing, there is now increasing naval Like all professions and industries, the merchant navy is deployment to the most severely affected areas but it will no different in having problems. require action by the nations where the piracy is being

20 The Merchant Navy committed before the problem can be adequately dealt 3.12.5 Fatigue with. In the meantime, with more ships taking defensive action, it is becoming more difficult for the pirates to Fatigue problems cannot be separated from those of successfully attack a prepared and alert ship. manning, as low manning on board inevitably leads to fatigue during any intensive activity, such as port It is surprising that with all the publicity surrounding operations. Crew members often work more than this problem, most seamen have never had any piracy 100 hours a week, with their rest time being disturbed experience. by the incessant noise of the cargo equipment and un- insulated cabins. The situation is often compounded on 3.12.3 Criminalisation smaller vessels. This is a contentious issue brought about initially The result of fatigue can be seen at sea with ships often various pollution problems. Strict laws are laid down sailing with tired officers and crew followed by the often to protect seamen from unlawful arrest and for the inevitable consequences. Again, these facts are well correct treatment of seafarers in the ports of the world. known to marine administrations with little action being Regrettably many countries that signed these resolutions taken. now ignore them and not just for pollution problems but also for many other incidents where ships are involved. On both of the above problems, the pressure is rising The international legal process is being ignored and among unions and other concerned bodies for action seamen, particularly senior officers, now find themselves, to be taken by the IMO and other national maritime arrested, imprisoned or detained in foreign countries authorities in light of the overwhelming evidence of the while the cases are dealt with. The obvious consequence effects these problems have on safety at sea. of this is not just the traumatic experience of being arrested and detained but the criminal record that often 3.12.6 Shore Leave goes with this. Increasingly around the world, both private and public 3.12.4 Manning ports are restricting visitors to the seafarers and the seafarers access to shore, often citing new security The manning of many ships today is insufficient for requirements as an excuse. This is particularly prevalent carrying out the required tasks. These problems are in the USA. The restrictions vary from refusing visitors to particularly obvious on smaller vessels where lax refusing all access to and from the ship apart from port manning requirements prevail, this leads to a breakdown officials. of the lookout and bridge watch requirements and can result in accidents. The problems are well known to all Restrictions are imposed by national authorities such as marine administrations, including our own, no action is the police or coastguard but in many cases, particularly being taken despite the constant pressure by the Unions in the USA, these are imposed by private terminals, the and professional bodies. legality of which is questionable.

On larger vessels manning deficiencies are noticeable The worsening situation is recognised by a number of in port where the pressure of cargo operations requires organisations, yet at the moment little is being done to constant overseeing and attendance. rectify the situation.

4 THE SHIPS

The lifestyle, work patterns, leave, pay and the places off our coast, these require specially developed ships to you visit are often governed by the type of ship you join. install and service them. If you asked seaman what ships you should be trained on, most would say as many different types as possible, Ships can basically be divided into two major groups, as you will learn about the different type of ships and are coastal or near coastal and ocean going. then in a better position to choose what type you prefer, more importantly your spread of knowledge, ability and 4.1.1 Coastal seamanship are increased with the experience gained on Coastal ships are usually smaller in size than their each type of ship. oceangoing counterparts, although there are ferries which are larger than many oceangoing ships that never These days, companies usually specialise in one type go out of the sight of land. Their size is governed by the or another, as a result it is not as easy to move around multitude of smaller ports around the worldÊs coastlines. within the same company. Once you have completed the The advantage of coastal vessels is their ability to enter initial training period there is nothing to stop you from rivers deep into many countries and use ports which the changing companies to gain this experience on different oceangoing counterpart cannot go to either because of type of ships, this is not uncommon. the size or draft restrictions, which is the depth of the ship under water is too large for the depth of water in There are also management companies and training port. They generally perform the same tasks as ocean companies (Chapter 5) that can have a spread of ship going ships. types. Most try to ensure that the training period is spent on different types of ships although due to the short As they are smaller in size, less crew are required and initial training period at sea, this is not always possible. proportionally fewer trainees are carried, although this is changing as there is a growing shortage of replacements 4.1 Ship Groups for the current seamen.

It is not possible to cover all the different types of ships The trainees that are carried are usually on ferries on the sea. The seas are seen increasingly as not just a where there is a larger crew, particularly in the catering place of travel and transport but also as a resource to be departments and specialist shipping, such as the offshore developed. As a result new ships are being developed sector which supports the oil industry. continually, for example wind farms being constructed

23 So you want to go to Sea

4.1.1.1 Advantages often no cook, food depends on who ever is cooking that day. The Ports Today for most types of shipping the time spend in port The workload is short. Coastal shipping tends to be closer to towns, With the exception of ferries, as this type of ship carry shops and entertainment centres than their oceangoing the minimum number of crew, the workload can at times counterparts, because of this shore leave is more likely. be problematic, fatigue is a recognised problem. As there are more small ports than large ones, the places to visit are more varied, especially as mid trade can go 4.1.2 Ocean Going into the Baltic and Mediterranean, some can also cross the Atlantic. The majority of training is carried out an ocean going ships, many companies offer this opportunity The Voyages (Chapter 6). As with the coastal sector, different types These tend to be shorter than larger vessels. It is not of oceangoing ships and specialist ships are required for unusual for two or three ports to be visited in a week. different types of work.

Leave Today most oceangoing ships have no recognised As these ships generally trade close to home ports, the ÂhomeÊ port. Instead crews fly out to join them in the rotation of work and leave tends to be shorter and more most convenient port they are berthed in and leave regular. It is not unusual for a one month on one month in the same way. As with coastal ships, the ports that off system to be in place, this allows a more regular these ships can use will depend on their size and draft, home life. generally they use much larger ports. It does not mean that because the ships are larger they will have more Management Style time in port. The time in port will depend on the cargo The management style of companies operating such ships, that is being carried and can range from a few hours to a especially in smaller companies, is usually more friendly few days. and personal. Job satisfaction and loyalty tends to be more important than on perhaps large oceangoing fleets. The contracted time on board varies from a few to several months, leaving a ship depends on reaching a Training convenient port where travel can be arranged. This can Navigation and seamanship skills on this type of ship are mean that a set time for leave may have to be extended very important, especially in ship handling, if a position to suit the company which can interfere with family can be found it is an excellent type of ship for training. plans.

4.1.1.2 Disadvantages 4.1.2.1 Advantages Pay Training The pay in coastal shipping tends to be less than Formal training on oceangoing ships is better than on oceangoing. This is often due to the leave ration being coastal ships, primarily as there are more officers on higher, often the situation is more leave with less pay. board to cope with this. Companies that take on trainees tend to have a more organised personnel department The Sea and often a dedicated training department. Regardless of the shipÊs size, the sea does not change. While smaller ships are at no more risk than their larger Accomodation counter parts, they tend to ride the waves better although The accommodation is often spacious and today they can be very uncomfortable in bad weather. many ships have good amenities such as broadband, satellite TV, gymnasiums, swimming pools and bars, Amenities although some companies have a Âno alcohol policyÊ. The accommodation is generally smaller and does not Proper cooks are carried and Officers have a steward have all the amenities that larger ships have. There is service.

24 The Ships

Travel this, there are occasions when you wish to be closer to The ships have a worldwide range, this means that home. The death or serious illness of a family member depending on the ship many foreign places may be for example. If you are in the middle of the ocean, visited. In addition it is normal to fly out to join the ship there is little that can be done. If the illness or death is and also when leaving, this may provide an opportunity not a member of your immediate family, ie if you are to see something of the countries visited. single your parents, or if you are married your wife and children, then you may have to pay to travel home and Pay sometimes, for your replacement if there is one available. The pay is better than coastal shipping, but you should You must remember that once you are signed on a ship, be aware of the leave/work ratio. One advantage in you cannot walk down the gangway and leave. You must the UK is that if you spend more than 6 months at sea wait for your replacement or the CaptainÊs permission, as during the year, then your pay is tax free. he holds your documents including your passport.

Larger companies often have a pension system but if you are on a British ship this is covered through Nautilus 4.2 Ship Types (Chapter 10, Support Organisations) Oceangoing ships are dominated by three basic types, Bulk Carriers, Oil Tankers and Container ships. 4.1.2.2 Disadvantages Shore Leave 4.2.1 Bulk Carriers Whether you have the opportunity to see the places The first bulk carrier, the British coal carrier S.S. John the ship visits depends on the length of time in port Bolwes, was built in 1852. Since then the world bulk and where the ship is berthed. Larger ships are usually fleet has expanded to around 40% of world shipping. further away from any population centres, which often They are recognised as the most dangerous types of means that the ship is berthed miles away from the town ships due to the severe stresses they are subjected to centre, which can make it expensive to get ashore. In and the safety issues which are associated with their addition, it is increasingly popular around the world, cargoes. As the cargoes tend to be heavy and are prone especially in the USA to prohibit shore leave. to catastrophic hull or hatch failure they sink rapidly, this leaves crews with little time to abandon ship. In Manning the recent past, one bulk carrier sank on average every Just because a ship is large does not necessarily mean two months with a total loss of life, although the new there are more crew on board. Recent newly built large stringent rules mean that this number is falling. container ships have manning certificates for 13 crew. In such a situation, life on board can be very lonely as Apart from the danger some of these cargoes can everyone is either working or sleeping. If there is a ÂNo cause to the ship, they can also cause problems to the barÊ policy in force, there can be no or very little social crews health, this is due to them being exposed to toxic life. cargoes during loading and discharge.

The Personal touch The larger a bulk carrier is, the more difficult they are Another general rule, both at sea and ashore, is the to handle, particularly as most have a single propeller larger the company the more impersonal it becomes. If and no thruster units. In a loaded condition and in you are leaving a small company, they will often want to extreme weather, or at slow speeds approaching ports or know why and are interested in you as a person. A large anchorages, they should be handled with extreme care. company might be disappointed but simply find someone else. Bulk Carriers are divided into several catagories:

Distance  Mini Bulk Carriers ă tend to be more coastal and On oceangoing ships you will mainly work thousands of middle trade, with shorter voyages between their miles away from home. While you may look forward to loading and discharge ports. Ranging between 500

25 So you want to go to Sea

and 10,000 tonnes, they can be used for a variety So called due to their size. They cannot pass of cargoes, some are equipped with gantry cranes. through the Panama or Suez Canals and are These ships are often poorly manned and this along required to make passage around the Capes. Bulk with the frequent port visits, can lead to fatigue Carriers of this size which range from 80,000 to problems. 200,000 tonnes, tend to carry one specific type of  Handy Size cargo, the vast majority carry iron ore or coal.

Very large Bulk Carriers (VLBC) and Ultra Large Bulk Carriers (ULBC) range from 200,000 to 270,000 DWTs and above 270,000 DWT respectively. These ships have the same problems as the Capesize, magnified by their size. Handling vessels in this class is specialised, particularly in confined waters and at slow speeds.

Large bulk carriers tend to load at one port for discharge at another. Some are contracted to go between just two ports for a number of voyages. As the ships are large, only certain ports can be used, Ranging 10,000 DWT and 60,000 DWT, they their berths are quite often far from town. This may usually have up to five hatches. Many are geared mean months on board without any shore leave or with cranes, which gives them the flexibility to load the opportunity to shop, it is sensible before joining, and discharge at berths without such facilities. The to make sure you have all the items you may require smaller of these can take other cargoes, including for a few months. The accomodation on these large containers and deck cargo, apart from bulk. Their ships is often is spacious, this allows there to be size gives them greater flexibility in the cargoes they more amenities on board, however this depends on can carry and the ports they can visit, especially on the shipÊs operator. If the ships are carrying cargoes ships which have their own cranes. Of all the bulk such as ore or coal, they will be very dirty ships on carriers, these are probably the most interesting due deck, in port as will the areas around the ship. to the cargoes being carried and the places they visit. Their size generally allows the ships to be close to the port and offers a good opportunity for shore 4.2.2 Container Ships leave.  Panamax ă ranging between 60,000 DWT and approximately 80,000 DWT, they get their name as these are designed to be small enough to pass through the Panama Canal.  Capesize

Container ships are increasing in size, they are judged on the number of containers they can carry, for example the M.V. Colombo Express can carry 874920  20 foot containers, however today most containers are 40 ft long. Originally these ships were converted tankers, the first, Âbox boatÊ as they are commonly called sailed across the atlantic in 1956. They usually sail on fixed liner routes, this means they are on scheduled voyages with the dates and even times of arrival in the ports of call published weeks in advance. Unlike Bulk Carriers, the ships are able to call at several ports on a voyage, it is not unusual

26 The Ships for 10 ports to be visited in a month. The ships are 4.2.4 Tankers generally loaded and discharged at special terminals, which may be some distance from shore amenities. Their The advent of the steel hulls and steam to drive pumps time in port may be short, it is often measured in hours that tankers, as they are commonly known as, came into rather than days. As their cargo are in containers, they their own. The oil industry ensured the development of are usually very clean ships, however the need to utilise these ships into the number and sizes they are today. The as much deck space as possible for carrying cargo means major concern on tankers is the threat of pollution, very that, the deck space and views from the cabins can be strict controls are necessary in the procedures to avoid limited, as seen in the above picture. They are prone to this. Pollution caused recently by a number of highly heavy rolling, especially when they are carrying empty prominent accidents has brought about the requriement containers and can be subject to high vibration. for double hulls. Today approximately half of the worlds 5000 tankers have double hulls. The largest Merchant 4.2.3 General Cargo ship ever built was a tanker called The Berge Istra. Much of what has already been said about bulk carriers also There are still a surprising number of general cargo applies to these ships, except there is far less noise from ships, most are comparatively small, using smaller ports cargo work in ports and they are very clean ships. As and those that have the infrastructure to handle these with bulk carriers, their berths or terminals tend to be far types of ships. from amentieis ahsore and in some cases berths are on specially built islands at sea, as a result the opportunities Most of these ships have cranes rather than derricks for shore going can be even less than on a bulk carrier. which can still be seen occasionally, they require Tanker companies have traditionally offered better specialised knowledge on the stowage and handling amenities and accomodation than other types of ships of different cargoes. Deck cargo will often be a mix of in recognition of the reduced opportunities for shore general cargo and containers. Because of their worldwide leave, coupled with better leave and salaries has ensured employment and longer stays in port, they are popular their manning, the conditions on board depend on the as 12 passenger carriers. As they often frequent smaller company you join. ports and rivers, a good understanding of ship handling and inshore navigation is also required. Of all the The following provides a guide to sizes of the most different types of ships, the crews on these travel and see common tanker type, ie crude oil: more of the world than any other seamen and are very popular to sail on, even though salaries are usually lower.  General Purpose (Handysize) ă 10,000-50,000 dwt  Panamax Tanker ă 50,000-80,000 dwt  Aframax Tanker ă 80,000-120,000 dwt  Suezmax Tanker ă 120,000-200,000 dwt  Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) ă 160,000-320,000 dwt

27 So you want to go to Sea

Figure 4.1 VLCC AbQaiq.

Ultra Large Crude Carrier while this is being overtaken by the new style of ÂHotel ShipÊ, which is similar to a high rise hotel that is built on 4.2.5 Chemical and Gas Tankers a standard hull. This has come about by the requirement Chemical tankers range in size from 5,000 to 40,000 dwt to raise the passengers accomodation out of the hull. with the majority owned buy specialist chemical carrier companies. They can carry many different grades The ships are highly manoeuverable with advanced of cargo at any time and may visit a large number of propulsion systems, often more so than the tugs that ports during one voyage. As with other tankers, the escort them in harbour, they also have state of the art accommodation and amenities are generally good as are navigation and communications. the salaries and leave. Living on board such ships is very different to standard Gas tankers are of two types liquefied petroleum gas merchant ships as is the type and style of the work. (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG tankers There is certainly the opportunity of seeing the worlds carry liquefied gases at very low temperatures and at more tourist ports but it must be remembered that the high pressure. Although opportunities for shore leave ships are for the passengers pleasure and not the crew. can be limited, onboard accommodation, salary and leave are generally at the top end of the scale.

4.2.6 Cruise Ships Figure 4.2 Eurodam passing Hoek van Holland outward bound. With the recent revival of the cruise industry, passenger Pay tends to be towards the lower end of the shipping ships of the past have evolved into todayÊs cruise ships, salaries and promotion can be relatively slow.

28 The Ships

4.2.7 Specialist Sargo and Seagoing ferries usually have extrememly sophisticated Passenger Ships navigation systems as, particualrly in waters such as the English Channel, they operate in high densisty traffic Following on from these general ship types are a number requiring constant vigilence. The possibility of capsizing of what are termed as specialised cargo ships. These are quickly due to the large free surface areas of the vehicle either designed for special types of cargo or for different deck and the vehicle doors has been highlighted recently ways of carrying cargo. as a result of serious accidents.

4.2.8 RoRo These accidents emphasised the need for passenger number identification and quick evacuation systems. The RoRo concept was a result of the second world war, various landing craft configurations were required for landing vehicles directly onto the beachheads. The concept was intially slow to develop and was used far more by the ferries. However, in the late 60Ês and early 70Ês, because of the large increase in imported cars, the RoRo came into its own and in 1973 the first pure car carrying vessel was built.

Apart from cars, the majority of RoRo cargo traffic is carried on increasingly larger ferries. The accomodation on these types of ship is on the top deck of the ship, the main hull is given over to carrying the cars.

The free surface affects and large hull openings, particularly at the stern and bow are still problematic for both the ship designers and those on board. Free surface Figure 4.4 Queen of Scandanavia. has been determined to have been the cause of sinking at least one ferry. Highly manoeuverable, the ships can operate in surprisingly difficult weather conditions. Larger vessels can suffer from problems due to their high structure being exposed to wind. Regular and frequent leave/work rotations make these vessels very popular, especially to those with families. Promotion is slow.

4.2.10 Specialist Ships Apart from carrying cargo, there are many other types of vessels which are designed to carry out tasks at sea. Many who go to sea find this a most interesting and varied way of life. Seamanship is highly valued in this sector and training is generally of a very high standard and is a good preparation for further career Figure 4.3 The RoRo Cetus Leader passing under Astoria Bridge, development. The ships tend to spend time in port after Oregon, heading to Portland to unload. each operation providing ample time for shore leave. Unfortunately training berths on these ships are limited. 4.2.9 Ferries Specialist ships often require additional skills and Ferries vary in size from those that operate in inland knowledge to merchant ships, for example salvage waters and harbours, to large seagoing passenger and and towing. Operating these ships requires what many vehicle carriers.

29 So you want to go to Sea consider to be the highest level of seamanship skills. Maintaining existing cables also ensures the continued As every emergency at sea is different, the command need for these ships, for example in 2009 there were of these ships has to make decisions very quickly. The over 50 cable breaks to locate and repair in the Atlantic. crews in carrying these decisions must be multi skilled often in hazardous conditions. 4.2.10.3 Salvage and deepsea towing

4.2.10.1 Ice vessels

With the Arctic Ocean melting, ships are increasingly venturing into the ice. Specialist ships, which have always existed, are increasing in numbers and size. Icebreakers, ice survey ships, ice class support ships all require appropriately trained officers and crew to man them.

4.2.10.2 Cable laying There is a thought that with increasing satellite, internet and mobile communications the requirement for cable ships is decreasing but new ships are being commissioned regularly. The advent of optical fibre in the 1980Ês required the earlier cables to be replaced. Salvage and deepsea towage is a specialised sector of shipping that requires the highest standards of seamanship. These ships provide a fascinating career and the highest level of seamanship training.

4.2.10.4 Dredging Dredging is a constant task in many harbours and rivers.

It is done to maintain the existing channels or enlarge them, maintain the ports and marinas or to create new ones. Dredging is also carried out for engineering purposes, to create trenches for pipes and cables.

Figure 4.5 René Descartes, operated by France Telecom Marine.

30 The Ships

Dredgers are not confined to harbours and are not always small ships as can be seen from the photograph above. Large dredgers travel around the world as Figure 4.7 Ice Research Vessel, Polar Stern. required by their contracts. 4.2.10.6 Military support 4.2.10.5 Research vessels, oceanography, In the United Kingdom this support is provided by the fishery, weather and others Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). This fleet of 22 vessels is The requirements of scientific advancement and the designed to fulfill a multitude of tasks globally. continual changes of our weather and planet demand that research continues constantly. As the planet is 75% sea, many ships are required to take part in this research.

Figure 4.8 Gold Rover - Small Fleet Tanker.

While the primary role of the RFA is logistic support Figure 4.6 Oceanographic Research Vessel. of the Royal Navy, the ships are used increasingly in other roles such as disaster relief anti drug patrols and The changing climate and the increased shipping even piracy interdiction. These government vessels are movements in the Arctic requires an increasing number manned by Merchant Navy personnel. The RFA offers of research vessels in the ice areas of the world. many opportunities for training to both officer cadets and ratings. (See Chapter 5, RFA)

31 So you want to go to Sea

4.2.10.7 Offshore support vessels requirements, the available training should be an excellent career start. This is one of the fastest growing sectors of shipping today with new designs and larger ships being constantly For ships operating in home waters, the leave work added to the existing fleets. With the oil industry needing ratio is usually one month on and one month off, for to venture into deeper and colder waters such as the companies that have a large number of ships rotation Arctic, the future of this sector is assured. As older between different vessels is common. ships are replaced, new larger ships with increasing technical complexity are added to the oil fields. The These types of ships also operate around the world, work supporting the oil industry must be carried out when the vessels are in port there is more opportunity in all weathers, ships with a high degree of technology for shore going than on a standard merchant vessel. are required coupled with a very high standard of seamanship. Some companies engaged in these Accomodation depends on the size and age of ship but operations will accept officer cadets, but training berths it can be surprisingly spacious with gymnasiums and are still limited. With the size of these ships growing, it TV rooms. is likely that companies will offer more of these places. Opportunities for rating trainees is more widespread. The ships required for support of under water operations Owing to the shiphandling, navigation and seamanship in the offshore oil fields are numerous.

32 The Ships

Amongst the ships providing this support are: The vessels carry water and cement in special tanks, this bulk cargo is pumped up to the platforms by hose. Anchor Handling Tow Ship (AHTS) These vessels are designed to lay down and pick up A number of the larger types are equiped with towing the anchors that hold the platforms and storage vessels wires and winches as well as rescue craft, this allows in position, as well as towing platforms to their new them to have a multipurpose role. locations. They also carry supplies to the platforms. Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRV) Commonly referred to as Standby Ships, they are employed for the safety of those on the various platforms and storage vessels. Many of these ships are converted from supply and fishing vessels, but newer purpose built vessels are now appearing.

Figure 4.9 AHTS Normand Master.

Supply ships These ships sustain the oil platforms and storage vessels. These ships use what is called Dynamic Positioning System which is automated computerised technology that keeps the vessel in one place by using the engine Purpose built standby vessel and thusters. With DPS the vessels can be larger and The ships are equipped for rescue, crew training is maintain their position alongside the platform in strong provided ashore. They are equipped with medical weather, only breaking away when the weather becomes facilities and can be used as a place of refuge for too rough. survivors. They have secondary roles as guard ships for the platforms and also pollution control. As they are on station and launch their boats in severe weather conditions, excellent ship and boat handling skills are required as well as high standards of seamanship.

Dive support vessel The prime purrpose of this type of vessel is to support diving operations on the sea bed. The ships have a number of basic key components.

It is common for these vessels to support a Remote Operated Vehicle, (ROV) in addition to heavy lift facilities.

These vessels can operate in any part of the world depending on the contract.

33 So you want to go to Sea

Pipelaying ships is 3D. In this method, a number parallel streamers These are often referred to as barges which seems are towed behind the vessel. Sound is generated inappropriate in the case of the vessel shown below. mechanically through ÂgunsÊ and the returning echoes There are barge shaped vessels used for this purpose, are collected by the streamers. This is then transformed some are self propelled and others require tug assistance, into visual images providing a picture of what the a number of vessels have dual purpose capability, this subsurface is like beneath the surveyed area. means they have other roles in offshore support in addition to pipe laying.

Figure 4.11 Seismic survey: Sound wave propagation

Figure 4.10 The Solitaire, the largest pipe-laying ship in the world ă www.wikipedia.org

Modern pipelaying has seen pipes being laid up to 2500 metres deep, as deeper exploration continues this depth will increase. The DPS navigation system is essential in maintaining the vessels course and speed during these operations. These ships are engaged on worldwide operations.

Seismic survey vessels Marine Seismology uses a similar method to sonar to search the ocean bed. The most common type of survey

34 The Ships

4.2.11 The Fishing Fleets many of the larger vessels engaged in fishing today. They form the largest grouping of boats or ships on the seas at Fishing Boats have provided some of the finest seamen approximately four million in 2004. in the Merchant and Royal Navy. Even today, young fishermen go to sea following in the footsteps of their There are many different types of trawlers but those fathers or relatives in order to learn seamanship on these venturing into deep sea will have some form of freezing boats. With the reduction in our fishing fleets, it is very facility on board. Larger vessels are more likely to have a hard to get a position on these boats without having a fish processing capability. Factory trawlers can take this relative already established in the trade. These boats further by processing fish oil and meal, many also have range from being small with very basic accomodation canning facilities. Some factory ships act like mother and going out to sea for a few days or a week, to large ships where other trawlers bring their catch without ships with excellent accomodation that can spend having to return to port. considerably longer at sea.

The common term of reference for vessels engaged in fishing is ÂboatsÊ although this is hardly appropriate for

Figure 4.12 A contemporary Danish freezer trawler in Skagen harbour.

5 SHIPOWNING AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

The shipping companies listed in Appendix 2 are The companies listed are not necessarily British nor do those companies which are members of the Chamber their ships have British registry but they are members of of Shipping and who offer training positions to British the Chamber of Shipping and do conform to the British cadets and ratings. There are many other companies training requirements. who offer training positions but through dedicated training companies. The companies are either ship owning companies or ship management companies. A management company These positions depend entirely on the available training is one that is formed to manage ships on behalf of the positions within the company at the time. owners. These companies will have ships with several different owners under their management, some of these Appendix 2 provides information about the companies companies may sponsor training. In such cases, the and their various conditions. Owing to the constant management company will recruit cadets to serve on the changing nature of the companies fleets and situation, ships under their management. A management company this information must be treated as a guide only. If you can give the trainee the opportunity of sailing and are interested in a position with a particular company, training on different types of ships during their training you should contact them and they will advise you of their period. latest situation.

The allowances or salaries that are paid to trainees 5.1 Training Companies during their training periods at sea and at college are A relatively new trend in Merchant Navy Cadet Training not quoted as these vary and change with time. These are the formation of Training Companies. These rates will be quoted by the individual companies you companies organise the recruitment, training and apply to. placement of cadets on behalf of shipping companies who wish a company to organise training the cadets on The medical and eyesight requirements for all MN entry their ships. are standard and listed in Chapter 6, the exception to this is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary which, due to the These companies can provide certain advantages to special nature of their ships deployment have their own those wishing to go to sea. As they specialise in cadet requirements. training, they tend to have a considerable knowledge

37 So you want to go to Sea of marine education in general and specific changes in The disadvantage is that as the cadet is not fully legislation that relate to marine education. employed by the company, there can be a remoteness from that companyÊs affairs and by the company in its They can also arrange sponsorship with a company attitude to the cadet. instead of the applicant doing this by applying to individual companies. In a number of cases, the problem of finding enough training positions for cadets can result in a cadet being The spread and variety of companies and ships with the only cadet on a ship where the first language is not that training company can also, give a better spread of English, although in most cases every attempt is made the ship types to be trained on; this can assist in future to ensure that at least in the initial training period cadets employment as it gives a wider base of opportunity. are not appointed to such ships.

38 6 MEDICAL STANDARDS AND EYESIGHT TEST

Any candidate wishing to join the Merchant Navy must (b) a candidate for a fishing vessel certificate of meet the medical and eyesight requirements before competency, deck department; proceeding further. Those wishing to join the deck (c) a candidate for a certificate of competency department should pay particular attention to Chapter 7. presenting an acceptable non-UK medical certificate The following is extracted from MCA guidance which does not confirm that they have met the information. statutory visual acuity and colour vision standard.

Eyesight Tests 3. While there is no statutory requirement for prospective seafarers to have a seafarer vision test, For the majority of seafarers visual acuity and colour anyone considering a seagoing career is strongly vision are tested as part of the general medical advised to have a full sight test before beginning examination (ENG1) and no separate certificate is their training to ensure that they can meet the needed to confirm that they meet the necessary standards and have no defect which might cause a visual standards. However, some seafarers need a subsequent problem. Visual acuity and colour vision separate certificate confirming that they are able to standards for all merchant seafarers, including those meet the statutory visual acuity and colour vision in the engineering and other departments, are given standards. This Notice introduces new arrangements in MSN 1746 (M+F) which sets out the medical and whereby Opticians (optometrists) instead of Marine eyesight standards for seafarers. Offices will conduct the vision test. The Purpose Who Needs the Test 4. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the The following seafarers need a seafarer vision test: seafarerÊs visual acuity and colour vision are sufficiently good to undertake duties on board (a) a merchant navy deck department candidate efficiently. In order to do this, a seafarer should applying for a certificate of competency whose be able to reach certain minimum standards of UK medical fitness certificate (ENG1) issued under both acuity, tested by reading letters, and colour the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) vision, tested by Ishihara plates. These tests are Regulations 1983 was issued more than two years only designed to check that visual acuity and colour before the date of eligibility for issue of a first vision meet the required standard at the time of certificate of competency; the test.

39 So you want to go to Sea

Standards A candidate who fails to reach the higher visual acuity standard (6/6, 6/12) may be re-tested using Vision Standards for the seafarer vision test spectacles or contact lenses (or with spectacles or contact lenses with an improved prescription) to 5. The vision standards for all deck/dual career help them reach the higher standard. Colour Vision - personnel, merchant navy and fishing vessel, are as An applicant who fails the Ishihara colour vision test follows: may arrange for their colour vision to be tested using the Holmes Wright B Lantern at one of the MCA Basic Visual Acuity Higher Visual Colour Standard - Without Acuity Standard - Vision Marine Offices that offer lantern tests, as indicated spectacles or With spectacles or Ishihara in Annex 1. Cost of the Seafarer Vision Test. contact lenses contact lenses if test needed 10. The fee for the seafarer vision test is determined Better eye Other eye Better eye Other eye by the optician and there is no MCA set fee. The 6/60 6/60 6/6 6/12 Pass MCA make no charge for a lantern test. However, Ishihara test the applicant will be expected to pay any personal Vision standard for serving seafarers who become monocular costs, including transport, to attend the lantern test. 6/60 N/A 6/6 N/A Pass Ishihara test Test Centres

6. The Ishihara test is carried out using either 38 or Where to take the seafarer vision test? 24 colour plates. Use of aids to vision - spectacles or contact lenses. All Marine Offices can provide copies of the standard form (MSF4100) to take to any registered 7. All deck/dual career personnel must be able to optometrist/ophthalmic optician for a seafarer reach the basic visual acuity standard (6/60) without vision test. Marine Offices do not conduct the basic using spectacles or contact lenses. Applicants may seafarer vision test. Those marked * can conduct use spectacles or contact lenses to reach the higher lantern tests. standard (6/6, 6/12). All applicants who pass the seafarer vision test using aids to vision should use ABERDEEN* Marine House them when on watch and should also carry with Blaikies Quay them a spare pair of spectacles or contact lenses. Aberdeen AB11 5EZ 8. With effect from 1 December 1999 Marine Tel: 01224 574122 Offices will no longer conduct the seafarer visual BELFAST Customs House acuity and colour vision test. From that date Queens Square any registered optometrist usually found in most Belfast opticianÊs, may conduct this test. A combined BT1 3ET information leaflet, application form and seafarer Tel: 01232 562962 vision test report (MSF4100) for completion by the BEVERLEY Crosskill House optician, may be obtained from any Marine office. (HULL) Mill Lane A list of Marine Offices is at Annex 1 of this Notice. Beverley The seafarer vision test is valid for two years. HU17 9JB Tel: 01482 866606 Options for retaking the sight test following failure CARDIFF Oxford House Hills Street 9. Visual Acuity - If a candidate cannot reach the Cardiff basic visual acuity standard (6/60) without spectacles CF1 2TD or contact lenses he fails the seafarer vision test. Tel: 01222 229556

40 Medical Standards and Eyesight Test

DOVER Langdon Battery SHETLAND The Knab Swingate Knab Road Dover Lerwick CT15 5NA Shetland Tel: 01304 227710 ZE1 OAX Tel: 01595 696712 GLASGOW* Marine House 6000 Academy Park SOUTHAMPTON* Spring Place Gower Street 105 Commercial Road Glasgow Southampton G51 1TR SO15 1EG Tel: 0141 4279400 Tel: 01703 329100

GT. YARMOUTH 5th Floor Yarmouth House Medical Examination 45 Yarmouth Way Catagories Great Yarmouth The following categories are applied when assessing Norfolk whether a seafarer is fit in terms of the medical and NR30 2QZ Tel: 01493 330433 eyesight standards:

LEITH 1 JohnÊs Place Category 1: Fit for sea service, with no restrictions Leith Edinburgh Category 2: Fit for sea service but with EH6 7EL restrictions Tel: 0131 5545488

LIVERPOOL Graeme House Category 3: Temporarily unfit for sea service. 2nd Floor The Approved Doctor must specify the duration of Derby Square the period of unfitness. Liverpool L2 7SQ Category 4: Permanently unfit for sea service. Tel: 0151 4711142 This category will normally be considered to last for NEWCASTLE* Government Buildings a minimum of five years and may only be changed Broadway West at a later date if an Approved Doctor is presented Gosforth with medical evidence of the reversal of the original Newcastle-upon-Tyne medical condition. Review by a Medical Referee may NE3 2JL also be required. Tel: 0191 2857171 MCA MSN 1822(m) ORPINGTON Central Court KENT (LONDON) 1B Knoll Rise Medical Conditions which must be examined are: Orpington Kent 1. Infections BR6 0JA Tel: 01689 890400 2. Cancers 3. Endocrine and metabolic PLYMOUTH Phoenix House 4. Blood disorders Notte Street 5. Mental disorders Plymouth 6. Diseases of the nervous system PL1 2HF 7. Cardio-vascular system Tel: 01752 266211 8. Respiratory system

41 So you want to go to Sea

9. Digestive system Maritime Coastguard Agency approved Doctors are 10. Genito-urinary conditions situated around the country and a full list of these are 11. Pregnancy held by: 12. Skin 13. Musculo-skeletal Seafarer Health and Safety Branch 14. Sensory Medical Administration Team 15. General Tel: 023 80 329 247/9 16. Physical fitness Fax: 02380 329 251

42 7 ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS AND INITIAL TRAINING

Before making any decision regarding the type of HND company or ships you might be interested in, it 4 GCSEs Grade C/Standard Grades 3 or better is essential to ensure that you have the required including: qualifications and that you are able to pass the medical and eyesight test requirements.  Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier)  Science (with significant content of Physical Science) This chapter briefly outlines the entry routes and initial  English or a subject using English (i.e. History, training which are subject to change. As such you should geography, RE) view the MNTB website www.careersatsea.org for further details and links to appropriate company/college websites. Alternatively, equivalent qualifications in the Scottish certificate of excellence, or passes in 4 subjects in the NI Course composition and details vary between courses Grammar School Senior Certificate Exam are accepted. and it is advisable to review each to gain a better understanding of what is involved for each discipline, Foundation Degree/Professional Diploma course and training establishment. A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, preferably including a numerate subject, plus GCSE grade C (or Scottish/NI equivalents) or above in the following 7.1 Entry Routes subjects: 7.1.1 Officer Entry – Mainstream  Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier) There are a number of entry routes available the most  English common being the HNC/HND route and the Foundation  Science, with significant content of Physical Science. Degree, or equivalent Professional Diploma route in Scotland. Some companies and colleges/universities Entry to Ordinary or Honours Degree routes, either BSc will also offer BEng or BSc degree level routes to Deck or BEng Engine are subject to university UCAS candidates with acceptable Higher, A Level or equivalent entry requirements. Generally these will require good A qualifications. levels, Highers or equivalent.

The mainstream entry qualifications will vary slightly Completion of the mainstream routes will allow between colleges and companies, but the minimum progression later, although in many cases you are likely normally required are as follows. to be unsponsored. It is worth noting that many officers

43 So you want to go to Sea

Honours A level/Highers Ordinary Degree Degree Unspecified/Specified FD/SPD

OOW/ GCSE/Standard HND EOOW + Grades A* - C exemptions or CfE equivalent HNC

OOW/ EOOW GCSE/Standard Grades D - G EDH/AB/ or CfE equivalent MSQ BML/LTD Cert

Experienced seafarers/relevant Bespoke qualifications/ experience

MSQ = Maritime Studies Qualification FD = Foundation Degree EDH = Efficient Deck Hand SPD = Scottish Professional Diploma AB = Able Bodied Seaman HND = Higher National Diploma BML = Boat Master’s Licence HNC = Higher National Certificate LTD Cert = Limited Certification

Courtesy of MNTB (Amended) Overview of entry levels will diversify onto other study paths as their careers followed all officer trainees will receive a Deck, Engine or progress and the qualifications gained often permit ETO OOW Certificate of Competency. significant exemptions. 7.1.2 Officer Entry – Previous Experience/ The HND and Foundation Degree/SPD programmes Qualifications will take approximately 3ó years and are divided into defined periods of college and sea phases. For engineer officer applicants with relevant existing qualifications, including Royal Navy personnel, an The BEng/BSc routes can ordinarily be expected to alternative accelerated training programme is available take longer, approximately 4 years due to the additional and is assessed by the MCA to determine the necessary academic content. Sea training is normally accrued out training requirements. with term time and after completion of the degree. There is also an understanding for Royal Navy personnel Most important upon successful completion of the entering the Merchant Navy as a deck officer to account training, irrespective of the academic route (above) for the qualifications and experience held.

44 Entry Qualifications and Initial Training

Deck Officer Annex C to MOU Dated 29 Jul 10

RN-MN Transfer Flow Diagram

HOLD NWC HOLD CQ1 RN STCW II/1 RN STCW II/2 (Minimum 12 months sea service) (Minimum 36 months post award of NWC) MEDICAL FITNESS (ENG1)

COMPLETE MCA ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: COMPLETE ANCILLARY COURSES: a) Advanced Fire Fighting HND (Nautical Science) Part 1 Units: b) Medical First Aid Aboard Ship o Marine Cargo Operations c) Navigation Radar and ARPA Simulator Training o Celestial Navigation (Specialist Navigating Officers or (Operational Level) PWO(N) are exempt from this unit) d) Efficient Deck Hand o Marine Emergency Response and Communication e) GMDSS General Operator Certificate o Marine Law and Management MCA/SQA Exam 034-84 Stability & Operations

3 MONTHS MN MCA ORAL AWARD OF MCA OOW SHIPBOARD EXAM “C” STCW II/1 CERTIFICATE FAMILIARISATION

CQ1 ONLY NWC COMPLETE MCA ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: HND (Nautical Science) Part 2 Units o Management of Bridge Operations Normal MCA Sea o Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application Service Requirements o Management of Vessel Operations o Shipmasters Business and Training Route o NARAS(m) MCA/SQA Exam 032-74 Stability & Structure

COMPLETE ANCILLARY COURSE: 6 MONTHS MN SEA SERVICE MCA ORAL f) Medical Care On Board Ship AS DECK OFFICER EXAM “B”

6 MONTHS MN SEA SERVICE MCA Oral AWARD OF MCA CHIEF MATE AS CHIEF MATE Exam “A” OR 12 MONTHS AS OOW STCW II/2 CERTIFICATE

AWARD OF MCA MASTER STCW II/2 CERTIFICATE

Courtesy of MCA

45 So you want to go to Sea

III/2 RN Engineer Officer Second Engineer Unlimited (typical) Oral Examination Engineering Knowledge RN CPO(MEA) Underpining Knowledge (typical) Sea service as stated in Letter of Initial RN CP(MEM) Assessment (typical)

III/1 EOOW Unlimited

Graduate Engineer Oral Examination Engineering Knowledge Underpining Knowledge Engineering Apprentice Workshop Skills Letter of Initial Assessment MNTB Training Record Book Experienced Seafarer Sea Service

Courtesy of MCA (Amended) Engineer with existing qualifications

7.1.3 Rating Entry Engine room ratings are an important part of the engine room team working alongside engineer officers Under the recent changes to international standards, ie monitoring and maintaining equipment, not just in the to the STCW Code, rating training and certification has engine room but also in other parts of the ship. been changed. There are now three different disciplines for ratings, ie: There are no set minimum academic requirements to join as a trainee rating however, to progress through the  Deck Rating various rating qualifications it is recommended that you  Engine Room Rating have a minimum of three GCSEs.  Electro Technical Rating The new certification introduces the able seafarer (AB) To date there has been no implementation of the grade to engine, ET and no longer just deck ratings. electro-technical (ET) ratings in the UK, but this is This can be attained after meeting the required training, intended for development. seatime and respective watch rating certificate. A rating must be at least 16 years old to be certified to form part Deck ratings assist with the operation and maintenance of a watch and 18 to hold AB certification. of the deck equipment, loading and discharging cargo, mooring and form part of the bridge team as a lookout or steering the ship.

46 Entry Qualifications and Initial Training

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Entry + ENG 1 Medeal 4 weeks Minimum 2 Approximately Additional Approximately 2 weeks college based months sea 3 weeks college minimum college based training, training, service & on- based training, 12 months sea covering covering board training in covering service & on- deck department board training STCW Basic Watch Rating Delivery of (NB ă after STCW Proficiency in Survival Training for section of MNTB Certificate in achieving watch Craft and Rescue Boats Seafarers and Training Record Maritime Studies rating certificate) (PSC&RB), delivery and Book units (Able Complete MNTB Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) assessment for Seafarer ă deck) Confirmation of all Training Record refresher training and exam the Level 2 Award criteria met Book in Maritime Assessment for Level 2 Studies (Watch Certificate in Maritime Studies Rating ă deck) (Able Seafarer ă deck) Achieve Basic Achieve Achieve PSC&RB, EDH, Safety Training Watch Rating Able Seafarer STCW and Maritime Certificate Reg II/5 and Maritime Studies STCW Reg II/4 Studies Certificates Certificates

Deck Rating Training ă MNTB

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Entry + ENG 1 Medical

4 weeks college based Minimum 2 months Approximately Additional minimum training, covering sea service & on-board 3 weeks college 6 months sea service & training in engine based training, on-board training room department covering STCW Basic Training for Watch Rating section of Delivery and assessment (NB ă after achieving watch Seafarers and delivery and MNTB Training Record for Level 2 Certificate in rating certificate) assessment for the Level 2 Book Maritime Studies (Able Complete MNTB Training Award in Maritime Studies Seafarer ă engine) Confirmation of all criteria Record Book (Watch Rating ă engine met room) Achieve Basic Safety Achieve Watch Rating Achieve Maritime Achieve Able Seafarer Training and Maritime Certificate STCW Studies Certificate STCW Reg III/5 Studies Certificates Reg III/4 Certificate

Engine Room Rating Training MNTB

47 So you want to go to Sea

Catering rating qualifications are those associated with in the messroom and bridge, most ships today have a food preparation, cooking and serving. Cooks can obtain relaxed attitude to what is worn at sea, particularly in the the MCA Certificate of Competency as Ships Cook and evenings, so even if there is not much opportunity for other ratings may obtain suitable qualifications issued by going ashore, some casual clothing will be required. If the catering industry in general. the ship has a swimming pool swimwear will be required.

The means by which trainee ratings can achieve further Some formal wear may be required such as a tie and certification and sea going experience to qualify for jacket. Again check with your company. further advancement is through a Maritime Studies Qualification (MSQ). It is essential that you have your passport, ticket and formal seamanÊs identification. Slater Scholarships The Slater Fund is administered by Nautilus International, In addition you must ensure that you have your The Merchant Navy Officers Union, in association with companyÊs contact name and number for both office and the marine Society and is specifically for serving ratings out of hours. You should also ensure you have the ships who wish to progress to officer rank. The value of the agent contact address and phone numbers in the port scholarship is up to £16,000 and can be used at any you are going to. nautical college offering courses that lead to officer certification. The money can be used to fund courses, You must have travel insurance, this can be organised travel, accommodation and living expenses over a four through your company but if not then you must take this year period, as well as funding additional courses that out privately. are required to prepare for these qualifications. 7.2.2 Baggage To be eligible Ratings must be over 20 years of age and permanently resident in the UK. Your baggage must be clearly marked with your name, contact address and your mobile phone number. Future Training Once the initial ratings qualifications have been obtained, Baggage is often misplaced when travelling by plane. It there are a wide variety of courses available, some must usually turns up a few days later, but if you are joining a be completed as you progress, others depend on the ship that day or the next and are sailing immediately, you type of ship you are required or wish to serve in. may be parted from your baggage for some time. A recent survey indicated that around 200,000 bags are 7.2 Joining a Ship lost or misplaced each month at UK airports, according to the International Air Transport Association, the global The benefits of joining a ship in a British port is only total is approximately 42 million pieces of luggage. available to those joining ships that operate out of our yourtravelrights.co.uk originally ports. It is more likely that you will fly out to join a ship in a foreign port, which could be anywhere in the world. The morale to this is that if you have several changes If the port is relatively remote, several changes in planes, during your trip, then ensure that you have hand trains or even helicopters may be involved with a hotel baggage that contains your valuables and essential items. room at the end while you wait for your ship. As your uniform cannot be easily replaced it should be treated as essential equipment. All your documentation 7.2.1 Before Leaving must be carried either on your person or in your hand When packing the type of ship you are joining should baggage. be considered. The company may have advised you on what is required. If not, it might be useful to ask 7.2.3 Compensation whoever is dealing with cadets in their office to help you If your baggage is missing on arrival at your final to decide. If uniform is required, then it will be for use destination, you should claim compensation to cover the

48 Entry Qualifications and Initial Training cost of anything you need to buy urgently, eg toiletries 7.2.5 Boarding and a change of underwear. The airline may offer you a one-off payment at the airport to cover this. Others Few seamen forget their first day on board their first will only pay a set amount per day and for a maximum ship. You are entering a new world, with its own number of days. Some will ask for receipts for any language, customs and environment. The ship will be purchases youÊve made but donÊt offer anything up front. very different to anything you have experienced before, unless you have been on ships before. Somewhere in this If your baggage has not been returned 21 days after your structure, you will live, eat, sleep, work and hopefully flight, itÊs considered as lost and you can claim against the relax for several months at a time. airline for compensation. The airline will want to know what was in the missing bag, they may ask for a list of Remember that a shipÊs busiest time is in port and items. It would be sensible to make a list before you go. everyone who is not off duty will be extremely busy. Hopefully someone will guide you to your cabin, if you An airline compensation payout is unlikely to cover the are lucky there will be other cadets or trainee ratings on full cost of the items youÊve lost. Unless you can prove board, this will help you to settle in. that brand new items were in the case, it is more likely to be second hand value, it may be more cost effective Before opening your baggage, if you are a cadet, your to claim on your home contents, or travel insurance first duty will be to report your arrival to your head of even after paying the excess. You should weigh up department, this will either be the Chief Officer or the the pros and cons before deciding which route to take Chief Engineer. If you are a rating then you must report on claiming for lost baggage. There is a maximum to the Bosun or Senior Engineroom Rating. At some amount of compensation you can claim, this is based stage in the proceedings you may meet the Captain but on international currencies which are calculated on a he may be engaged in ships affairs or ashore. daily basis by the International Monetary Fund. There is usually a time limit when making a claim. 7.2.6 Your Position on Board This is not an office ashore and those on board do not Under the Montreal Convention if the airline can behave in the ways of the shore. They have their own prove that all the necessary steps were taken to avoid traditions, language and environment, it is up to you to losing your luggage or that it was actually impossible to learn these ways. In other words, leave the shore behind take those measures, the airline may not have to pay until your leave. compensation. Whether you are a Rating Trainee or a Cadet, you are 7.2.4 The Port the most junior crewmember on the ship and must On arrival at the port where you are joining the ship, remember this. At this stage you are more a hindrance the ships agency representative should meet you. Often, to those on board than a help and it depends on you particularly late at night, the agents may have told a taxi how fast this situation changes. You must remember that company to collect you, which will be a driver holding up regardless of your age, you are a trainee and under all a cardboard placard with your name misspelt. those above you, even if younger than you.

If you have not travelled much in the past, be cautious. One of the first rules on a ship is that obedience and You are not there as a tourist, you are preparing for discipline are the first order of the day. Orders carried the start of your career and will be judged on how you out without complaint and cheerfulness will earn you present yourself when joining. On joining your first ship, respect. Combined with a willingness to learn you will fit it is better to confine yourself to the hotel unless you into the ship and its routine far easier. require urgent shopping. If you do not know something or do not understand an Regardless of the quality of hotel or the place you are in, order, do not pretend, ask to have it explained to you. ensure you lock your door securely at night.

49 So you want to go to Sea

A ship works on routine, every task has a system. For If the Captain asks the pilot what he would this to work efficiently, keeping to the routine and time is like in his coffee and then the same of his very important. chief officer, when he turns to you (the cadet) the correct response is “yes sir, right Bullying is very rare on a ship and must not be tolerated away”. Not, as the soon-to-be nicknamed cadet under any circumstances. Any sign of this must be “café-mate” stated... “milk and two sugars please”. reported immediately to your supervising officer. This does not preclude the traditional practical jokes that can One of these officers will be the head of your department be played on you by your shipmates. These vary but and as such is in charge of your work and wellbeing on are all of a harmless nature. Accepting these in good board. You will find that, especially on a large vessel, humour will help you to integrate more quickly into the your everyday work and routine will be delegated to a ship. more junior officer. On ships with more than one cadet there may be a Senior Cadet and you will come directly One of the easiest wind-ups was to send a under him for your work. As a Rating you will come new cadet to get a mat and ask him to make directly under the Bosun on the deck or Fitter in the a meter to read the draughts. When he asked Engineroom. how to do it, he was given some sheets of paper and to hold them to the door and count how 7.2.9 Junior Officers many flaps it made in 30 seconds... These officers would have been in your position a 7.2.7 The Captain short time ago. You must remember that, while doing a responsible job on board they are also training for their The Captain is the head of the ship. His job is to next rank and certificate. They can be very helpful in run the ship efficiently for the owners or managers, assisting you with your training and progress on the ship maintaining the legal requirements of the country of but always remember, they are officers you are not. registry, which is the flag the ship displays. Maintain the international regulations, discipline, morale, 7.2.10 The Ratings welfare and safety of those on board while ensuring the shipÊs safe navigation during each voyage. Being a cadet is a strange position, you wear the Regardless of what you are told in the office before uniform of an officer yet often you work as a rating. joining, while concerned about your welfare and You are theoretically senior to all the ratings on board, training, the Captain is also concerned about other yet often the petty officers will give you orders when matters. If you do not like the ship or him, do not you do your practical work. As you become more expect him to be too disturbed by this, there are other familiar with the ship and work on board, you will be cadets. You are as a new trainee, a very small cog in a put in charge of crew for various tasks as you progress large wheel. through your training. This is an essential part of your training to learn leadership. At the moment of being on 7.2.8 Senior Officers your first ship, the only position you are in is to take orders. These officers hold their positions by the certificates they hold, their knowledge and are working up the same The ratings on board can be invaluable to your career path that you have embarked on. knowledge not just of the ship but of life at sea. Many will have experience on different ships, trades and places. They are not used to having their orders questioned Listen to them, their opinions and practical advice, you or not carried out and you should be wary of their will also hear some good stories as well. disapproval.

50 Entry Qualifications and Initial Training

If you are a Rating Trainee, then the Petty Officers will .6 take immediate action upon encountering an be your main instructors. The same applies as far cadets, accident or other medical emergency before seeking listen to what they tell you. Learn from the good and the further medical assistance on board; and bad, one shows what should be done and the other what .7 close and open the fire, weather tight and not to do. watertight doors fitted in the particular ship other than those for hull openings.‰ 7.2.11 Initial Shipboard Training Your first instincts will be curiosity and you will want There is a lot to remember, it is recommended that you to look around. You must have one of the crew with have a note book and pen during this training in order you and remember that you do not have any Personal that you can make notes of the essential points. Protective Equipment or had any familiarisation training. Until this is done you cannot carry out any duties. On 7.2.12 Personal Protection Equipment a well organised ship, this will be done shortly after you As part of your induction into the ship you will be issued join. with PPE. This usually consists of work clothing, safety shoes, safety helmet, goggles and gloves. The ship owner or operator must ensure that all those engaged on the vessel are given Shipboard It is essential that you check these to ensure they are Familiarisation Training on joining. This will include clean, in good order and that they fit. Poor or broken emergency duties as well as routine duties for safe vessel equipment can endanger rather than save you. Some operation and protecting the marine environment. safety equipment such as safety helmets is date stamped, make sure that these are in date. The following is taken directly from the STCW Code: 7.2.13 Seeing the Ship „Before being assigned to shipboard duties, all persons employed or engaged on a seagoing ship It is natural that you want to see around the ship, other than passengers, shall receive approved hopefully someone will be appointed to take you on a familiarisation training in personal survival tour. If the ship is busy and there is no one available, techniques or receive sufficient information and do not be tempted to go around yourself. This is a new instruction to be able to: environment and there are many areas and dangers that you should not go into alone. If the ship is working .1 communicate with other persons on board on cargo, the main deck is a particular danger area. elementary safety matters and understand safety Machinery spaces must also be avoided. information symbols, signs and alarm signals; 7.2.14 Discipline .2 know what to do if: If you have been in the Sea Cadets or had seagoing .2.1 a person falls overboard, experience before joining your ship, you will already have valuable experience in what is the bedrock on which any .2.2 fire or smoke is detected, or ship exists. .2.3 the fire or abandon ship alarm is sounded; If you do not have any seagoing or military background, .3 identify muster and embarkation stations and this type of discipline may be a new experience for you. emergency escape routes; On a ship, there are people from differing backgrounds, .4 locate and don lifejackets; cultures, religions and nationalities all living in a small space together. For the wellbeing of all on board there .5 raise the alarm and have basic knowledge of the must be a strict pattern of life on board which ensures use of portable fire extinguishers;

51 So you want to go to Sea the peaceful existence of every crewmember regardless so ensure your complaint is real and not just a general of his rank or rating. In addition, there has to be justice. grumble.

Not every trainee settles well onboard. One Next see if the problem can be dealt with unofficially. such cadet had experienced a series of See the person concerned and speak about it if possible. problems including the loss of his father If not then follow the correct procedure and go to your during his initial phase at college. His direct superior. If he or she cannot deal with the matter, classmates took a close interest in his welfare and it will go up to the line until if necessary, it reaches the tried unsuccessfully to locate the funeral in order to Captain or if serious enough it will be passed to the offer their support. Prior to joining his first ship prolonged discussions took place with him to ensure shore. he was absolutely sure that he felt up to join, which he insisted he did. It is the same with any letter of complaint. All letters sent to the office ashore regarding any shipboard or Company Almost inevitably after a few days onboard he matter must have the Captains signature on it. decided it was all too much for him and he had to return home. When his training officer contacted his 7.2.16 Living on Board mother to ask if she wanted someone to meet him at the airport, she advised that he would be fine as he Once again, if you have already been away from home would be met by his father. for prolonged periods, you will have some experience of looking after yourself. If not it can be a chastening There are good reasons why many training managers experience. There is no one to pick up after you. If you may appear cynical. are sharing a cabin it is essential that you keep your possessions and clothing tidy and the cabin clean. You Discipline in the Merchant Navy, is generally unseen. It may be lucky and have your own cabin but you must very much relies on a consensus of self discipline that is ensure the cabin is clean and tidy with the bed made ingrained into all seamen when living on board a ship. each morning if you are not asleep after duty. On some There are set regulations which allow certain procedures ships there will be a laundry service but on others just and punishment for defined offences, these are seldom the bedding will be laundered. You will be responsible for used as those on board wish to live in harmony. your personal appearance which includes the laundering and ironing of your clothing. Your cabin is formally Basically, for a new trainee, it means that you must do inspected every week, but there is nothing to stop the what you are told, as long as what you are told does officer responsible for your training or your Head of not put you into personal danger or cause you to break Department from looking in to see that the cabin is being the shipÊs regulations. Orders carried our cheerfully will kept clean. enhance your position on board. Only by taking orders properly can you ever learn to give them properly. As a Cadet your meals will be taken in the officers messroom and your manners will be watched. This is 7.2.15 Complaints Procedure all part of your training. As a trainee rating, part of the requirement of living together, is that your behaviour is With all shipping companies and on all ships there is important, if you cannot live socially with others on the a complaints procedure. This ensures that if there is a ship, you are not suited for the sea. legitimate reason for a complaint, then it can be dealt with in the correct manner. However before acting, it is 7.2.17 Your Train ing wise to ensure that you have a god reason for this. At some time or other on a ship everyone complains, it is The prime purpose of being on the ship is to be trained, the normal way of life. Even if you had the best chef in this should be according to the phase of training you are the world, within a month, there would be complaints in and guided by your training record book. about the food. Then it will be the Captain, Chief Engineer, the ship or the voyage. There are those who If you feel your training is being neglected then you will never be content, there is nothing unusual about this, have a reason to make a complaint to your head of

52 Entry Qualifications and Initial Training department or if not resolved, ask to speak to the off here. Enjoyment with moderation is the keyword. Captain. Signatures have been put in record books If there are passengers present, be even more careful. for work that has not been done. If regardless of your If anything should happen, they will be the first to talk complaints nothing is done, then you must contact about your perceived failings. your company training office or the training company responsible for your placement on the ship. It is not 7.2.19 Going Ashore always a fault of those on board, it may be caused by an insurmountable language difficulty. Those responsible for When you are granted shore leave, take the opportunity your training have a duty to move you to another vessel to get off the ship if you can. This is not always easy where training can be better provided for. due to restrictions placed on leave by the port in the interests of security. At other times you must take your At the same time, remember that the officers and crew work schedule into account and how this fits in with on board the ship have a full day of work and their going ashore instead of resting before your next period assistance with your training is extra work for them. of duty. They are not trained lecturers either. In any port regardless of the local regulations it is wise 7.2.18 The Bar to carry some form of identification, although unless required this should not be your passport. Alcohol forms part of the culture of many nations and for those it is a pleasant social custom. Not all companies Always ensure you have the phone number of the ship, allow alcohol, often due to the country of registry agent and their address. Ensure you know the berth prohibiting this or because of the frequent visits the ship number of the ship, you would not be the first seafarer makes to countries that ban alcohol. However, most spending most of his shore leave tying to find the ship in companies allow this and many ships have a bar on a large port. board. This is a privilege not a right and if abused it can be removed very easily by the Captain, either individually 7.2.20 Leaving the Ship or collectively. While we are on the ship to work, we also Always leave your cabin as you would hope to find have leisure time. It must be kept in mind that everyone it. Ensure you have all your documentation, that your on board can be called to an emergency at any time discharge book is properly stamped and that your and will be expected to be alert. Shore habits of binge training books are up to date. It is sensible to not drinking are not tolerated on any ship and could result in celebrate your departure too much as some airlines your instant dismissal. By coming to sea on a ship you can refuse boarding anyone they suspect may cause a must accept that you have a responsibility to the ship and problem on the plane. your shipmates 24 hours a day. There are no weekends

8 THE COLLEGES

Recently marine training in the UK has severely declined The Colleges are not really part of the Merchant Navy in line with the decline of the Merchant Navy. The structure, although the majority of the lecturers have a remaining colleges provide training for successfully merchant navy background. Instead, particularly as many completing the STCW courses that are required for entry are part of a university system, they see themselves as and progressing in the Merchant Navy. part of the educational structure.

In the UK there are a number of Colleges that offer The colleges noted in Appendix 3 are applicable to new various maritime study courses. Not all colleges offer entrants to the Merchant Navy. the same courses, unfortunately rating training is only covered by a few establishments.

Commercial pressure dictates that colleges devote their time to teaching these courses, regrettably this leaves many important maritime subject areas uncovered.

9 MERCHANT NAVY ORGANISATIONS

For many years the Merchant Navy have had those ashore can, to discuss the affairs of the Merchant organisations that were part of the establishment, the Navy that need resolution or to represent their claims Honourable Company of Master Mariners taking pride of regarding pay and conditions. Because of this, an place and representing the MN in the City of London. organisation is necessary to listen to their voice and speak on their behalf. Recently due to the decline of the Merchant Navy and lack of knowledge and understanding about the service There are several Unions and Federations that support amongst the general public a number of organisations those at sea. The work they do not only deals with the have been formed to redress this problem. These pay and conditions on board, but also the various issues organisations have been very influential in bringing past that continue to be of concern in the marine industry as achievements of the service into the public eye and also a whole. present issues and debate about the future. Some of these are open to individual memberships Among their achievements is the establishment of while others are federations of national unions that Merchant Navy day on 3rd September, together with organisations in the international shipping sector can the associated commemorative services that are held at join. various cenotaphs around the country, the establishment of a Merchant Navy Veterans badge and the formation of Within the UK most shipping companies recognise these various branches throughout the country. Unions and allow their representation on board ships and negotiate with the unions over matters of pay and Unions tend to be an emotive issue with strong conditions. feelings being expressed as to their purpose, politics and membership. Regardless of feelings about Union In addition the Unions also represent their members on membership, seamen, because of the nature of their national and international committees and to government job do not have the opportunity to come together, as on shipping matters.

10 THE MARINE SUPPORT STRUCTURE

There are many organisations connected to the Shipping Many of the organisations that affect the Merchant Industry, some of these directly affect those at sea, while Navy and Marine Industry are international, this is not others offer support as required but there is no central surprising considering that of all commercial enterprises, office encompassing all seagoing activities. shipping is the most international of all.

Within these agencies are many ex merchant seamen This can cause difficulties to those wishing to make a who have left the sea for various reasons and are career at sea or even for finding information required to an essential part of these organisations providing advise others. Appendix 5 gives a brief summary of the experience to them. offices and departments in the shipping industry.

11 CHARITABLE BODIES AND WELFARE ORGANISATIONS

Over many centuries, a number of charitable bodies Without the benefit of these charitable bodies many concerned with those at sea have grown with the seafarers, their families and their dependants would go increasing maritime endeavours. Even with the in need. Merchant NavyÊs decline many of these organisations have remained, some amalgamated with others, some These charitable organisations also consider educational changed their direction to fit in with modern seagoing needs as well as giving assistance to those at sea in their needs. advancement and to those wishing to train for the sea.

12 PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

As with other professions, the nautical profession in their activities and offer support during the training have their own organisations which encourage the period. improvement of the profession, provide a forum for papers, articles and lectures on a variety of nautical As the marine industry is international, most of these subjects. organisations are also international, as well as offering membership they also provide worldwide communication While these organisations exist mainly for those who with each other. are qualified, most are eager to assist new entry trainees

13 FINANCIAL MATTERS

13.1 Salaries and Allowances The range is very large, the highest paid are those working in the specialist shipping sector, particularly Trainee allowances vary considerably with some earning gas and chemical vessels. It is hard to generalise but as almost double others. This often only becomes apparent with occupations ashore, the more difficult a job is the when trainees compare their allowances in college. more qualifications are required, the more difficult an environment is then the higher the salary. Most companies within the British sector have agreements with Union Nautilus, which negotiates the pay and conditions for their members. However, 13.2 Currency companies do not have to have such an agreement. It should be noted that the national minimum wage does It is worth checking what currency you will be paid in. not apply to UK seafarers on board UK ships unless the UK companies pay in Sterling, but it is common for ship is in port or UK internal waters. foreign companies to pay in US Dollars, others may pay in the currency of their operating office. Foreign companies and those where nautilus do not have an agreement, there are no seafarers negotiating rights, If your pay is not in Sterling, it can fluctuate due to the the crews are dependant on the company for any pay varying exchange rates unless you have a fixed exchange increases. rate agreement.

This does not necessarily mean that pay will be low, but as with all commercial companies it will be governed by 13.3 Getting your Money the health of the international industry. The normal system is exactly the same as ashore, your pay or allowance will be paid directly into your bank Today wage rates are climbing, with the age of existing account. While on the ship it may be difficult to gain seafarers and the shortage of crews projected to become access to your account abroad, particularly when the ship worse, this increase should continue for some time. is at sea. You can draw cash advances while on board, at the end of the month the total amount of your advances At sea, pay is generally governed by the type of ship, the and any other bills from the shipÊs shop or bar, will be job that is being done on board and the seniority of the deducted from your wages. crew member.

65 So you want to go to Sea

13.4 Tax Details about this plan can be obtained from:

As a resident of the UK you are liable for UK tax. MNPA, Leatherhead House, British seamen working on ships anywhere in the world Station Rd, are exempt from paying UK tax provided they spend Leatherhead, 183 days out of the country. Your discharge book will be Surrey, one of the documents that may be required as evidence KT22 7ET of this, but also plane tickets, hotel receipts and letters Phone: 01372 386000 stating your employment details from the shipping Email: [email protected] company may also be required as evidence. www.mnopp.co.uk

It has been the case that foreign seamen working on Alternatives local foreign shipping in certain countries have had to There are still companies, such as the RFA which offer pay local tax. This is not a usual requirement but, if local their own pensions schemes but these are few and far leave is taken in that country, it may be required and is between. If the company that you are considering joining worth checking if you are taking employment on such does not, then you are left with taking out your own ships. personal pension scheme plan.

13.5 Pensions National Insurance You pay National Insurance contributions if you are an On entry into the Merchant Navy, this might not seem employee or self-employed and you are aged 16 and very important at a young age, however as the company over, providing your earnings are more than a certain of your choice for training may be the company that you level. You stop paying National Insurance contributions will have a career with, it should be considered. at State Retirement age.

13.5.1 The Merchant Navy Officers Pension Your National Insurance number is your own personal Plan (MNOPP) account number. The number ensures that the National Insurance contributions and the tax you pay are properly Many shipping company employers participate in this recorded on your account. It also acts as a reference plan, it is based on you paying in 3.9% of your salary number for the whole social security system. and the employer paying 5.1%. There are other benefits including protection for your dependants, tax free lump If you donÊt already have a National Insurance number sum and early retirement options. you must apply for one as soon as you start work.

You can only contribute to this scheme if your company To be able to apply you must be: is a participant. You can change companies within the scheme as long as your new employer also participates  over 16 years of age in the plan. If contributions stop because your new  resident in the United Kingdom employer does not participate, you can rejoin at a later date if you join a participating company. To apply for a National Insurance number you will need to telephone the Jobcentre plus National Insurance If you are not a UK resident you can still join the scheme allocation service helpline on 0845 600 0643. They will as long as you are employed by a company that is liable make sure you need a number and arrange for you to for UK tax. undertake an evidence of identity interview.

66 Financial Matters

Evidence of identity interview Under certain circumstances it is also possible to have The interview will usually be one-to-one. The interviewer UK liability for work done on a ship flying the flag of any will ask you questions about your background and foreign country if the ship is owned by a UK company. circumstances. If you serve in the UK sector of the North Sea there are The interviewer may also ask you to fill in an application special regulations if your work is connected to the oil or form. gas industries. www.findlaw.co.uk www.hmrc.gov.uk

If you don’t have any official documents Class 2 Contributions If you havenÊt got any official documents you still have Class 2 contributions count towards certain benefits, to go to the interview. You might be able to prove your like the basic State Pension, Maternity Leave and identity with the information you give at the interview. Bereavement Benefit. But they do not count towards the additional State Pension, Statutory Sick Pay or www.findlaw.co.uk JobseekerÊs Allowance, so you might want to think about making other arrangements like a personal pension and National Insurance for Seamen income protection insurance. You are defined as a ÂmarinerÊ if you are or have been employed under a contract of service as: www.hmrc.gov.uk a master or crew member of a hovercraft Mariners who are not liable to pay Class 1 contributions are generally able to pay Class 2 contributions. We have a master, crew member or radio officer of any ship put in place special arrangements for Mariners to pay Class 2 via our Cardiff office if they wish. Our office will a supernumerary - that is, a person employed on board help you compute the right amount to pay. a ship in any other capacity, as long as the work is done for the ship, the crew or any passengers, cargo or mail www.hmrc.gov.uk carried by the ship. Class 3 Contributions the contract of employment is entered into in the UK, These are voluntary contributions paid by people who and is intended to apply wholly or partly during the wish to protect their entitlement to the State Pension and voyage who do not pay enough National Insurance contributions in another class. www.hmrc.gov.uk If you have no liability to pay NI on a certain voyage, you Class 1 Contributions may still be able to pay voluntary contributions, which You will be liable to pay Class 1 National Insurance help make a year ÂqualifyÊ for certain benefits and count contributions if any of the following applies: toward your State Pension. you work for or are paid by a UK based company You may have paid (or been credited with) enough contributions from other earnings in the year to make you are serving in designated ÂinshoreÊ waters around that year qualify, so you may not need to pay voluntary the UK contributions. Once you have paid them, voluntary contributions are not always fully refundable, and you you are resident or domiciled in the UK and working on could end up paying too much. a vessel flying the UK flag www.hmrc.gov.uk By special agreement with the Isle of Man, you will also be liable to pay UK National Insurance contributions for work done aboard any ship flying the Manx flag.

67 So you want to go to Sea

Contact You can also telephone, the number to call depends on There is a special unit to advise seamen about National the first letter of your surname. Insurance contributions. Surnames beginning Number to call Marine NICs A ă B +44 (0)29 2032 6078 HMRC C ă Da +44 (0)29 2032 6124 15th Floor East wing Db ă Gl +44 (0)29 2032 6329 Ty Glas Road Go ă K +44 (0)29 2032 6979 Llanishen L ă N +44 (0)29 2032 6302 Cardiff O ă SL +44 (0)29 2032 6042 CF14 5FP SM ă Z +44 (0)29 2032 6419 Web: www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/seafarersni.htm

68 14 THE ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE

The support the Merchant Navy gives our country during Navy were learnt and similarly skills the Merchant Navy times of conflict has already been discussed, these specialised in were passed to the Royal Navy, benefiting conflicts always require a rapid increase in officers and both services. crew for the Royal Navy. For over 150 years, many of those serving with the Merchant Navy have volunteered To those that were and are in the RNR, it is a very to prepare for conflict by joining the Naval Reserves and unique ÂclubÊ in which those serving are immensely undergoing specialist training in naval military skills. proud. Appendix 8 provides more information about this organisation. Apart from the essential support this provided, many seamanship techniques and skills peculiar to the Royal

15 CONCLUSION

As long as the sea surrounds our shores, men and throughout our history, there were those who followed women will be required to work on the sea. Increasingly the call of the sea and came regardless of any problems we are turning to the sea for its resources and for or future. They wanted to go to sea and it was these recreation. The ferry and cruise industries continue to trainees that continued our heritage during these difficult grow. Our expertise in the support vessel industry for our years. own and the worlds oil and gas industry increases year by year. New ventures such as offshore wind farms are As the slow decline continued, many of our coming on line, all these require professional expertise organisations, companies and eventually government and knowledge about the ships and sea. Not forgetting realised that we could not as an island, let our Merchant the opening up of a new ocean for mankind, the Arctic. Navy fade away as its necessity to our nation was proven many times in past conflicts. The Falklands war showed The Merchant Navy has been through a difficult period the necessity for our Merchant Navy and the ships that over the last few decades. Redundancy has been a they man. This set in motion various schemes to halt the constant shadow over us all, we have watched as decline and to encourage recruitment and training again. seemingly unassailable companies have collapsed and disappeared leaving their officers and crews seeking The problem was that the carefully developed employment where they can find it. One major company infrastructure was gone. The training ships which the dismissed all their cadets while they were still under majority of merchant ships depended for officers were training. gone. The careers advisory and recruitment structures built up by shipping companies through schools While officers employment has been deeply affected, programmes had also disappeared. This did not mean the ratings situation is worse. Even today, rating training that the ships had disappeared. While shipping in the UK is poorly provided as are the jobs and training with our and other parts of Northern Europe declined, this decline existing ships. was exceeded by the growth in other countries notably those with cheaper crewing costs and easier marine It is understandable that many who were once employed legislation which allowed shipping companies more at sea and disappointed during this period will discourage flexibility. As our remaining shipping companies such as those who wish to join. Cunard and P&O were purchased by foreign companies, the writing was on the wall. The UK flag became known It is understandable that trainees were reluctant to join as a ÂFlag of ConvenienceÊ this allowed the employment what they saw as a dying national industry. As always of foreign nationals and easier legislation.

71 So you want to go to Sea

This stopped the decline of the number of ships under There are many reasons why seamen stop going to the British Flag, but not the decline of the Merchant sea. In the majority of cases, it is related to family life. Navy, the majority of who, if they wanted employment Recently, with shorter voyages and the opportunity to were serving on foreign ships. take wives and often children to sea, more family minded seafarers are remaining at sea. Quite often a change of Again, through the efforts of organisations such as ship or company can be made that will move the seafarer Nautilus, The Chamber of Shipping and others, the into a coastal water sector of shipping such as ferries or government responded with the tonnage tax initiative, offshore support where the opportunities are for a few this allowed companies with their registered office in the weeks on board before leave rather than months. To UK to offset the training costs of their cadets against many, two weeks on a ship followed by two weeks leave their tax. can be very attractive.

This called a halt to the decline in training as new Others will leave because they feel they have advanced training berths opened up again on ships. New training as far as they can at sea and wish to change direction systems were adopted to suit a modern shipping industry into a shore based career, while others are compelled to with flexibility for encompassing degree studies, the go ashore for medical reasons. remaining nautical colleges responded and adapted quickly improving their campuses with the required Whatever the cause, there is a shortage of seagoing new facilities. Training companies came into being experience that many shore positions in the industry with the ability to recruit and undertake the training require, today combining a sea and shore career administration rather than set up their own training structure is perfectly feasible and rewarding. departments. To give you an idea, here are a few examples of the type The speed this was done at is a credit to all the of occupations that recruit ex Merchant Navy personnel: organisations involved. The new structure is established. All that is required is to fill it and therein  Ship building and repair lies the problem. During the decline, with many of  ship agents those wanting to go to sea turned away, disillusioned  education and training and redundant officers and cadets warning of the  maritime law situation and a lack of interest being stimulated in the  regulatory authorities and NGOÊs schools, colleges and the public at large, the sea, as a  surveying career was mostly neglected.  P&I insurers and loss adjusters  ship and cargo brokering The result is that now, opportunities are expanding at  marine equipment suppliers an increasing rate, many older officers are reaching  marine leisure retirement, the opportunities can be described as  shipping and crew management unlimited and we have an increasing shortage of  shipping company management young men and women coming forward both here and  pilotage and harbour masters worldwide.  towage salvage and dredging  port and terminal services As the opportunities grow at sea, so do the opportunities  marine consultancy ashore for those with marine qualifications and  general engineer management ashore. knowledge, where there is an increasing shortage of qualified and skilled personnel. 15.2 Opportunities 15.1 Coming Ashore For these positions to be filled ashore, a strong vibrant Merchant Navy is required at sea. For the right entrants, It is suggested that the average career at sea is between the present opportunities are unparalleled. When the 7 and 12 years long. situation ashore is considered, with universities reducing

72 Conclusion the number of entrants, the cost of study spiralling and with marine technology at sea increasing at a rapid pace, the lack of opportunities offered to those qualified, a our merchant seafarers of the future are being prepared. career with the Merchant Navy completely contradicts Increasingly as the sea is seen as a vast resource that those offered ashore. Not just free training but paid carefully managed can be of immense benefit to the training with educational and professional qualifications world, more specialist ships will be required. Deeper oil earned at the same time, a rapid promotion system drilling will require larger vessels for support, wind farms offering the highest positions at a comparatively young will require heavy lift construction and maintenance age can no longer be ignored by schools, colleges or vessels. others concerned with the future of present day students. The opening up of the Arctic Ocean will be one of the most exciting marine adventures this century, thousands 15.3 The Future of highly skilled seafarers will be required to provide For those who recognise that going to sea is a different the specialist work necessary to undertake this vast way of life than ashore and who can adapt to this and enterprise. the challenges of some of the more demanding aspects of the calling, the future has never been brighter. They For the British Merchant Navy the future is increasingly are wanted at sea and ashore. The vacancies will exciting with the rewards matching the skills and for continue to grow as the next decade continues with those entering the service at this time, provided our newer ships and technology going onto the seas. marine industry takes up the challenges ahead, the career prospects are assured. This nation has many areas of excellence and the high standards of training has always been recognised. Today

APPENDICES

75 So you want to go to Sea APPENDIX 1

Sea Cadets personal development of young people aged 12 to 25 through crewing vessels. Sea Cadets are the UKÊs largest maritime youth charity, supporting approximately 14,000 young people across Sailing Programme the UK through activities with a naval theme. Sea Cadets The Trust sails, in the UK and around Europe from April learn sailing, power boating, canoeing, rowing and to November and in the winter months in the Azores, windsurfing and diving. Qualified instructors lead all the Canaries and Caribbean. activities. The aim is to maximise the amount of sailing on every In addition they work towards qualifications through the voyage and to visit at least one foreign port on longer Royal Yachting Association (RYA), British Canoe Union voyages. (BCU) and the British Sub Aqua Club. Costs The costs of voyages are listed on the website or from the reservations team. The Trust may be able to help if financial assistance is required.

Further information can be obtained from: Reservations Team Tall Ships Adventures 2A The Hard, Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 3PT Tel: 023 9283 2055 Fax: 023 9281 5769 Joining Email: [email protected] If you are between 10 and 12 you can join as a Junior, Web: www.tallships.org 12 to 18 as a Sea Cadet and 13 to 18 as a Royal Marines Cadet. The London Nautical School Further information can be obtained from: Sea Cadets 202 Lambeth Road London SE1 7JW Tel: 020 7654 7000 Email: [email protected] Web: seacadets.ms-sc.org The School comprehensive school is for boys aged 11 The Tall Ships Youth Trust to 16 and has a co-educational sixth form. In September 1999 the school assumed Foundation Status within The Tall Ships Youth Trust, formerly the Sail Training the London Borough of Lambeth, and is now a sports Association, is a registered charity dedicated to the college with water sports as one of the focus sports.

76 Appendices

The schoolsÊ specific aims include: Inshore Lifeboat Service

 Promote the nautical ethos of the school and The CollegeÊs Inshore Lifeboat Service is responsible for encourage the sea as a career option providing rescue cover for the Royal National Lifeboat  provide a practical and theory based grounding in Institution (RNLI) Atlantic 75 lifeboat stationed at the Nautical Education. College.

Nautical Education Second year students provide the crew and shore-based support for rescue operations along a 20km stretch of The nautical curriculum is pivotal to the school, it allows the Bristol Channel. Second year students also assist in pupils to learn skills and develop qualities that will serve instructing first year students in the basic skills needed by them in a nautical context as well as other areas of lifeboat crews. They also provide safety cover for Atlantic society. Water based activities are an integral part of the College seafront activities. nature of LNS. Being a Sports College allows the school to provide access to nautical activities from primary level Lifeguard Service to adult education. Lifeguard Service aims to: Further information can be found at:  The London Nautical School Provide students with a general sea awareness and 61 Stamford Street safety, along with surfing, lifesaving and first aid Blackfriars skills  London offer a valuable service to the local community. SE1 9NA Tel: 020 7928 6801 Marine Environmental Monitoring Fax: 020 7261 9408 (Main Office) Service (MEMS) Email: [email protected] MEMS is a relatively new service at Atlantic College and continues to develop as a Service.

Atlantic College The service aims to promote student initiatives and encourage their involvement in a variety of environmental conservation projects that have a marine emphasis. These projects provide an opportunity for students to work with and support external organisations including, The Marine Conservation Society, The UWC (United World Colleges), Atlantic College is a National Lobster Hatchery, P.A.D.I. Project Aware residential international 6th Form College based in Foundation, Exeter University Geomorphology Survey the UK. There are now 12 UWC Colleges located and The Nautical Archaeological Society. throughout the world. Admissions Contact: Marine and Maritime Interests Mrs Jan Bishop, Admissions Registrar Tel: 44 (0)1446 799308 Atlantic CollegeÊs Community Service Programme Email: [email protected] includes the following:

 Inshore Life Boat Service Trinity House School, Hull  Lifeguard Service  Marine Environmental Monitoring Service Originally established by the board of Trinity House (MEMS). which was made up of Master Mariners and Pilots who decided to establish a school for nautical training.

77 So you want to go to Sea Today the school has voluntary aided status and is The Royal Hospital School maintained by the local authority, therefore education is free for all pupils.

Nautical Training The school arranges where possible sea going experiences on the marine SocietyÊs ÂEarl of RomseyÊ and voyages aboard the Tall ships, such as the Âgrand The Royal Hospital School is a leading independent full TurkÊ. boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 11 to 18 years. Further information can be found at: Hull Trinity House School, Nautical PrinceÊs Dock Street, Hull, All pupils have the opportunity to learn to sail and there HU1 2JX is a strong sailing tradition throughout the school. Tel: 01482 326421 Email: [email protected] The School boasts a thriving Combined Cadet Force and all Year 9 and 10 pupils take part. For Year 11 and Sixth Form membership is not mandatory, but many opt Dauntsey’s School to continue. There are four sections - Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force.

Bursaries The Royal Hospital School is part of Greenwich Hospital, a Crown naval charity, one of whose charitable objectives, is to provide education for children of seafarers. As a result Royal Navy, Royal Marine, UK A fully co-educational school with the number of Merchant Navy and certain other seafaring families may boarders continuing to grow each year. be eligible for assistance with boarding fees.

Nautical Further information can be obtained from: The school maintains and sails the ÂJolie BriseÊ. Built in The Admissions Officer 1913, this 56-foot gaff cutter has won the Fastnet Race The Royal Hospital School three times, Fourth Form (year 10) pupils or above can Holbrook join the sailing club. Ipswich Suffolk IP9 2RX Canoeing is taken particularly seriously with several Tel: 01473 326210 teams entering the annual Devizes to Westminster race Email: [email protected] and the BreconÊs Challenge, this is for pairs of senior Web: www.royalhospitalschool.org girls and boys who spend a weekend canoeing, cycling and running through the Welsh mountains.

Further information can be obtained from: DauntseyÊs School West Lavington Devizes Wiltshire SN10 4HE Tel: 01380 814500 Email: [email protected]

78 Appendices Gordonstoun School Sea School in Burghead after the war for training local fisherman for the Merchant Navy.

As part of the SchoolÊs curriculum all students undertake week long Sail Training Voyages on the West Coast of Scotland on board „Ocean Spirit of Moray‰ an 80 foot ketch purpose built for training by Oyster Marine in 1995. Students also take part in courses in Seamanship, learning the teamwork required to sail in newly built TodayÊs School has all the facilities necessary for (but still traditional) 28 foot dipping lug cutters from independent education in the 21st century. Facilities nearby Hopeman. Students can supplement their sail include: training experience with longer summer voyages on board Ocean Spirit. These often include participating  IT Centre and campus-wide network in the International Tall ships Races around Europe or  two new boarding houses expedition voyages to distant shores.  music school  refectory Contact:  climbing wall Gordonstoun School  floodlit Astroturf playing surface Elgin, Moray  theatre IV30 5RF  sail training vessel Tel: 01343 837837 (+44 1343 837837) Fax: 01343 837838 (+44 1343 837838) Nautical Email: [email protected] Gordonstoun has a strong tradition of sailing and sail training that has its links in the founding of the Moray

79 So you want to go to Sea APPENDIX 2

The Maersk Shipping Group Maersk provide a large number of courses for offshore personnel both within personnel development and technical skills within navigation, anchor handling and dynamic positioning. Most courses take place at Maersk Training. A.P. Moller - MaerskÊs activities fall into the following business segments: Recruitment The company recruits for all disciplines, cadets can be  Container shipping appointed to any vessel within the Maersk Group fleets.  APM Terminals Depending on the stage of training, two cadets are  tankers, offshore and other shipping activities usually the minimum on a ship in the first phase of their  oil and gas activities seagoing training.  retail activity  shipyards, other industrial companies, interest in Training Danske Bank. The A.P. Moller - Maersk Cadet Education is designed The Maersk Line fleet has more than 500 vessels. Eight to instill core values, culture and leadership skills as well PS-class vessels are the latest addition to the Maersk as offering a motivating atmosphere for professional Line fleet and are the next generation of environment- development and personal growth. friendly container vessels. The training system provides candidates with a The EMMA MØRSK is a PS-type vessel and one of the theoretical and practical insight into different areas of largest container vessels in the world, she is capable of vessel operations. carrying 14,770 TEU (twenty foot equivalent unit) and has an overall length of 397 metres and is 56 metres The standard training routes are followed depending wide. on the initial educational attainments. These are HND, Foundation degree or full degree route.

Contact: Victoria Campbell Maersk Tankers own and operate a large fleet of crude HR Officer - Recruitment oil carriers, product tankers, and gas carriers. Today, the Correspondence Address: Maersk Tankers fleet is one of the largest, most modern Maersk Crewing Ltd and diversified independent fleets in the world. Stockbridge House Trinity Gardens Quayside Newcastle Upon Tyne Maersk Supply ServiceÊs fleet consists of three types of NE1 2HJ vessels: Tel: +44 191 ă 2692500 Email: [email protected]  Field and subsea support vessels Web: www.seacareers.co.uk  anchor handling tug supply vessels  platform supply vessels.

80 Appendices Bibby Line Ltd Pritchard Gordon Tankers

This Company has operated in most areas of shipping throughout its 200 year history. Today, the Shipping Division operates in various markets including Cargo, Dive Support and Coastels.

As well as their own vessels, the company operate a mix The fleet consists of 11 tankers trading in the Caribbean, of vessels for the Ministry of Defence. USA and South America. All the vessels carry Cadets with a maximum number of 16 training berths available. Training Bibby Ship Management only accept applications for Training Trainee Officer and Rating programmes for European Cadets follow the HND/HNC routes Union nationals who have been resident in the United Kingdom for more than one year. Contact: Pritchard-Gordon Tankers Ltd All applicants follow the Fd Sc in Marine Operations, the Maritime House Fd Sc in Marine Engineering or the new Fd Sc METO 6 Coronation Street course. South Shields Tyne and Wear From January 2011 they are only sponsoring trainee NE33 1AZ officers through the FD SC (foundation degree) for both Tel: +44 191 427 03 03 deck and engineering. Email: [email protected] Colleges Colleges used are Fleetwood Nautical Campus, Liverpool Carnival UK John Moores University, South Tyneside College and Warsash Maritime Academy

Sea Training There are cadet training berths on various ships and the company policy is to place two cadets per vessel where possible. This only increases to three and rarely four as long as the extra personnel are in a different department Cunard Line, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia (ie two deck plus one or two engine) for ease of training. are included under the Carnival UK (CUK) umbrella.

Ratings P&O Cruises are the largest cruise operators in the UK who offer trips to the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norwegian Through their association with Foreland Shipping Fjords, Caribbean, Atlantic Islands and around the world Limited, Bibby Ship Management is committed to voyages. providing career opportunities for those wishing to train as Merchant Navy Ratings. Cunard Line offers the only regular transatlantic crossing service aboard the Queen Mary 2. The 1,968-passenger Contact: Queen Victoria, came into operation in December 2008 Bibby Ship Management (Western Europe) Limited and undertakes a number of different voyages. The Tel: +44 01624 687200 Queen Elizabeth joined the fleet in October 2010. Email: [email protected]

81 So you want to go to Sea

P&O Cruises Australia offer 7 to 14 nights cruises from the flotilla are four Bay Class (Mounts, Largs, Cardigan Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland. and Lyme) which are Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) or LSD(A)Ês. These ships use the latest diesel-electric Cadets propulsion and dynamic positioning systems.

Three Cadetship programmes are available - Deck, Career Opportunities Engineering and Electro-Technical. Each Cadetship takes three years to complete. There is also a one-year The RFA recruits both Officer Cadets and trainee Graduate scheme for engineers and electro-technical ratings. The following are the various specialisations: trainees, candidates should have a degree or HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Officer Cadets

Sponsorship for training Deck Engineering The company will pay your tuition fees and a salary while you train, successful candidates will be offered an Ratings ongoing career to become a seafaring Officer. Deck Working at Sea Engineering Communications Your responsibilities and primary working areas will Catering, Stewards and Cooks depend on your chosen cadetship. All work for Deck and Engineer cadets and trainees is divided into shifts so that Training the Bridge and Engine rooms are manned 24 hours a Training in the RFA is undertaken at a mix of merchant day. This may require you to work through the night or navy maritime colleges, Royal Navy Colleges and Bases. the early hours. Electro-Technical Cadets and trainees At the Royal Naval establishments, while work is done will primarily be involved in day work routines. alongside their Royal Navy counterparts, the training is Contact: separate and specific to the RFA. Fleet HR Officer Carnival UK Cadets Carnival House Cadet applicants must complete an initial Recruitment Pauline Lines, Southampton Test and attend an Admiralty Interview board at HMS Hampshire, SO15 1ST Sultan in Hampshire. This two day interview is designed or by email to [email protected] to assess an officerÊs potential. On successful completion of this interview a basic training course is given at the The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. On completing this RFA induction course, cadets join The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is the Civilian arm of the mainstream MN training at a maritime college. the Royal Navy, its prime responsibility is to supply the Depending on their initial educational qualifications Royal Navy with the fuel, food, ammunition and spares cadets follow either an HND or Degree Foundation required to stay fully operational while at sea. The RFA course. is also being used increasingly in other roles ranging from drug interdiction, anti-piracy patrols and bringing Ratings humanitarian relief to disaster areas around the world. There are no formal educational requirements, except The RFAÊs current flotilla of 16 ships contains ten for communications ratings who will be expected to tankers and store ships, one forward Repair Ship and be familiar with IT and have an ECDL qualification or one Casualty Reception Ship. The newest additions to equivalent.

82 Appendices

On applying an initial Recruitment Test must be If you are a citizen of the UK or Republic of Ireland, you taken. This covers basic english, maths, understanding can apply to train as: mechanics and problem solving. Based on the application and tests, applicants are invited to attend a  A deck officer formal interview at Portsmouth.  an engineering officer.

Successful applicants will start their initial induction Programmes currently available for deck and engineering training at the Royal Naval establishment associated officers are: with their specialisation. Once this training is completed trainees will join their appointed ships.  BSc honours degree  Foundation degree Notes  Higher National Diploma. To ensure that all personnel in the RFA have the same All schemes ensure that each trainee officer qualifies international protection under the Geneva conventions with a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) officer as the Royal Navy, all personnel must sign a Âsponsored of the watch (OOW) professional certificate, deck or reserveÊ agreement which is activated in a conflict area. engineering. Contact: Graduates holding approved engineering qualifications Royal Fleet Auxiliary Recruitment Office or ex-R oyal Navy engineering officers, artificers or Captain Naval Recruitment HQ mechanics may be eligible to follow a specialised route Room G-13 to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) engineer Building 1/080 officer of the watch (EOOW) professional certificate. Jago Road You will be mentored throughout your training and HMNB Portsmouth development by a dedicated officer training team. PORTSMOUTH HANTS Contact: PO1 3LU BP Maritime Services (Singapore) Tel: 0845 60 40 520 BP Singapore Pte. Limited Email: [email protected] 1 Harbour Front Avenue 02-01 Keppel Bay Tower BP Shipping Singapore 098632 [email protected]

Trinity House

The company operates a modern and technically sophisticated international fleet of oil tankers and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) carriers. The fleet is constantly Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority for being renewed and updated. England, Wales and the Channel Islands, operating three vessels which are employed for duties such as laying and Training servicing buoys, transporting supplies to lighthouses, maintaining and towing light vessels, surveying channels Cadets are recruited for intakes in September and and shoals, locating and marking new wrecks. January.

83 So you want to go to Sea

Excellent training opportunities are available for Fleet applicants who are interested in embarking on a career at sea, trainee positions are available in both the deck Shell Shipping is a major part of the British Merchant and catering departments. One deck and one catering Navy. They operate one of the largest fleets of owned, rating per watch can be trained on THVs Galatea and manned, managed or chartered gas and oil carriers in Patricia. the world.

Deck Rating The fleet numbers 56 ships up to 302,000 tonnes and 330 metres long. Those interested in becoming an Efficient Deck Hand will undergo extensive onboard training over two years Facilities including: mooring, light vessel, buoy and shipboard maintenance, boat work, bridge routines and helicopter Shell ships tend to have swimming pools, video libraries, operations. At the end of this period candidates will gymnasiums, table tennis and a shipÊs bar. attend college for two weeks, allowing them to undertake statutory training to qualify as an Efficient Deck Hand. Period of Service and Leave Trips are normally four or three months long for Catering Rating dedicated North sea ships. Normal tours away are four Those interested in becoming a Catering Rating will months with approximately seven days leave taken after be assigned to the Catering Department onboard will your tour, for every month that you have served on- undertake extensive onboard training over two years board, where training allows. including: catering, stewarding and accommodation maintenance. Following this candidates will attend Entry Criteria college for six weeks, allowing them to qualify for the A-Level/Higher/Graduate Qualification: Certificate of Competency as a Ships Cook Part 1. You must have studied either Maths and/or Physics Contact: and passed in at least one. Minimum entry level to a HR Department Foundation Degree is 120 UCAS points. Trinity House The Quay Colleges Harwich Essex The company will reserve a space at either Fleetwood CO12 3JW Nautical College or Warsash Maritime Academy upon a Web: www.trinityhouse.co.uk successful interview.

Contact: Shell Ship Management Ltd The Recruitment Team, Shell Ship Management Limited, Manannan House, Market Square, Castletown, Isle of Man IM9 1RB Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical British Isles. companies with its headquarters in The Hague, The Tel: +44 (0) 1624 821525 or 531 Netherlands. The parent company is Royal Dutch Shell Fax: +44(0) 20 7632 9863 plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales. Email: [email protected]

84 Appendices Meridian Courses The Courses undertaken will be either Foundation, HNC, or HND

Contact: 10 Duke St The Company Liverpool L1 5AS Meridian Marine Management Limited are at the Tel: +44 (0)151 7095000 forefront of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax management they have a Fax: +44 (0)151 7028900 large growth plan and good opportunities for candidates. Email: [email protected] Sponsoring Companies Three ship owning companies under Meridians V.Ships management sponsor cadets, they provide training under the following tonnage tax groups: Epic Tonnage Tax Group, The Pacific Basin UK TT Group and Daybreak Group.

Cadets Formed in 1984, the company is the worldÊs largest provider of maritime services to the global shipping Meridian offers positions to Deck and Engine cadets industry. wishing to follow the HND route and also positions on foundation degrees provided the appropriate They have more than 1,000 vessels, 25,000 seafarers, qualifications are attained. a 1,300 strong cadet programme and offices in every corner of the world. V.Ships is the industryÊs largest ship Recruitment procedures manager. Once an application form has been completed and To ensure the organisation goes from strength to submitted to the Company, you will be invited to attend strength, they invest in Cadets through their active Cadet an assessment day at the Head Office in Liverpool. Training programme. Hundreds of positions are available This Assessment will consist of a series of written tests throughout the globe. including Maths, Spatial Awareness and Psychometric tests before taking part in a group discussion exercise which is designed to test your ability to interact with Training other people. The final part of the day is an Interview V.Ships welcomes cadets from across the globe, the with a Company Superintendent. You will be informed training ensures that highly motivated young men and within three working days if you have been successful in women, not only have the skills required to operate a your application. highly sophisticated vessel safely and effectively, but also have the confidence to reach their full potential. Training The majority of the groupÊs managed vessels have Training will be undertaken at one of the following two trainees onboard following the cadet training Colleges: programme, forming part of the companyÊs safety Warsash management system. Their progress will be monitored South Tyneside by the V.ShipsÊ training department, via its network of Fleetwood training hubs, located in the principal Crew Recruitment Glasgow and Placement Centres.

85 So you want to go to Sea

From its beginnings in the early 90s, the success rate of Interview procedure the V.ShipsÊ cadet training programme is remarkable, with the majority of those original cadets now in senior Candidates should complete a cadet application form positions within company. from the website.

For further information can be obtained from: Contact: [email protected] or visit: www.vgroup.com/www. Carisbrooke Shipping Limited vmanpower.com/www.vships.com 38 Medina Road Cowes Isle of Wight Carisbrooke Shipping PO31 7DA Tel: +44 (0)1983 284100 Fax: +44 (0) 1983 284 199 Telex: 86771 CASHIP G Email: [email protected] Web: www.carisbrookeshipping.net Carisbrooke Shipping began in the early 60Ês with barges and small coasters trading to the Isle of Wight. It has now grown to be one of the largest UK shipping companies. Princess Cruises The Fleet Carisbrooke Shipping owns and manages over 60 modern dry cargo vessels ranging in size from 3,000 dwt to 20,000 dwt with an average age of three years. The vessels share a common open hatch box shape hold that allows them to carry a wide variety of cargoes on a The company is one of the largest cruise lines in the worldwide trading pattern. world, operating a fleet of 17 technically advanced cruise ships sailing in some of the most exotic parts of the Cadet Recruitment world. Cadets should be aged between 16-21 years. They should be of European nationality and permanent reside Cadets in of the United Kingdom. To become a Deck Officer (navigation) or an Engineer Officer, your three year academic study will take place The minimum requirements are 4 GCSEÊs including at shore-based nautical colleges and work onboard. Mathematics, Physical Science and English. Applicants Current nautical colleges used by the Company include: must pass a medical examination, a drug and alcohol Fleetwood Nautical College, City of Glasgow College, abuse screening before starting. South Tyneside College and Warsash Maritime Academy.

Applications are welcome throughout the year, intakes Requirements are normally in September and January. A pre-requisite of cadetship includes being able to pass the MCA approved ENG1 Medical examination. Colleges Applicants are typically a UK resident who has lived in Warsash Maritime Acadamy the UK for at least 18 months or alternatively a member Training courses: Engineering Foundation degree and of a European Economic Area who has lived in the UK HND. Deck Officer Foundation Degree and HND for at least 18 months.

86 Appendices

Entry to the Foundation Degree schemes requires a Due to the various sizes of vessels within the fleet the minimum of 120 UCAS points, with good grades in minimum number of cadets training on each vessel can GCSE Maths, English and a Physical Science. range from 1 (smallest vessels in fleet) to a maximum of 4/5 at any one time. Entry on to the Higher National Diploma (HND) schemes requires high grade passes at GCSE or the Scottish Cadets Standard grade in English, Mathematics, Physics or Combined Science (Physics) and at least one other The Company recruits Deck and Engineering cadets in subject. September and January. Successful applicants will be required to pass an MCA ENG1 medical examination Training before commencing their studies. The Cadetship Programme combines practical work Qualifications experience onboard a new fleet of technically advanced cruise ships, while studying for a recognised HND or To join applicants are required to have: Foundation Degree qualification, leading to an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.  For HNC/D route - 5 GCSE/Standard Grade including Mathematics, English and Science plus two The training programme lasts for three years at the end others of which you should have a professional qualification.  for Foundation Degree - applicants must have A/Higher level qualifications (minimum 120 UCAS Further information can be obtained from: points) and a GCSE/Standard Grade in Mathematics James Hallé  have a degree. Assistant Fleet Personnel Manager - Cadets Direct: +44(0)23 80655190 Training Email: [email protected] From day one cadets enter a phased training scheme, lasting approximately three years. They will attend James Fisher and Sons Ltd a specialised marine college and obtain hands-on experience on board merchant ships within the James Fisher fleet. James Fisher cadets will work to a leave ratio on board of 3:1 while undertaking their sea phases.

Completing the college based studies and time at sea allows cadets to qualify for an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency. This certification is internationally recognised. James Fisher is a leading service provider in all sectors Further information can be obtained from: of the marine industry and a specialist supplier of James Fisher and Sons engineering services to the nuclear industry in the UK Fisher House, PO Box 4 and abroad. Barrow in Furness Cumbria Fleet LA14 1HR Cadets can gain hands-on experience on board the Tel: 01229 615400 coastal tanker fleet of owned and managed vessels. This Fax: 01229 836761 fleetÊs usual trade pattern is around the UK/Irish coast Website: www.james-fisher.co.uk and North West Europe.

87 So you want to go to Sea Chiltern Maritime Ltd governing regulations surrounding the provision of grants for training officer cadets for the British Merchant Navy.

Applying Candidates can apply for either the September or January intake throughout the year and if successful following the interview stage, will start training at one of Chiltern Maritime Limited is a privately owned and the leading maritime colleges within the UK. independent UK based training consultancy, specialising in recruiting, training and the administration of Officer Irish Cadets Trainees for Merchant Navy Scholarship Schemes. Today A number of Irish Cadets are recruited every year, this is the company assists in administrating over 100 Officer done once Officer Trainees have started at the ÂNational Trainees. Maritime College of IrelandÊ (NMCI) and are nearing their first sea phase. Entry requirements If you are interested in completing a Deck (Navigation), Officer Trainees interested in being sponsored through Engineering or Electro Technical Cadetship, you must Chiltern will attend an interview at NMCI and if be at least 16 years old at the start of the course, your successful will take up sponsorship with immediate academic qualifications will determine the routes open to effect. you. Entry Requirements HND in Marine Operations (Deck) or Marine Engineering Candidates must have the following qualifications: Suitable for candidates who have or will expect to have  Leaving Certificate with Grade D3 in five subjectÊs at 5 GCSEÊs or Scottish Standard Awards ă including Ordinary or Higher level including Mathematics and Mathematics, English and a Dual Award Science. either English or Irish  Foundation Degree in Marine Operations, secured a place and have commenced training at Marine Engineering or Marine Electrical/ NMCI. Electronic Engineering The interview procedure varies depending on the Suitable for candidates who possess the above criteria, clients requirements but will include either a one to one but who also have or expect to attain a minimum of interview or an interview panel. 120 UCAS points through A Levels or their equivalents, preferably in Mathematics or Physics. What Ships Engineering Specialised Route (Fast Track) The types of ships you may be appointed to include: Applicants who have passed a BSc Marine Engineering/ Electrical Engineering based degree, BEng or industry Cruise Ships based apprenticeship and have a mature outlook on life, Tankers may be able to join the fast track system. Bulk Carriers Ro/Ro Ships Nationality Light Buoy Tenders For sponsorship you must be an EEA state passport Crude Carriers holder and be resident in the UK, as defined by the

88 Appendices

Training background and achievements to date, what motivates you and what you consider makes a successful candidate The colleges used for cadet training ashore are: with an aptitude to succeed at sea.

Warsash Maritime Academy Application is open to all, subject to the minimum South Tyneside Maritime Centre requirements being met. These include meeting the City of Glasgow College academic entry requirements for the programme you Fleetwood Nautical Campus wish to follow and the international medical standard. Further information can be obtained from: The minimum age requirement is 16. Chiltern maritime Ltd Forum 3, Solent Business Park Training Whiteley, Fareham Hampshire, PO15 7FH Basic training is usually required to be undertaken by all Tel: 01489 611638 seafarers before they step foot on board any vessel. Email: info@ Chilternmaritime.com Web: www.chilternmaritime.com As an Officer Trainee you will follow an intensive training programme, alternating between college and sea. You may spend up to four months on one vessel before Ship Safe Training Group Ltd returning home for the next phase of training.

When a trainee joins the group they are appointed to a training officer who will keep a watch on the cadets progress. This support extends through the college period, study needs and providing personal assistance The company specialises in all areas of marine training, when required. from one day courses to overseeing training leading all the way to certification as a Chief Engineer or Master. The training officer arranges appointments to ships and the documentation that is required. This support Entrants continues throughout the sea training period. SSTGÊs principle aim is to offer a comprehensive marine Ratings training service to our member shipping companies while at the same time providing a valuable and impartial A few opportunities exist for candidates to initially service to candidates who are considering a career at qualify as Deck or Engineer ratings. There has been sea. a resurgence in this area recently and the number of opportunities are expected to increase slightly in the They currently recruit approximately 200 candidates medium term. each year for more than 30 companies, who between them operate a diverse range of vessels. Further information can be obtained from: Ship Safe Training Group Ltd Candidates usually focus on cruise vessels and passenger The Precinct Office ships as they are perhaps the most well known, but there The Precinct are many alternatives. Rochester Kent The Recruitment Process ME1 1SR Tel: 01634 820 820 The recruitment process starts with an interview, with a Fax: 01634 820 821 member of the recruitment team. The interview aims to E-mail: [email protected] find out more about you as a candidate, discussing your

89 So you want to go to Sea Clyde Marine Training Ltd All Engineer Trainees will study towards  A Certificate of Competency as an Engineer Officer Clyde Marine Training Ltd is part of The Clyde Group of the Watch (EOOW) based in Glasgow. Founded in 1986, Clyde Marine  HNC/D or Foundation Degree or Scottish Training has grown in to the largest maritime training Equivalent Professional Diploma or Postgraduate provider in the UK recruiting approximately 50% of the qualification in Marine Engineering annual Trainee Officer intake for the British Merchant  Completion of their MNTB Training Record Book Navy. during allocated sea time.

There are approximately 900 trainees in the system, All ETO Trainees will study towards undergoing training in colleges and universities in Shetland, Fraserburgh, Glasgow, South Tyneside,  A Certificate of Competency as Electro-technical Fleetwood, Liverpool, Plymouth and Southampton. The Officer trainees are managed by a dedicated team who are based  a Foundation Degree or HND in Marine Electrical/ in the Glasgow head office and the Southampton office. Electronics  completion of their MNTB Training Record Book Entry requirements during allocated sea time  a GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate For entry into the HNC/D course you will require a  an Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance minimum of 5 GCSE or Standard Grade including Certificate. English, Mathematics and a Science based subject. Contact: Applicants for the Foundation Degree and Scottish Clyde Marine Training Ltd Professional Diploma routes require 120 UCAS points Kintyre House from 2 or more A Levels or Highers, including either 209 Govan Road Physics or Mathematics. Glasgow, G51 1HJ Tel: 0141 427 6655 Equivalent qualifications may also be suitable, you should Email: [email protected] contact Clyde Marine if you feel this is the case. Web: www.clydemarinetraining.com

All trainees will be required to be a national of a member state of the European Union and ordinarily a resident in Viking Training the UK.

Sponsoring Company If successful at interview, trainees are sent further information on each sponsoring company and asked to pick their top three companies from a list provided. The Viking has provided training for over 20 years. It is the company will then endeavour to allocate each trainee leading Cruise and Superyacht recruitment specialist with a suitable company using this information. providing qualified, experienced officers and staff for deck, technical and hotel/interior positions worldwide. All Deck Trainees will study towards As part of this a number of Cruise Lines offer a training programme for individuals to become Officers at sea.  A Certificate of Competency as a Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW) Entry requirements  HNC/D or Foundation Degree or Scottish Equivalent Professional Diploma in Nautical Science Viking will consider applicants that are due to complete  completing their MNTB Training Record Book or who have completed their ÂAÊ levels/Higher, during allocated sea time. examinations and who have attained the industry

90 Appendices recognised level of 120 UCAS Points. Candidates that through a training company, this company will then have attained this academic level are older, more mature appoint scholarship cadets to various ships for their and able to deal with the academic work and demanding training. environment on cruise vessels. Trinity House Acceptable qualifications are: The Trinity House Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme Two ÂAÊ levels/Highers, including Mathmatics or physics, provides financial support for young people seeking a minimum of 5 CSEÊs or standard grade passes, careers as officers in the Merchant Navy. including Maths, English and a Physics-based Science or an appropriate national Diploma or Scottish National Candidates must be between 16 and 18ó years old Certificate. with a minimum of five GCSEs, and must have passed the Department of TransportÊs medical examination. For mature entry candidates who have recently passed They must also be British and permanently reside in the an Engineering based degree (BSc or BEng) or industrial British Isles. based apprenticeship, a Âfast trackÊ system is available. Cadets go through a three or four year programme Training which is split between nautical college and time at sea in a variety of British-managed vessels. Cadets can train The courses undertaken are: as either Deck or Engineer Officers or pursue a Marine Cadetship encompassing both disciplines. FD in Marine Operations FD in Marine Engineering Yeoman FD in Electronic Engineering The title Trinity Yeoman was introduced in 2002 for all The Colleges used are: former Trinity House cadets, once training through the Trinity House Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme is completed. Warsash Maritime Academy South Tyneside Maritime Centre City of Glasgow College Fleetwood Nautical College

Further information can be obtained from: Viking Recruitment Ltd. Aycliffe Business Centre Once the Officer of the Watch Certificate has been Archcliffe Road obtained, you can register as a Trinity Yeoman. You will Dover, Kent, CT17 9EL receive a Certificate of Recognition from the Corporation Tel: +44 (0)1304 240881 of Trinity House and a Trinity Yeomen roundel - which Fax: +44 (0)1304 240882 can be worn on the right sleeve of your uniform jacket. Email: [email protected] Web: www.vikingrecruitment.com For enquiries into the Trinity House Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme contact: Scholarship Schemes c/o Chiltern Maritime Ltd Aycliffe Business Centre Archcliffe Road Scholarship schemes are another way to enter the Dover, Kent, CT17 9EL Merchant Navy. Tel: +44 (0)1304 212610 Fax: +44 (0)1304 240882 These organisations provide financial support for Cadets Email: [email protected] entering the Merchant Navy. The schemes operate

91 So you want to go to Sea Maritime London Trust is a Registered Charity and is run with the cooperation of the UK Chamber of Shipping. Maritime London is a non profitable promotional body for UK based companies which provide professional Requirements services to the international shipping industry. Funded The Conway Merchant Navy Trust may sponsor cadets by approximately 100 companies and organisations from for a Nautical or Marine Engineering honours degree a wide range of disciplines, Maritime London help to while training to be a Deck or Engineer Officer in the ensure that the UK remains a world beating location to Merchant Navy. Conway does not sponsor HND or base a maritime related business. Foundation Degree routes.

Maritime London’s Mission Today Conway concentrates its sponsorships on school  To maintain and enhance the UKÊs position as the leavers expecting good A level or Scottish Higher passes worldÊs premier maritime centre with a strong emphasis in Maths and the Sciences,  promote all UK maritime interests, working with and the potential for a Maritime or Marine Engineering other bodies and organisations as necessary Honours Degree. A minimum of 240 UCAS points is  encourage inward location of foreign maritime required for entry. interests. Conway Trainees start their training in September. Maritime London organises trade missions and trade Applications are accepted in the autumn of the preceding show pavilions, connects its members with an extensive year from candidates who have or expect to gain the network of government and company contacts, relevant entry qualifications. undertakes research and liaises with government and other industry representative bodies. Training Conway currently sponsors trainees at Liverpool John Maritime London Scholarships MooreÊs University. Sponsorship covers all University and The Maritime London Officer Cadet Scholarship course fees, travel, uniform and a living allowance. (MLOCS) is a charity that provides funds to allow young people to undertake the three to four year training Training will take four years during which time you will required to become a Merchant Navy deck or engineer serve as an Officer Trainee. Training programmes are officer. made up of alternating periods of training at sea and study at University. MLOCS training is undertaken by Chiltern Maritime both on board a variety of commercial vessels and at colleges At Sea in Glasgow, South Shields and Warsash. Your seagoing training allows you to put into practice what you learn at college by understudying the officers Further information can be obtained from: on board. A programme of specific practical training Maritime London Officer Cadet Scholarship tasks also forms part of your time on board ship. c/o Chiltern Maritime Tel: +44 (0)1304 212610 At University As well as theoretical studies you will use the latest The Conway Merchant Navy Trust computer controlled engine room, radar and navigation simulators, practical training in safety, survival and fire The HMS Conway Merchant Navy Cadet School was fighting. All schemes followed by Conway Trainees are founded in 1859. Its aim was to prepare young men for approved by the Merchant Navy Training Board and the careers as Officers in the British Merchant Navy. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

92 Appendices APPENDIX 3

Fleetwood Nautical Campus Courses  All maritime related officer training short courses, Fleetwood Nautical campus is part of Blackpool and The including STCW approved short courses Fylde College, one of the largest and most successful  offshore industry related courses, including HUET, Further Education Colleges in the UK. The college has BOSIET and OPITO related training been designated as a National Beacon of Excellence  simulation short courses ă STCW, ship to ship and was recently re-accredited for the Charter Mark in transfer, ship handling and bespoke company recognition of the service it provides to all its learners. arranged courses  Merchant Navy Cadetships (NC/HNC Route ă deck Fleetwood campus offers an extensive range of merchant only) navy and offshore courses to UK and overseas students.  Merchant Navy Deck Cadetship (Foundation Degree Route ă deck only with engineering available from Facilities September 2011) The facilities include a five bridge Full Mission ship simulator, computer suites, electronic laboratories for Further information can be obtained from: GMDSS and electronic navigation instruments and chart The School of Maritime Operations rooms. There is modern Learning Resource Centre Fleetwood Nautical Campus where students have access to computers, CD-ROMÊs Broadwater, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JZ and associated training resources which are available for Tel: 44 (0) 1253 779123 study and research with professional help at hand from Fax: 44 (0) 1253 773014 the experienced LRC staff. email: [email protected]

There is also a Âstate-of-the-artÊ Environmental Survival Training tank which meets the challenges of every South Tyneside College day emergencies, from helicopter escape simulators to emergency escape chutes. The ÂtankÊ has a wave generator and simulated rain, it can also be blacked out creating a realistic survival environment for seafarers to train. Established over 150 years ago, it is the only college in Offsite at the marine lake boatwork, seamanship, the UK to gain ÂNational Nautical Centre of Excellence kayaking and sailing are all available. Survival exercises StatusÊ from the UK government, in recognition of the using a Training Platform on the River Wyre are quality of its marine and nautical raining. undertaken using both totally enclosed lifeboats and fast rescue craft. Fire Fighting Training takes place at Cadet Entry the purpose built Fire Ground located at Burn Naze/ New entrants follow a cadet training scheme which Thornton, here all levels of fire fighting scenarios can normally lasts for three years and is paid for by a be acted out. The College Radar Station overlooks the shipping company. shipping channels into Fleetwood and Heysham, it is here that the second suite of electronic navigational aids Cadets learn the theory and background knowledge they are situated, and the campus VTS training facility where need to support their training from experienced maritime operators from around the world attend to complete the professionals. They will also practice what they learn serious task of shipping traffic management.

93 So you want to go to Sea in the workshops, simulation centre and safety training City of Glasgow College centre. Around 50% of the College activity is in the specialist Entry requirements subject area of Marine Engineering and Maritime Entry to the HND scheme will require: Studies. 4 GCSE/SCE(s) including Mathematics, Science and English Language. Courses The School of Nautical Studies offers the full range of Entry to the Foundation Degree scheme will require Trainee and Deck Officer Certificate programmes and 160 UCAS points gained via „A‰ levels, Highers or a enrols approximately one third of all UK Trainees. technical certificate/diploma. The school offers mainstream UK and overseas cadet Course structure courses and monitors the new ÂScottish Professional Schemes are available for deck, engine and electro Diploma in Marine OperationsÊ, introduced in the session technical certification. All follow a similar pattern the of 2006-07 and now has full MNTB/MCA approval. amount of time spent at South Tyneside College and The Diploma programme combines a fast-track HND in at sea. Nautical Science with Professional Development Awards aimed at developing management and business skills At the end of a successful training course the new officer and workbased learning, typically attracting Higher and will hold an HND or Foundation Degree and a Certificate A-level entry students. of Competency. Qualification description Rating trainees Professional Diploma. SCQF Level 9. Including HND in Deck and engine rating training programmes operate Nautical Science and PDA in Marine Operations. each year or on demand. These provide an entry level into the maritime industry from here candidates Course overview can progress onto the Rating to Officer Training This course is designed for school leavers with a programmes. minimum of 120 UCAS Points and wish to become seagoing Deck Officers. It is structured into ÂphasesÊ or Catering Dept Training blocks of time spent at College and at sea. It incorporates The regulations for shipsÊ cooks are currently under both the SQA HND Nautical Science and the review, but the courses offered at South Tyneside College Professional Development Award in Marine Operations. meet the present legislation. All students are sponsored by Shipping Companies or Training Agencies, who provide the sea phases on ships Further information can be obtained from: that operate worldwide. Applications should be made South Tyneside College via sponsoring companies, full details of which can be St GeorgeÊs Avenue obtained from the Faculty of Maritime Studies. South Shields Tyne and Wear The recent restructuring of the Faculty of Engineering NE34 6ET allows the School of Marine Engineering to concentrate United Kingdom exclusively on the education and training provision of Information Centre on: the merchant navy and marine related industries. The Tel: +44 (0)191 427 3500 School of Marine Engineering responds to the shipping Fax: +44 (0)191 427 3918 industryÊs needs for competent personnel by being E-mail: [email protected] proactive in training Engineer Ratings, Engineer Officer Web: www.stc.ac.uk Cadets, and Senior Engineer Officers. The school also offers short specialist courses in marine related areas

94 Appendices to further knowledge, competency and continuing Engine Room Simulator professional development. Fully Equipped Fire School & Fire Ground Liquid Cargo Operations Simulator Courses within the School of Marine 10-acre manned Model Lake Engineering Multi-purpose Simulator Pier Head with Lifeboats and Davits HNC Marine Engineering Cadetship Radio Communications Centre HND Marine Engineering Cadetship Seamanship Centre Professional Diploma in Marine Engineering Cadetship Further information from: Qualification description Warsash Maritime Academy SCQF Level 8/9 Newtown Road Warsash Course overview Southampton Hampshire The aim of the course is to provide a higher qualification SO31 9ZL that is recognised by the marine industry and shore Tel: +44 (0)1489 576161 based employers. This is achieved by the addition of Fax: +44 (0)1489 573988 the PDA in Engineering Management and the higher E-mail: [email protected] level of mathematics studied. The award will give full exemptions to the MCA examination academic subjects. After achieving a First Class Certificate of Competency Shetland School of Nautical and gaining experience at this rank it is hoped that award holders will progress to senior management positions Studies within the shipping industry. The award will offer easier articulation to university if so desired, often affording entry to the third year of a four year honours degree course.

Further information can be obtained from: City of Glasgow College Cadet Entry Riverside Campus The School welcomes direct applications for the Cadet 21 Thistle Street programmes and will assist applicants to identify an Glasgow G5 9XB employing or sponsoring organisation. Obtaining such Tel: 0141 566 6222 employment or sponsorship is a prerequisite to being Email: [email protected] accepted on the programmes. Alternatively, cadets may be recruited by shipping companies/ship managers or other organisations, and placed on the programmes at Warsash Maritime Academy the School.

Officer Cadet Training Programmes The preferred entry level is for candidates to have Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) offers a range of Highers/ÂAÊ Levels or other higher qualifications in Officer Cadet training programmes for initial Deck, subjects including Mathematics, Science and English. Engineer and Electro-Technical Officer qualification. Candidates who do not hold Highers/ÂAÊ Levels the Students can choose to follow either an HND or minimum entry requirements are four Standard Grades/ Foundation Degree route. GCSEÊs including Mathematics, Physics or an equivalent science subject and English. Candidates with other Training Facilities include: qualifications and appropriate employment experience Full Mission Bridge Simulator may also be considered. Engineering Workshop

95 So you want to go to Sea Training UKSA The Cadet programme is based on SQA Higher National Certificate (HNC). These programmes must be approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Merchant Navy Training Board, they are of approximately three years long comprising of periods at UKSA is a charity that aims to provide young sea and college people with the opportunity to benefit from personal development while participating in training that will help Deck officer cadets will attain an NC Shipping and them gain employment in the marine sector. Maritime Operations: Training at UKSA  An Introduction, HNC in Nautical Science and a DOOW Unlimited Certificate of Competency UKSA is one of the largest residential maritime centres  Engineer officer cadets will attain an NC Shipping in Europe and attracts students from all over the world. and Maritime Operations:  An Introduction; HNC in Marine Engineering, They aim to have the best boats and watersports and a EOOW Unlimited Certificate of equipment available in their fleet. Onshore there are Competency dedicated training departments, workshops, lecture  The opportunity exists to undertake an optional rooms and TRANSAS navigation simulator suite. fourth year of training towards Higher National Diploma (HND), subject to sponsor support. Mentoring, Industry Guidance and Employment The HND includes some academic components of They help and support their graduates into employment the Chief Mate/Master and Second/Chief Engineer and onto the first step of the career ladder. The industry certificates of competency as appropriate, although to guidance team works closely with recruitment agencies attain these senior certificates further studies and exams around the world and deals with 1500 job opportunities are required after sea service as a junior officer. a year. Facilities UKSA will help and advise students on their maritime The school has comprehensive maritime education CV and interview techniques so that when they are and training facilities including modern navigation, interviewed they will feel confident in their skills and communications, engine room and cargo simulators, abilities to get and do the job. engineering workshops, seagoing training vessel, lecture theatre, classrooms and a library. Courses at UKSA  Further information can be obtained from: Yachting Cadetship: training for superyacht captains  Foundation Degree (optional) NAFC Marine Centre  Crew Training: training for superyacht crew Port Arthur  Ocean Graduate: training for employment on yachts SCALLOWAY over 24 m Shetland  Commercial Yachtmaster: training for employment ZE1 0UN on yachts under 24 m. Tel: (01595) 772 000  Marine Hospitality: training for employment as Fax: (01595) 772 001 interior yacht staff E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nafc.ac.uk

96 Appendices

 Professional Yacht Engineer: training for  Basic Meteorology employment as a yacht engineer  International Regulations for Preventing Collisions  Watersports Internship at Sea  International Buoyage System Contact:  Seamanship and Boat Handling UKSA  International Code of Signals Arctic Road  Search and Rescue West Cowes, Isle of Wight,  Basic Watch-keeping Procedure PO31 7PQ  Deck Equipment and Fittings Tel: +44 (0)1983 203034  Ropes, Wires and Chains Email: [email protected]  Coastal Navigation  Personal Survival Techniques, Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities and Basic First Aid to STCW Lews Castle College 95 Standards.

College Training Boat ă The 20 foot (6.1 metre) motor training vessel is used for training groups in Seamanship skills. It is fully fitted with modern Pre Sea Cadet Course navigational aids. The purpose of this training programme is to prepare young people for a career as an Officer at sea by RYA Courses ă The college is approved to run the providing them with the necessary basic skills and following shore based courses: qualifications required by ship operators in the UK.  Day Skipper Theory The shipping Industry minimum requirements for entry  Coastal Skipper Theory are five GCSE or Standard Grade passes, including  Basic Navigation and Safety English, Mathematics and either Physics or Dual Award  Marine Radio Short Range Certificate Science. Deck Officer Trainees may substitute Physics or  Radar. Dual Award Science with Chemistry. Marine Vessel Support Deck Course Duration This qualification is aimed primarily at new entrants to Full-time ă 1 Year. September - June annually. the Merchant Navy who wish to become ABs. It also provides existing deck ratings with an opportunity to Training obtain a qualification.

Being a full time course, students are time tabled to Further information can be obtained from: study Âcore basedÊ subjects. These include Mathematics, Catherine Donald Communications and Information Technology Admissions to Intermediate 2 level. Physics is also taught to Lews Castle College UHI Intermediate 1 Level. The vast majority of Maritime Castle Grounds related subjects that are additionally delivered are to Stornoway Intermediate 2 level. They are: Isle of Lewis HS2 0XR  Engineering Tel: +44 (0)1851 770202  Chartwork Fax: +44 (0)1851 770001  Safety and Survival at Sea Email: [email protected]  First Aid at sea

97 So you want to go to Sea Red Ensign Maritime Training Requirements Deck Officers must be interested in technology, have Red Ensign Maritime Training is a private training a mathematical ability and good communication skills. organisation delivering MCA and STCW 95 approved Entry to this training programme requires Standard training courses for all sectors within the shipping Grades in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry and industry. English, plus two other subjects and an appropriate Scottish National Certificate. You will also need to be in Rating Entry Training sponsored employment with a shipping company, who This is a stand alone five day course module that is a will pay you while you train. requirement for employment in the Merchant Navy. The course covers the following: Courses NC Marine Engineering  Personal survival techniques This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills  fire fighting and fire prevention for a career in marine engineering.  elementary first aid  personal safety and social responsibility. The course covers the following areas: diesel engines, welding, pneumatics, hydraulics, health and safety, The course is delivered through a mixture of theory and communications, numeracy, problem solving, design and practical exercises. make project.

Further information can be obtained from: Deck Ratings Red Ensign Maritime Training This course aims to provide students with practical 105 Medina Village seamanship skills leading towards Efficient Deck Hand Bridge Road Certification. Cowes Isle of Wight The course covers the content of the Marine Vessel PO31 7LP Support Level 2 Vocational Qualification. Subject areas Tel: 01983 294088 include: personal survival techniques, elementary first Website: www.r edensigntraining.com aid, practical small boat work, radio operations, practical seamanship.

Banff and Buchan College For further information contact: The Admissions Team, Deck Cadets Banff and Buchan College, Applicants to the College will be guided to companies Henderson Road, that sponsor cadetships. Fraserburgh, AB43 9GA. This new course has been developed in conjunction with Tel: 01346 586100 four Aberdeen-based emergency response and rescue Email: info@ banff-buchan.ac.uk vessel companies Ocean Mainport Rescue, North Star Shipping, Vroon Offshore Services and Nomis Shipping.

98 Appendices APPENDIX 4

The Honourable Company of Complementing Certificate of Competency Master Mariners Schemes The Honourable Company scheme is additional to normal Merchant Navy cadetship or other training schemes which lead to and certificates of competency.

Completion, Achievement: Freedom of the City of London On obtaining a Class 1 Deck Officer (Master Mariner) Certificate you complete your indenture and will be eligible for full membership of the Honourable Company and Freedom of the City of London.

Contact: The Clerk The Honourable Company of Master Mariners is a City The Honourable Company of Master Mariners of London Livery Company with membership open to HQS WELLINGTON British and Commonwealth Master Mariners from the Temple Stairs Merchant and Royal Navies. Their headquarters ship Victoria Embankment (HQS) WELLINGTON, is moored on the Embankment London in London. WC2R 2PN Tel: 020 7836 8179 The three main interests of the Company are: Fax: 020 7240 3082 e-mail: [email protected]  Professional standards  education and training  charitable giving. The Merchant Navy Association

Apprenticeship Scheme The MNA was founded by two World War II veterans The Honourable Company of Master Mariners offers in 1989 and has attained considerable recognition for encouragement and support to all those entering the the continued achievements of the Merchant Navy, past nautical profession as Deck Officers. The best way and present, in a comparatively short time. Many MNA to take advantage of this, is through the Honourable Branches have been established throughout the UK, CompanyÊs Apprenticeship Scheme. with many members living in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malta and Singapore. The MNA has grown As an Apprentice you will have a Master Mariner into a formidable and respected organisation designed by as a mentor or guide from entry to qualification and seafarers to represent their interests, promote their needs certification as a Master Mariner in your own right. and raise awareness of the opportunities in the years Through your Honourable Company „Master‰ you will ahead. have access to the expertise and experience of other members and staff.

99 So you want to go to Sea

Aims Veterans Award the United Kingdom Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge, the Federation has been authorised by At the core of the MNAÊs ethos is the recognition of the Ministry of Defence to deal with the applications for Merchant Navy Veterans and the critical and strategic and distribution of the coveted Award. role of the Merchant Navy in times of war and conflict. It is also to encourage a pride in our national maritime The Federation is not simply a veteranÊs organisation, heritage together with promoting opportunities for future they are equally committed to those presently serving generations to heed the „call of the sea‰ and develop and ensuring that the maritime traditions are handed on public awareness in future events. to future seafarers.

Membership Further information can be obtained from: The „MISSION‰ of the Association is to bring all The Federation of Merchant Mariners serving and retired Seafarers together in a spirit of 16 Glebe Road companionship, consideration and commitment towards Brampton a united lobby for the ÂCommunity of the SeaÊ. Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE28 4PH Further information can be obtained from: Tel: 01480412958 National Secretary Email: [email protected] Tim Brant FEI 9 Saxon Way Caistor, Nautilus Market Rasen, LN7 6SG Tel: 01472 851130 [email protected] Website: www.mna.org.uk Regardless of the ship a trainee or officer is serving on or the nationality of the registry, Nautilus is there to offer The Federation of Merchant assistance where and when required. Membership from Mariners the outset of any career at sea is strongly recommended.

Nautilus is the trade union and professional organisation for approximately 24,000 maritime professionals, including ship masters, officers, officer trainees and shipping industry personnel, such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, vessel traffic services operators, harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry and shore-based staff. Increasingly more ratings are being The Federation of Merchant Mariners saw an accepted into the union. opportunity in 2004 when the 60th Anniversary celebrations of WW11 were being arranged to launch a Benefits national representative organisation. Pay and conditions The objective was and is to gain recognition for the role Nautilus International negotiates on its membersÊ of the Merchant Navy in the defence and development of behalf with an increasing number of British, Dutch and our Nation. other foreign flag employers, on issues including pay, conditions, leave, hours and pensions. The Union also Having played a leading part in a successful campaign to takes part in top-level international meetings on the pay persuade H M Government to issue the very first Civilian and conditions for seafarers in the world fleets.

100 Appendices

Legal services The Nautilus Welfare Funds charity operates a welfare With the maritime profession under increasing risk of complex in Wallasey, England, providing homes and criminalisation, Nautilus International provides specialist care for retired seafarers and also administers welfare support, including a worldwide network of lawyers who pensions and grants to seafarers in need. can provide free and immediate advice to full members on employment-related matters. Members and their Nautilus International has a major say in the running families also have access to free initial advice on a wide of the Merchant Navy OfficersÊ Pension Fund and the range of legal issues, as well as access to a free legal Pension Plan. It also launched The Maritime Stakeholder helpline. Plan to meet the needs of seafarers and others working in the shipping industry, at sea and ashore, who are Certificate protection unable to participate in the MNOPF or MNOPP. (See Full members have free financial protection, worth up Chapter⁄⁄. Financial Matters) to £105,000, against loss of income if their certificate of competency is cancelled, suspended or downgraded Savings following a formal inquiry. Full members are also entitled Nautilus has access to a range of services and support. to representation during accident investigations or These include specially-negotiated rates on a variety of inquiries. commercial services ranging from tax advice to credit cards, and household, motoring, travel and specialist Compensation insurance. Nautilus InternationalÊs legal department recovers more than £1m every year in compensation for members who In touch have suffered work-related illness or injuries. Officials regularly visit members onboard ships and further support and advice is available at regular Workplace support ÂsurgeriesÊ and college visits throughout the UK and The Nautilus International officials provide expert advice on Netherlands. work-related problems such as contracts, redundancy, bullying or discrimination, non-payment of wages, and Contact: pensions. Nautilus International Oceanair House Safety and welfare 750-760 High Road Nautilus International plays a vital role in national and Leytonstone international discussions on key issues including hours of London E11 3BB work, crewing levels, shipboard conditions, vessel design, Tel: +44 (0)20 8989 6677 technical and training standards. Fax: +44 (0)20 8530 1015 Email: [email protected]

101 So you want to go to Sea APPENDIX 5

The International Maritime hence the need for universal standards that can be Organisation applied to and recognised by all. There is a logic in favour of having a framework of The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is international standards to regulate shipping. Clearly there the specialised agency of the United Nations with has to be a common approach, so ships can ply their responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and trade around the world and countries receiving foreign the prevention of marine pollution by ships. Member ships can be confident that, in accepting them, they do Governments use the IMO to draw up internationally not place their safety, security or environmental integrity agreed standards that can be applied to all ships. IMOÊs at risk. objectives are summed up in its mission statement: Conventions „Safe secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans‰. A large part of the IMOÊs work is developing international The purposes of the Organization, as summarised by treaties or Conventions in which internationally agreed Article 1(a) of its founding Convention, are: standards are formally enshrined.

„to provide machinery for cooperation among The main IMO Conventions fall into four categories ă Governments in the field of governmental regulation safety and security, protection of the marine and practices relating to technical matters of all environment, minimising the immediate negative effect of kinds affecting shipping engaged in international accidents and dealing with the aftermath of casualties. trade; to encourage and facilitate the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in Prime among those dealing with safety and security is matters concerning maritime safety, efficiency of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) considered navigation and prevention and control of marine to be the most important of all international treaties pollution from ships‰. concerning the safety of merchant ships.

The Organization is also empowered to deal with Others include the Convention on Standards of Training, administrative and legal matters related to these Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, Load purposes. lines Convention, Collision Regulations or COLREGS, as well as the SUA Conventions, which are aimed at The need for an international agency for shipping ensuring that appropriate action is taken against anyone stems from the fact that shipping is perhaps the most committing unlawful acts against ships such as seizing international of all the worldÊs global industries. The ships by force, acts of violence against persons on board ownership and management chain surrounding any and placing devices on board a ship which are likely to particular vessel can embrace many different countries, destroy or damage it. it is not unusual to find that the owners, operators, shippers, charterers, insurers and classification society, The International Convention for the Prevention of not to mention the officers and crew, are all of different Pollution from Ships, or MARPOL, has six annexes, nationalities and that none of these are from the country deals with oil pollution, pollution by chemicals carried whose flag flies at the shipÊs stern. Unusually, shippingÊs in bulk, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, prime physical assets ă the ships themselves ă move garbage and air pollution. between countries and between different jurisdictions,

102 Appendices

Others include Conventions on dumping waste at sea, Noxious Substances (HNS Convention). All these the rights of coastal states to intervene if their coastline Conventions are kept up to date, with limits of liability is under threat from pollution following a maritime increased where appropriate to match changing demands casualty, use of certain toxic substances in shipsÊ anti- and expectations. fouling paint and on ballast water management to control the spread of alien micro-organisms in shipsÊ ballast water. The Chamber of Shipping

Despite this accidents occur, for this reason another series of Conventions have been developed that are designed to ensure a proper response to minimise the negative repercussions.

The most important consideration in this regard is protecting human life, the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention) has an The Chamber of Shipping is the Âtrade associationÊ for international SAR plan to ensure that rescue operations the UK shipping industry. The Chamber works with will be co-ordinated by a proper search and rescue Government, Parliament, international organisations, organisation and, when necessary, by co-operation unions and the general public on behalf of the between neighbouring SAR organisations. sectors that make up the shipping industry, ensuring that the UK continues to be a global centre for Other measures in this category include the OPRC shipping business, with world-class standards and an Convention (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and internationally competitive and consistent fiscal and Co-operation) which establishes measures for dealing policy environment. with pollution incidents, either nationally or in cooperation with other countries, the related protocol in Membership dealing with hazardous and noxious substances and the The Chamber offers benefits to all shipping and Wreck Removal Convention, adopted in Kenya last year, maritime-related companies, whether the vessels this provides the legal basis for States to remove, or have are owned by Chamber members who are British or removed, shipwrecks that may adversely affect the safety British flagged. This means they are foreign owned and of lives, goods and property at sea, as well as the marine registered under the British flag, the red ensign. environment.

The aftermath of casualties must be addressed, for Training this IMO has developed a series of Conventions to The Chamber and its predecessors have played a major cover questions of liability and establish compensation role in the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). regimes for victims of pollution incidents and The MNTB is funded by the Chamber and new entrant accidents. seafarer training companies.

These include the International Convention on Civil It is the shipping industryÊs central body for promoting Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC), International and developing seafarer education, training and skills, Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage helping to provide education and training frameworks (IOPC), Athens Convention relating to the Carriage that will develop high quality British seafarers who are of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea and its 2002 respected worldwide for their professionalism and skills. Protocol, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage and the International Encouraging of young people to follow a career in the Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage shipping industry remains a key role of the Chamber in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and today. The Chamber also provides the secretariat for

103 So you want to go to Sea

Sea Vision UK which is a nationwide campaign to raise seafarer unions, maritime educational establishments and awareness of the sea and maritime activities among interests, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). young people. The Department for Transport and the Maritime Skills Alliance are also represented on the Board. For further information contact: The Chamber of Shipping Education and Training Carthusian Court 12 Carthusian Street The MNTB has responsibility for setting and approving London the education and training frameworks for new entrants EC1M 6EZ into the Merchant Navy. Current frameworks cover: Tel: +44 (0) 20 7417 2800  Fax: +44 (0) 20 7600 1534 Foundation Degree (FD), incorporating the Scottish E-mail: [email protected] Professional Diploma (SPD)  Webite: www.british-shipping.org Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher www.careersatsea.org National Diploma (HND) www.seavisionuk.org Each framework has been designed to meet international regulations that are laid down by the International MNTB Maritime Organization (IMO) in the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

An important and mandatory part of initial seafarer programme is the sea time component. MNTB Training The MNTB is the authoritative centre of expertise Record Books (TRB) have been developed so that sea and information on careers, qualifications, education, time can be appropriately structured and organised. training, skill needs and issues in the industry. The MNTB works closely with shipping and ship Companies management companies, nautical educational There are over 100 shipping companies involved in establishments and organisations, seafarer trade unions, training. Some directly recruit cadets and ratings, others the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and all industry recruit through specialist training companies. In addition organisations with an interest in seafarer education and there are Scholarship organisations through which entry training. can also be achieved.

The MNTB provides a link to government departments For further information contact: and bodies involved with the shipping industry as well Merchant Navy Training Board as those involved with the UK skills agenda, education 12 Carthusian Street and training development. This includes the Department LONDON for Transport (DfT), the Department for Business, EC1M 6EZ Innovation and Skills (DBIS), the UK Commission for Tel: 020 74172800 Employment and Skills (UKCES) and UK education Careers Co-ordinator tel: 020 7417 2825 regulatory authorities and bodies. The MNTB works Website: www.mntb.org.uk closely with the Maritime Skills Alliance to achieve joint aims with partner organisations in the maritime sector. The Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA) The MNTB is a voluntary body and part of the Chamber of Shipping. The MNTB is fully funded by the Chamber The MSA was established in January 2004 and its of Shipping. The work of the MNTB is overseen by a founder members represented the Fish Catching, Ports board made up of representatives of shipping companies, and Shipping sectors. It followed the publication of an

104 Appendices independent SSDA funded study, which established International Transport there was a unique Maritime Footprint that would not be covered, by either Licensed SSCÊs or those in Federation (ITF) development. Since its establishment the following organisations have become members of the MSA:

 The British Marine Federation in conjunction with the Royal Yachting Association  the Maritime and Coastguard Agency reflecting its The ITFÊs role is to support its member trade unions and interests as the UK Maritime Regulator and as an find ways of defending the interests of transport workers employer of people requiring maritime skills and in the global economy. knowledge  the Royal Navy The ITF today represents the interests of seafarers  the British Tug-Owners Association worldwide and works to improve conditions for seafarers  the Association of International Maritime Institutions of all nationalities ensuring there is adequate regulation joined as an employer of staff using maritime skills of the shipping industry to protect the interests and rights and knowledge of the workers. The ITF helps crews regardless of their  the National Workboats Association nationality or flag of their ship.  the Company of Watermen and Lightermen and The Passenger Boat Association. The International Federation of In addition a useful working relationship has been established with the RNLI. Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA)

The continued growth in membership confirms the MSAÊs position as the focal point for skills, standards and qualifications relevant to maritime related activities. It is recognised as the Maritime Sector Body and Standard Setting Body (SSB) by the appropriate Government Agencies across the UK IFSMA was formed in 1974 by Eight European ShipmastersÊ Associations to unite the WorldÊs serving Further information from: Shipmasters into a single professional co-ordinated body. 1 Hillside It is a non-profit making apolitical organisation dedicated Beckingham solely to the interests of the serving Shipmaster. The Kent Federation is formed of nearly 11,000 Shipmasters from LN5 0RQ sixty Countries either through their National Associations United Kingdom or as Individual Members. Telephone: 01636 629115 Website(s): www.maritimeskills.org Established to uphold International Standards of Chairman: Captain Nigel Palmer, OBE Professional Competence for Seafarers, IFSMA is a Federation with a policy to ensure Safe Operational Practices, Preservation from Human Injury, Protection of the Marine Environment and Safety of Life and Property at Sea.

105 So you want to go to Sea

With its Headquarters in London, IFSMAÊs Secretariat is licence due to negligence, incompetence, or misconduct located close to the International Maritime Organization then he would no longer qualify for membership of (IMO). In 1975, IFSMA was granted Consultative Status as the Federation. Trade Unions, National Associations, a non-governmental organisation at IMO which enables the Professional Institutes and Learned Societies are all Federation to represent the views and protect the interests (when representing Shipmasters) equally welcome as of the serving Shipmasters unfettered and unfiltered by Organizations in affiliation with IFSMA and there is no others. To enable IFSMA to function effectively at IMO, distinction made between them. it is represented by the Secretary General and a team of active or former Shipmasters who attend the four main Contact Committees, namely the Maritime Safety Committee; International Federation of ShipmastersÊ Associations Maritime Environmental Protection Committee; The 202 Lambeth Road Legal Committee and the Facilitation Committee. This London SE1 7JY team is also active in the nine Sub-Committees of IMO, United Kingdom their working and drafting groups as well as attending the Tel: 0207 261 0450 Council Meetings and the Assemblies. Email: [email protected] This has been lifted directly from the IFSMA web site IFSMA also participates in the deliberations at the International Labour Organization (ILO) where recent work involved the merger of all previous conventions The National Union of Rail, Maritime and recommendations regarding seafarers into a single and Transport Workers (RMT) International Maritime Labour Convention.

IFSMA is also asked by various bodies all over the world to participate in seminars, conferences and producing training and educational courses. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Furthermore IFSMA is conscious of the needs for Workers is BritainÊs fastest growing trade union, Shipmasters in the future and has joined with the representing more than 80,000 members in almost Nautical Institute, Trinity House and the Honourable every sector of the transport industry, from mainline and Company of Master Mariners in organising periodic underground rail to shipping and offshore, buses and Command Seminars. These Seminars are arranged road freight. every two years and visit a number of maritime centres around the world to seek the views of both mariners and Benefits the industry on how Shipmasters should be prepared to As well as workplace representation, RMT members st meet the needs of the 21 century. enjoy a range of benefits, including: Membership  Accident benefit  Death grant IFSMA defines Shipmasters as those who are in  Orphan benefit possession of an Internationally recognised Certificate of  Retirement benefit Competency, issued by the Government of an established  Permanent downgrading or demotion benefit. Maritime Nation who are serving or have previously served, in Command of Seagoing Ships whether or not Further information from: engaged upon International or Domestic Trade. Unity House 39 Chalton Street Once a man has risen to the rank of Shipmaster he is London NW1 1JD entitled to belong to IFSMA and there is no requirement Tel: 020 7387 4771 in our Statutes for the periodic revalidation of his Email: [email protected] Certificate of Competency. But if he were to lose his Web: www.rmt.org.uk

106 Appendices The Maritime Coastguard Agency  issue your revalidated Certificate of Competency within 14 days of application The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is the government  assess your Certificate of Equivalent Competency agency which is responsible for working to prevent the (CEC) application and issue the Confirmation of loss of life at sea. It: Receipt of Application (CRA) within 14 days.  Implements British and international maritime law Discharge Books & British Seaman’s Cards and safety policy  coordinates search and rescue (SAR) at sea through The Agency is responsible for issuing Discharge BookÊs Her MajestyÊs Coastguard (HMCG) and the British SeamanÊs Card  ensures that ships meet international and UK safety standards Surveying and Auditing  monitors and prevents coastal water pollution The Agency is also responsible for surveying and  tests and issues Merchant Navy Certificates of auditing UK registered ships. Through their survey Competency (licenses) for shipsÊ officers and crew to and audit services to UK registered ships, they ensure standards of certification, training and watchkeeping there are consistently high standards of safety on ships, (STCW) requirements. minimise the possibility of marine pollution. They issue, renew or revalidate the certificates required to meet the The MCA is important to the merchant navy as it international conventions or domestic requirements. sets the medical and eyesight standards that apply to seafarers working on UK registered vessels. It is also Registration responsible for the medical certification of seafarers, through a network of MCA approved medical practioners The agency is responsible for the registration of ships who undertake the medical examination and issue the under the UK flag ensuring that the UK Register seafarer medical certificates (ENG1). It is also responsible maintains its reputation as a quality flag of choice. for the survey of those merchant navy vessels under its flag. Pollution The MCA is responsible for responding to pollution from Certification Service shipping and offshore installations and are regularly The MCA provides a certification service so seafarers called upon to respond to a wide range of maritime can continue their careers at sea. They are responsible incidents. for ensuring the quality and security of the certificates they issue. In most cases, they aim to: For further information contact: Maritime and Coastguard Agency  Assess your eligibility to sit an exam within 28 days Spring Place of application 105 Commercial Road  arrange an oral exam for you at a mutually Southampton convenient date and location Hants  issue Certificates of Competency (COC) within 14 SO15 1EG days of application Tel: 02380 329100

107 So you want to go to Sea APPENDIX 6

Lifeboat Training Today, fewer than 10% of crew members have a professional maritime occupation. The skills they need range from navigation to search and rescue, from being able to repair a lifeboat engine at sea to resuscitating someone who has stopped breathing. Each of these skills can save the life of someone in trouble at sea. In 2002, the RNLI introduced competence-based training, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that providing crew members with externally accredited saves lives at sea. It provides, a 24-hour lifeboat search courses and qualifications. This approach was recognised and rescue service up to 100 nautical miles from the in 2003 when the RNLI received a National Training coast of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. It Award. also provides a seasonal lifeguard service on beaches in England and Wales. The RNLI is independent from the Government and relies on voluntary contributions and The Marine Society legacies for its income. Throughout the distinguished history of The Marine The volunteer ethos Society there have been mergers and acquisitions, which The RNLI is largely a volunteer organisation. Many have improved the core activity of the charity. In 1976 thousands of people give their time, skill and the Seafarers Education Service merged with The Marine commitment so the RNLI can save lives at sea. Because Society. The sea cadets recently came aboard. This new of the willingness of RNLI volunteers a high proportion charity is known as The Marine Society and Sea Cadets. of the RNLIÊs money can be spent on first class lifeboats and equipment. Broad remit The Marine SocietyÊs remit extends beyond promoting There are more than 4,500 lifeboat crew members in the the sea as a worthwhile career for young people. Its four UK and RoI, they are mainly volunteers from all walks of main delivery channels for professional seafarers are life within the local community. education/professional development, financial support, book/media services, and advice and guidance. Lifeguards The RNLI currently employs over 800 seasonal Today lifeguards, an increasing number are volunteers. The Marine Society has encouraged, enabled and Preventing accidents before they happen is 90% of a educated generations of seafarers from all the sea lifeguardÊs job. services. Its provision is made available to all who go to sea as professional mariners, irrespective of sea service, Flood rescue rank or rate, it caters for every level of learning, covering The RNLIÊs Flood Rescue Team (FRT) is a group of all ages, abilities and aspirations. specially trained volunteers ready to travel anywhere in the world to assist in flood relief work. It works with a range of mainstream education and training providers to deliver seafarer focused opportunities for personal and professional development.

108 Appendices Financial support for the personal and professional Seafarers Hospital Society development of seafarers is provided through a range of scholarship schemes for both officers and ratings. The SeamenÊs Hospital Society is a maritime charity that supports the welfare of seafarers, with a particular focus For further information contact: on health related needs and advice services. The Marine Society 202 Lambeth Road The Society aims to assist working and former merchant London seafarers, fishermen and their dependants, by providing SE1 7JW or supporting: www.marine-society.org [email protected]  Grants to individuals in need Tel: 020 7654 7050  grants to other institutions which assist seafarers  the SeafarersÊ Advice & Information Line (formerly the SeafarersÊ Benefits Advice Line), a national The Mission to Seafarer telephone advice line for seafarers  the Dreadnought Medical Service at GuyÊs and St ThomasÊ NHS Foundation Trust.

Help is provided for all sorts of requests, including:

 Medical items ă wheelchairs, riser recliner chairs, The Mission to Seafarers is an international welfare stair lifts, installation of disabled access organisation which seeks to serve seafarers of all ranks  travel and accommodation costs when attending the and nationalities in approximately 230 ports around the Dreadnought Medical Service world. Seafarers are welcomed, can rest and relax, as  household items ă cookers, washing machines, beds, well as have the opportunity to seek help and assistance decorating costs from a port chaplain or welfare officer.  holidays ă convalescent and respite breaks  clothing Today, the organisation provides seafarersÊ centres, port  priority bills chaplains and ship visitors in some of the major ports  funeral expenses. around the world and aims to meet a vast array of needs. Its presence is spread across the world and extends In order to qualify for help, you must be a working or to emergency assistance, family liaison, support and former merchant seafarer, fisherman or a dependant. counselling to victims of shipwreck and piracy. For further information contact: For further information contact: General Secretary The Mission to Seafarers SeamenÊs Hospital Society St Michael Paternoster Royal 29 King William Walk College Hill Greenwich LONDON SE10 9HX EC4R 2RL Telephone: 020 8858 3696 Tel: +44 (0) 207 248 5202 Fax: 020 8293 9630 Fax: +44 (0) 207 248 4761 [email protected] www.missiontoseafarers.org

109 So you want to go to Sea The Dreadnaught Medical Facility Financial assistance may be available for the following areas: This service is organised by Guys and St ThomasÊ  School/university fees Hospitals, offering priority medical and dental treatment  educational ÂextrasÊ to eligible seamen.  school uniform costs  some travel between home and school Eligible seafarers are:  educational equipment  educational visits  Active seafarers, resident in the UK including pilots  educational books and those serving as Pilots  some university expenses.  dependants of seafarers may also be eligible, if the illness of the relative is likely to cause grave concern Careers at Sea to the seafarer  retired seafarers may be eligible Priority is given to applicants who wish to pursue a  shipping company shore staff who are essential to career at sea, Bearswood College is their preferred fleet operations. school for secondary education.

Treatment Seafarers UK The treatment offered is for a full range of medical Seafarers UK is the new name for King GeorgeÊs Fund conditions and is aimed at providing treatment in a for Sailors. In the summer of 2005 the Fund decided to shorter timescale than the seafarers local NHS hospital. adopt a new identity. They wanted to make it clear to everyone that they work for all seafarers throughout the For further information contact: country. For public work the have therefore adopted the Dreadnought Medical Service Administrator name Seafarers UK. Dreadnought Medical Service St ThomasÊ Hospital The First World War took a terrible toll on merchant ships London SE1 7EH and warships: in one fortnight in 1917 many thousands Tel: 020 7188 205 of sailors and over 400,000 tons of shipping were lost. Many of those men had a family to support, and towards the end of the war many small charitable organisations The Royal Merchant Navy School were set up to support the injured and bereaved. Foundation In the City of London, ship-owners and officers realised This childrenÊs educational charitable foundation provides that what was most needed was an umbrella organisation educational support to orphans and needy children of that could take a realistic overview of the need and Merchant Navy personnel. direct resources to where they were needed. They set up a Fund for that purpose and His Majesty George V The conditions required to be considered for support are: took an immediate interest, giving both his name and an establishing donation of £5000 to the new organisation.  A need must be demonstrated  one of the applicants parents must have served in During subsequent conflicts, and in the intervening years the Merchant Navy, this parent must have either of peace, King GeorgeÊs Fund continued to provide both died while on duty or have left the sea through immediate and long-term support to the casualties of illness. In this case the applicant must have been war, and to others who have paid a high price for a life born before the parent left the sea, or the applicant at sea. must be unable to provide fully for their education, wikipedia.org maintenance and upbringing.

110 Appendices

Seafarers UK is an umbrella charity that gives grants to Gibraltar. The PWCs provide networking as well as other charities. If a charity helps seafarers or ex-seafarers disseminating information and discussing local issues then that organisation may qualify for a grant from such as projects and grant funding. Membership is Seafarers UK. Seafarer means someone who is, or once open to all organisations concerned with the welfare of was, in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy or fishing fleets. seafarers. Grants are also given to charities that help seafarersÊ families, including widows and children. The Board is now governed by a Council consisting in www.seafarers-uk.org equal numbers of representatives from ship owners, maritime trade unions, maritime charities and those with Over the past 10 years, £26 million has been granted to expertise who can contribute to the BoardÊs work. help those in need of support. The Board works closely with, and supports maritime wikipedia.org charities across a wide sector including those providing port based welfare, providing financial support to older The Merchant Navy Welfare Board seafarers, younger families and accommodation for elderly seafarers and their dependents.

Telephone & Internet Referral Service for Seafarers The free telephone and internet referral service, ÂSeafarer SupportÊ, supports serving and retired seafarers and History their families in times of need. The service is designed to The Merchant Navy Welfare Board was established in refer individuals and those working on behalf of a client 1948, although its predecessors date back to 1927. In to an organisation that is best placed to assist. This may summary its primary objectives are to: include a maritime or non-maritime charity or another appropriate agency. There are around 150 maritime  Promote the highest quality of welfare services for charities that include seafarers among their beneficiaries merchant seafarers and their dependants and this service is available to those from backgrounds  ensure that all real welfare needs are met within the Merchant Navy, fishing fleets or Royal Navy,  ensure resources are deployed effectively and their dependants.  facilitate the work of Constituent Members by providing support services Financial Assistance  encourage cooperation between Constituent The Board does not give financial assistance to Members individuals but acts as a clearing house, in appropriate  provide grants to support the work of Constituent circumstances, for those seeking assistance by directing Members them to one of its constituent nautical charities.  maintain Port Welfare Committees to coordinate and promote welfare activities locally For further information contact:  lobby Government and other authorities to maximise 30 Palmerston Road support for seafarersÊ welfare. Southampton Hants Membership SO14 1LL Today the Board has around 40 members subscribing Tel: 023 8033 7799 to its Constitution. There are also 15 Port Welfare [email protected] Committees (PWCs) within the UK and another in

111 So you want to go to Sea Shipwrecked Mariners Society With a volunteer network of over 200 Honorary Agents throughout Britain, the Society handles several hundred new applications for assistance each year and distributes over £1.5 million in dealing with around 3,000 cases. The Society relies on legacies, an annual Christmas The Society provides financial help to merchant appeal, investments and grants, principally from seafarers, fishermen and their dependants as required. Seafarers UK and Trinity House and donations to meet They pay an immediate grant to the widow of a serving its commitments. seafarer who dies, whether death occurs at sea or ashore. Regular grants are paid to retired or permanently The Society is a member of The Merchant Navy Welfare disabled seafarers and widows. Special grants are made Board and co-operates closely with other member to meet specific needs ranging from essential household charities to ensure resources are distributed as fairly as electrical goods and clothes to mobility aids. possible.

Grants For further information contact: Shipwrecked MarinersÊ Society Today, the Society continues to help in the event of a 1 North Pallant shipwreck, but the main purpose is to provide financial Chichester support to retired seafarers and their widows in cases West Sussex of need. Over 2,000 people receive regular six-monthly PO19 1TL grants, others receive a special grant to meet a particular Grants: 01243 787761 need. Applicants must be able to prove low net income Admin: 01243 789329 and normally a minimum of 5 yearsÊ sea service. Regular Email: [email protected] grants are not normally given to those under 60 years of [email protected] age or with less than 10 years sea service. Website: www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk

112 Appendices APPENDIX 7

The Institute of Marine Engineering, with Castrol Marine has produced a booklet on careers advice which is downloadable via the IMarEST website or Science and Technology (IMarEST) by contacting IMarEST headquarters.

For further information contact: IMarEST 80 Coleman Street IMarEST is an international membership body and London, EC2R 5BJ learned society for all marine professionals. United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7382 2694 Membership is open to everyone associated with the Fax: +44 (0)20 7382 2670 marine, coastal and offshore world across scientific, Email: [email protected] engineering and technological disciplines and Website: www.imarest.org applications.

There are two divisions of membership: corporate The Nautical Institute membership for those who are seeking professional recognition and non-corporate membership for those who are currently studying, just starting out in their careers or who have a general interest in the Institute, its work, members, events, publications or facilities. The Institute is an international representative body for The IMarEST has a strong international presence with an maritime professionals and others with an interest in extensive marine network of 34 international branches, nautical matters. It provides a wide range of services to affiliations with major marine societies around the world, enhance the professional standing and knowledge of representation on key marine technical committees and members who are drawn from all sectors of the maritime non-governmental status at the International Maritime world. Organization (IMO). The Nautical Institute has more than 6,500 members Publications and more than 40 branches worldwide, of which 12 are The IMarEST has its own in-house publishing in the UK, providing help and support for its members. department producing a selection of books, journals, magazines and newsletters for its membership. The Institute is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with consultative status at the International Maritime The process of student membership Organization (IMO). It works there to represent seafarersÊ Students can sign up as a student member for a nominal and the views of maritime professionalsÊ at the highest annual subscription fee. Once you have graduated you level. can progress your application to corporate status by sending in an application to transfer to the Associate Their aim is to provide the strongest possible Member status. professional focus, dedicated to improving standards of maritime professionals and to maintain the Institute as an Careers in the marine industry international centre of nautical excellence.

The marine industry offers a range of varied, challenging The Institute seeks to represent the professional views and fascinating careers. The IMarEST in collaboration of its members to and within the international, national

113 So you want to go to Sea and local bodies considering the safety and efficiency of In order to achieve its aims, the RIN: shipping operations.  Has a range of Special Interest Groups and regional Branches, to run events and keep members at the The objectives are to promote and co-ordinate public forefront of navigation debates interest in the development of nautical studies in all its  runs targeted events and international conferences, branches. highlighting important issues, the best research and leading activity in the navigation industry Students  publishes the world renowned Journal of Navigation, Associate membership (AMNI Student) is offered featuring the best new academic research in to those undertaking an approved course of initial navigation maritime training or education, those holding a Rating  publishes Navigation News, popular bimonthly or Boatmaster qualification or those holding a non- magazine covering all aspects of navigation management level maritime appointment  runs competitions to promote navigation in all areas, TopNav for general aviators, New Navigators to give For further information contact: navigation students a chance to show their skills to The Nautical Institute the industry, Young Navigators to inspire an interest 202 Lambeth Road in navigation in young people London, SE1 7LQ  works closely with international bodies including the Tel +44 (0)20 7928 1351 International Association of Institutes of Navigation Email: [email protected] (IAIN), European Group of Institutes of Navigation Website: www.nautinst.org (EUGIN), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to determine policy and best practice in the world of Royal Institute of Navigation navigation  houses the Cundall Library of Navigation, the UKÊs leading navigation specific library of books and resources, this is open to the public, Members can borrow books.

Branches The RIN has a number of regional Branches in the UK. RIN members who live in one of the areas covered by a Branch automatically become a member of that Branch, along with any SIGs they wish to join.

Membership The RIN offers several categories of Membership, including Individual, Associate Membership, Student The Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) is a charitable Membership and Junior Associate Membership society, its aims are: For further information contact:  To unite those with a professional or personal interest The Royal Institute of Navigation in any aspect of navigation in one unique body 1 Kensington Gore  to further the development of navigation in every London, SW7 2AT sphere Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 3130  to increase public awareness of the art and science Fax: +44 (0)20 7591 3131 of navigation. Email: [email protected]

114 Appendices APPENDIX 8

Royal Naval Reserve world. Operational Deployments usually last for six months. Naval Reservists are now fully integrated into the daily operations of the Royal Navy. At any time, Joining approximately 10% of Reservists are mobilised and on Contact your local unit directly to check your eligibility active duty around the world. and arrange a visit. Open evenings are usually held once a month where you will hear what the RNR does. Merchant Navy involvement in the RNR is as vital today as it was in the past. An OfficerÊs maritime knowledge During the application process and experience on merchant vessels is essential for the role of Senior Naval Officer (SNO) on a Ship Taken The application process usually takes between three Up From Trade (STUFT). As you already understand and four months. Checks on your health, educational Merchant Navy business the shipsÊ masters will rely qualifications and security will be made before accepting on you to provide the practical military link between you into service. the Royal Navy Task Group Commanders intent and operational requirements as well as giving the Task Both qualified Officers and Cadets are required to attend Group Commander the Merchant Navy perspective on a the Admiralty Interview Board held in HMS Sultan shipÊs capabilities for his planning. near Gosport in Hampshire. Your AIB application is processed by an Area Careers Liaison Officer (ACLO), If not employed on a merchant ship as the SNO, you who will conduct initial interviews of prospective will be working as a watchkeeper in the operations candidates and can also give advice on how to prepare room of an amphibious landing ship. You will plane and for the AIB and what to expect. The AIB runs over two execute the movement of troops and their equipment days, you will be tested both mentally and physically. from various Task Group ships to the shore. After initial There is a timed computerised psychometric test military training on shore you will usually work at sea which covers numeracy, literary reasoning and abstract in this role. However, one weekend per year you will interpretation. You will be examined on your knowledge train at the Commander Amphibious Task Group HQ in about the Royal Navy, its roles and operations in the Plymouth. modern world, you will be asked to write an essay to demostrate your written communication skills. There You may also join the Maritime Trade Operations branch is also a fitness assessment and leadership tests in the where you act as the interface between commercial gym, where you will work with your fellow candidates to shipping and the military, advising Masters on solve practical problems along with a theoretical problem navigational safety. You may also be required to fill any solving exercise in a classroom and finally an interview in role where your navigation, seamanship experience and front of a Board. ability can be used to support the operational output. Training The commitment In your local Unit, you will prepare for the demanding Most training is done outside the normal working hours, two week Initial Officer Course, held at Britannia Royal once a week in the evening or at weekends, you should Naval College in Dartmouth. To ensure you are fully expect to attend two weeks of annual training each year. prepared, you will be required to attend a number of training weekends. Your training culminates with a Once fully trained, which takes approximately three written and oral examination called the Fleet Board, on years you can be mobilised to serve anywhere in the successful completion of this you will be confirmed in

115 So you want to go to Sea your rank which depends on your professional maritime Your Employer qualifications and experience. Most shipping companies and training agencies are Your training will be based mainly at the Maritime fully conversant with the RNR and the requirements Warfare School at HMS Collingwood near Fareham of service, however when you are considering joining in Hampshire which specialises in various warfare you must tell your employer or give them the Ministry disciplines such as communications, gunnery and air of Defence (MOD) permission informing them a legal defence. You will also learn how to apply the doctrine requirement under the Reserve Forces Act 1995. and tactics of Amphibious Warfare on the Amphibious Reserve Enquires: Operations Planning Course. To consolidate this theoretical training you will also carry out training at sea. Tel: 08456 075555 Web: www.royalnavy.mod.uk

116 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sea Cadets The Merchant Navy Association The Tall Ships Youth Trust The Federation of Merchant Mariners The London Nautical School Nautilus Atlantic College The International Maritime Organisation Trinity House School, Hull The Chamber of Shipping DauntseyÊs School The Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA) The Royal Hospital School International Transport Federation (ITF) Gordonstoun School The International Federation of ShipmastersÊ The Maersk Shipping Group Associations (IFSMA) Bibby Line Ltd The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Pritchard Gordon Tankers Workers (RMT) The Royal Fleet Auxiliary The Maritime Coastguard Agency BP Shipping The Marine Society Shell Ship Management Ltd Seafarers Hospital Society James Fisher and Sons Ltd The Dreadnaught Medical Facility Ship Safe Training Group Ltd The Royal Merchant Navy School Foundation Clyde Marine Training Ltd Seafarers UK Scholarship Schemes The Merchant Navy Welfare Board Maritime London Shipwrecked Mariners Society The Conway Merchant Navy Trust The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Fleetwood Nautical Campus Technology (IMarEST) Glasgow College of Nautical Studies The Nautical Institute Warsash Maritime Academy Royal Institute of Navigation Shetland School of Nautical Studies Royal Naval Reserve Red Ensign Maritime Training Robert Hanrey Banff and Buchan College Craig Wilson The Honourable Company of Master Mariners

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