Seafarer (deck rating)
Level 2 · IntermediateTransport and logistics 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Seafarer (deck rating) works aboard ships as part of the deck crew, carrying out watchkeeping, maintenance, mooring, and cargo-handling duties under the direction of officers. Apprentices gain the practical maritime skills and safety certifications required by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) convention. This entry-level maritime apprenticeship leads to senior rating, bosun, or officer cadet pathways.
On the job
What you’ll learn
STCW basic safety training - fire fighting, sea survival, and first aid
Watchkeeping duties on the bridge and deck
Mooring, anchoring, and line-handling procedures
Cargo operations, cargo care, and hatch maintenance
Deck maintenance including chipping, painting, and machinery upkeep
Maritime regulations and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Stand bridge and deck watches under officer supervision
Carry out mooring and unmooring operations in port
Assist with cargo loading, securing, and discharging
Perform routine maintenance on deck equipment and fittings
Participate in safety drills including fire, man-overboard, and abandon ship
Keep the vessel clean and seaworthy as part of the deck crew
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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