Seafarer Deck Rating Apprentice

Summary

As an Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice in our Defence Marine Services team, you’ll undertake structured training and gain valuable sea service experience to achieve your Able Seafarer (Deck) qualification while supporting vessel operations. Your role will help ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of maritime services.

Wage

£25,729.45 a year

Training course

Seafarer (deck rating) (level 2)

Hours

Full-Time/48 hours - including Sea phases and college-based learning

48 hours a week

Start date

Monday 14 September 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Work as a member of the deck department onboard assigned vessels.
Learn and perform bridge watchkeeping duties, including maintaining a lookout during day and night operations.
Support routine vessel maintenance and assist with the operation of deck equipment, mooring systems, and safety equipment.
Carry out housekeeping duties and help maintain high standards across vessel accommodation and shared areas.
Complete all apprenticeship training requirements and tasks within the Able Seafarer (Deck) Training Record Book.
Maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of colleagues, the vessel, cargo, and the marine environment always.

Where you'll work

Semaphore Tower
H M Naval Base
Portsmouth
PO1 3LT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

NORTH KENT COLLEGE

Training course

Seafarer (deck rating) (level 2)

What you'll learn

• Create/adapt access to/egress from the vessel that is needed for the situation, and within the limits of own responsibilities. For example, access to vehicle decks or walkways.
• Respond to all emergency and security situations on board in line with assigned duties.
• Assist with deployment and operations of emergency equipment applicable to the situation.
• Operate firefighting equipment appropriate to the situation and in accordance with procedures.
• Administer the right emergency first aid that is applicable to the situation.
• Assist with the safe handling of a vessel in a high traffic density environment in tidal and non-tidal conditions including in ports, locks and in the vicinity of obstructions and other fixed infrastructure.
• Assist with bridge look-out duties in line with organisational procedures whilst complying with industry regulations.
• Determine which deck operations to prioritise, to meet operational objectives, while maintaining safe practice.
• Maintain vessels in a safe and seaworthy condition in accordance with regulations and procedures. Assist with maintaining vessel machinery (including deck equipment) in full operational condition.
• Work as part of a team in order to achieve operational goals.
• Identify and follow organisational/industry procedures and working practices.
• Identify and report risks in accordance with own organisation’s procedures.
• Select the appropriate communication method needed for the situation and the audience.
• Use appropriate mooring configurations and equipment in relation to the prevailing tidal, weather conditions and vessel design characteristics.
• Execute anchoring procedure as instructed.
• Minimise risks to marine pollution within limits of own operational responsibilities.
• Create/adapt access to/egress from the vessel that is needed for the situation, and within the limits of own responsibilities. For example, access to vehicle decks or walkways.
• Respond to all emergency and security situations on board in line with assigned duties.
• Assist with deployment and operations of emergency equipment applicable to the situation.
• Operate firefighting equipment appropriate to the situation and in accordance with procedures.
• Administer the right emergency first aid that is applicable to the situation.
• Assist with the safe handling of a vessel in a high traffic density environment in tidal and non-tidal conditions including in ports, locks and in the vicinity of obstructions and other fixed infrastructure.
• Assist with bridge look-out duties in line with organisational procedures whilst complying with industry regulations.
• Determine which deck operations to prioritise, to meet operational objectives, while maintaining safe practice.
• Maintain vessels in a safe and seaworthy condition in accordance with regulations and procedures. Assist with maintaining vessel machinery (including deck equipment) in full operational condition.
• Work as part of a team in order to achieve operational goals.
• Identify and follow organisational/industry procedures and working practices.
• Identify and report risks in accordance with own organisation’s procedures.
• Select the appropriate communication method needed for the situation and the audience.
• Use appropriate mooring configurations and equipment in relation to the prevailing tidal, weather conditions and vessel design characteristics.
• Execute anchoring procedure as instructed.
• Minimise risks to marine pollution within limits of own operational responsibilities.

Training schedule

Attend North Kent College - Schedule to be confirmed

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Engish (grade Level 4-9)
• Maths (grade Level 4 - 9)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness