{"id":99740,"date":"2026-10-22T19:53:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T19:53:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/cargo-ship-jobs"},"modified":"2026-10-22T19:53:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T19:53:44","slug":"cargo-ship-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/lavori-su-navi-da-carico","title":{"rendered":"Lavori sulle navi da carico: come lavorare su una nave da carico (Guida per il Regno Unito 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Cargo Ship Jobs: How to Work on a Cargo Ship (UK Guide 2026)\",\n            \"description\": \"How to get a job on a cargo ship from the UK: deck, engine and catering roles, cadetships, STCW and ENG1 requirements, pay, rota and how to apply in 2026.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/cargo-ship-jobs\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/cargo-ship-jobs-cargoholidays-1024x576.jpg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How do I get a job on a cargo ship with no experience?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Start with a sponsored cadetship for officer roles, or an entry-level ratings role after STCW training and an ENG1 medical.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Do cargo ship jobs pay well?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Officer and engineer roles can pay well, especially at senior ranks. Some UK seafarers also benefit from the Seafarers' Earnings Deduction.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How long are cargo ship contracts?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Typically 2&ndash;6 months on board, followed by leave at home.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What qualifications do I need to work at sea?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"An ENG1 medical and STCW basic safety training for all roles, plus Certificates of Competency for officers.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I visit a cargo ship without working on one?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Many container ships carry a few paying passengers. Ask us about a voyage.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Ultimo aggiornamento: 22 ottobre 2026<\/p><p><strong>Working on a cargo ship can mean seeing the world, earning good money and having long blocks of time off at home.<\/strong> 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.<\/p><h2>Main jobs on a cargo ship<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Dipartimento<\/th><th>Ruoli<\/th><th>Cosa fanno<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Ponte<\/td><td>Captain (Master), Chief Officer, Second and Third Officers, Deck Cadet<\/td><td>Navigation, cargo operations, safety and watchkeeping<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Motore<\/td><td>Chief Engineer, Second to Fourth Engineers, Engine Cadet<\/td><td>Main engine, power generation, maintenance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Electrical<\/td><td>Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)<\/td><td>Electrical systems, automation and electronics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ratings<\/td><td>Bosun, Able Seaman (AB), Ordinary Seaman, Oiler, Fitter<\/td><td>Deck and engine work, mooring, maintenance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Servizio di ristorazione<\/td><td>Chief Cook, Messman or Steward<\/td><td>Meals and accommodation for the crew and passengers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p>Find out more about who does what in our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/ruoli-dellequipaggio-di-una-nave-da-carico\/\">cargo ship crew roles<\/a>.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_308496369-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Deck officer on the deck of a ship\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Deck officer on the deck of a ship\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Deck officers navigate the ship and manage cargo operations.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>How to become a merchant navy officer in the UK<\/h2><p>The most common route is a <strong>sponsored cadetship<\/strong>:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Apply to a shipping company or training provider<\/strong> that sponsors cadets. Many cover your tuition and pay a training allowance.<\/li><li><strong>Study at a maritime college<\/strong> (for example in Southampton, South Shields, Glasgow, Fleetwood or Plymouth) for a foundation degree, HND or degree.<\/li><li><strong>Complete sea time<\/strong> on board ships between college phases.<\/li><li><strong>Pass your Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) exams and orals<\/strong> to earn your Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.<\/li><\/ol><p>Cadetships usually take about <strong>three years<\/strong>. Deck, engineering and ETO routes are available.<\/p><h2>Requirements for any job at sea<\/h2><ul><li><strong>ENG1 medical certificate:<\/strong> the UK seafarer medical, carried out by an MCA-approved doctor<\/li><li><strong>STCW basic safety training:<\/strong> sea survival, firefighting, first aid and personal safety<\/li><li><strong>Seafarer ID and a valid passport<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Good eyesight and colour vision<\/strong> for deck roles<\/li><li><strong>Right to work<\/strong> and the ability to spend months away<\/li><\/ul><h2>What does a cargo ship job pay?<\/h2><p>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 <strong>Seafarers&rsquo; Earnings Deduction<\/strong>, which can reduce income tax. Check HMRC&rsquo;s rules.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays10-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"Cranes loading containers at a busy port\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Cranes loading containers at a busy port\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Port calls are the busiest time for the crew.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Rota and lifestyle<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Contracts<\/strong> commonly run from about 2 to 6 months on board, followed by leave<\/li><li><strong>Watches<\/strong> are often four hours on, eight hours off<\/li><li><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong> a private cabin with an en-suite on most modern ships<\/li><li><strong>Connectivity<\/strong> is better than it used to be, with crew Wi-Fi on many ships<\/li><li><strong>Shore leave<\/strong> can be short because port calls are quick<\/li><\/ul><p>Read <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/life-on-a-container-ship\/\">la vita su una nave portacontainer<\/a> for what day-to-day life is like.<\/p><h2>Tips for getting your first job<\/h2><ul><li>Apply early: cadetship intakes fill months in advance<\/li><li>Highlight teamwork, practical skills and resilience<\/li><li>Get your ENG1 medical early to make sure you are fit<\/li><li>Consider ratings routes or apprenticeships if you do not want a degree<\/li><li>Network through maritime careers events and industry bodies<\/li><\/ul><h2>Domande frequenti<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>How do I get a job on a cargo ship with no experience?<\/h3><p>Start with a sponsored cadetship for officer roles, or an entry-level ratings role after STCW training and an ENG1 medical.<\/p><h3>Do cargo ship jobs pay well?<\/h3><p>Officer and engineer roles can pay well, especially at senior ranks. Some UK seafarers also benefit from the Seafarers&rsquo; Earnings Deduction.<\/p><h3>How long are cargo ship contracts?<\/h3><p>Typically 2&ndash;6 months on board, followed by leave at home.<\/p><h3>What qualifications do I need to work at sea?<\/h3><p>An ENG1 medical and STCW basic safety training for all roles, plus Certificates of Competency for officers.<\/p><h3>Can I visit a cargo ship without working on one?<\/h3><p>Yes. Many container ships carry a few paying passengers. Ask us about a voyage.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Experience life at sea first<\/strong><p>Sail as a passenger with a working crew before you decide on a career at sea.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/enquire-for-a-cargo-cruise\/\">Book a cargo ship passage &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Come trovare lavoro su una nave da carico partendo dal Regno Unito: ruoli sul ponte, in sala macchine e nel settore della ristorazione, tirocini, requisiti STCW ed ENG1, retribuzione, turni di lavoro e come candidarsi nel 2026.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99739,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1019,1030,118],"tags":[1592,1589,1590,1591,1593],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99740"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99740"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99740\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99741,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99740\/revisions\/99741"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99740"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99740"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}