How would I join the merchant navy as rating ?
To become a Merchant Navy rating, you must apply to shipping companies or the RFA directly. If you are successful, they will sponsor you through a training programme. Most sponsoring companies will look for three to four GCSEs in subjects like English, maths and physics (or combined science) or equivalent qualifications. Relevant qualifications and experience, for example chef work, engineering, freight handling or navigation would be useful. You can find details about careers, training and sponsoring organisations on the websites of the Merchant Navy Training Board, Marine Society, A Career at Sea and the RFA.
