Merchant Navy deck officer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Merchant Navy deck officers look after the day-to-day running and navigation of ships, and take care of passengers and cargo.

  • Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.  
  • Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.  
  • Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Read more about Merchant Navy deck officer

Merchant Navy deck officers typically work around 52 to 54 hours per week.

As a Merchant Navy deck officer you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
Read more about Merchant Navy deck officer
* from ONETonline
Average salary
55,096 GBP *
per year
20,500 GBP
80,000 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
Average salary for Merchant Navy deck officer
  • 55,096 GBP
Average salary for full-time Merchant Navy deck officer

Showing:
  • 55,096 GBP
  • 55,096 GBP
Salary over time for Merchant Navy deck officer

Pay for this role has increased slightly over time
  • 40,588 GBP
  • 38,434 GBP
  • 42,435 GBP
  • 45,071 GBP
  • 45,498 GBP
  • 55,096 GBP
  • 55,622 GBP
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Future outlook for Merchant Navy deck officers

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Very good outlook
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Very good outlook
5% yearly wage growth (on average)
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Very good outlook
33% chance of automation in the future

Merchant Navy deck officer - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Merchant Navy deck officer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • % of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
  • % of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
  • % of people in this role have do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications

You can join the Merchant Navy from age 16 onwards as an officer cadet or marine apprentice and train on the job.

You will also usually need to find a sponsoring company to put you through initial training.

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • observation and recording skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Merchant Navy deck officer

Maritime Law

Things to highlight for your Merchant Navy deck officer interview

Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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