Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join the Merchant Navy?

See our Career page and check out our dedicated careers website at www.careersatsea.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the list of sponsoring companies

Is there a maximum age for entry?

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

Where can I obtain a Merchant Navy Uniform?

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

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

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

Clyde Marine Uniforms
Kintyre House
209 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 1HJ
Tel: 0141 427 6655
Website: Clyde Marine Uniforms

How many officers and ratings are employed in the Merchant Navy?

See the Chamber of Shipping website at www.british-shipping.org for seafarer numbers and other statistical information about the Merchant Navy and the UK shipping industry.

How do I trace an ancestor who was in the Merchant Navy?

Contact the Registry of Shipping and Seamen

Anchor House
Cheviot Close
Parc Ty Glas
Llanishen
Cardiff
CF4 5JA
Tel: 02920 448800

How do I get a replacement discharge book?

Contact the Registry of Shipping and Seamen

Anchor House
Cheviot Close
Parc Ty Glas
Llanishen
Cardiff
CF4 5JA
Tel: 02920 448800

How do I find out about organising a burial at sea?

Contact Tuthill Remembrance on 01428 714041 for an information sheet explaining the procedures and arrangements that need to be made to organise a burial at sea.