Last updated: 22 October 2026

Working on a cargo ship can mean seeing the world, earning good money and having long blocks of time off at home. The merchant navy needs officers, engineers and ratings, and the UK has well-established training routes, many of them sponsored. Here is how to get a job on a cargo ship in 2026.

Main jobs on a cargo ship

Find out more about who does what in our guide to cargo ship crew roles.

How to become a merchant navy officer in the UK

The most common route is a sponsored cadetship:

1. Apply to a shipping company or training provider that sponsors cadets. Many cover your tuition and pay a training allowance.
2. Study at a maritime college (for example in Southampton, South Shields, Glasgow, Fleetwood or Plymouth) for a foundation degree, HND or degree.
3. Complete sea time on board ships between college phases.
4. Pass your Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) exams and orals to earn your Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.

Cadetships usually take about three years. Deck, engineering and ETO routes are available.

Requirements for any job at sea

• ENG1 medical certificate: the UK seafarer medical, carried out by an MCA-approved doctor
• STCW basic safety training: sea survival, firefighting, first aid and personal safety
• Seafarer ID and a valid passport
• Good eyesight and colour vision for deck roles
• Right to work and the ability to spend months away

What does a cargo ship job pay?

Pay varies by rank, flag, company and contract. As a broad guide, ratings earn less than officers, and senior officers such as captains and chief engineers can earn very good salaries. Many UK seafarers working outside UK waters may qualify for the Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction, which can reduce income tax. Check HMRC’s rules.

Rota and lifestyle

• Contracts commonly run from about 2 to 6 months on board, followed by leave
• Watches are often four hours on, eight hours off
• Accommodation: a private cabin with an en-suite on most modern ships
• Connectivity is better than it used to be, with crew Wi-Fi on many ships
• Shore leave can be short because port calls are quick

Read life on a container ship for what day-to-day life is like.

Tips for getting your first job

• Apply early: cadetship intakes fill months in advance
• Highlight teamwork, practical skills and resilience
• Get your ENG1 medical early to make sure you are fit
• Consider ratings routes or apprenticeships if you do not want a degree
• Network through maritime careers events and industry bodies

Frequently asked questions