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Career Pathways
The work of the MSA is designed to support career development, both for individuals and for their employers. In many cases one MSQ (Maritime Studies Qualification) leads neatly on to another at the next level. Most are designed with shared Units so that if someone has learnt, for example, basic navigation skills in one context they will not need to go over that ground again if they move to another part of the maritime sector (though, of course, the practical application of that core knowledge will be different).
The MSA is promoting the concept of "No Wrong Door": No matter which door someone tries when they first seek information about careers in the maritime sector, they leave with a positive impression about us, and at least one step closer to getting the information they seek. Will you join us?
The careers pages on the Maritime UK website offer a good introduction to the range of careers available across the maritime sector, with links in each case so you can find out more.
Seafarers UK has an interesting range of profiles of people working in the maritime sector.
Please note however that we are not a recruitment agency: we cannot help you to find a job.
You can find more information on these websites
Ambassador programmes
The leading ambassador programme in the sector is run by Careers At Sea, focusing in particular on commercial shipping (the Merchant Navy). Click on the link to find out more about requesting a visit - and about volunteering.
The 1851 Trust - the charitable arm of INEOS Team UK, which aims to win the Americas Cup, the world's premier sailing prize - promotes careers in STEM-related subjects to girls, through its Maritime Roadshow for Girls. Find out more here about volunteer ambassador roles.
Engineering
IMarEST, the professional body for marine engineers, has a wide range of information and resources on its Sea Your Future web pages.
For the naval engineering sector - ie the many companies which build and support Royal Navy ships - see the Career Map and supporting information on the UKNEST site.
Fishing
Seagoing Training
The world is your oyster - careers video covering a wide range of careers associated with fish, at sea and ashore
Inland Waterways
Passenger boats on the river Thames: eg KPMG Thames Clippers
"Rewarding, varied and fun" - Port of London Authority apprentices present their apprenticeship.
Merchant Navy / Commercial Shipping
Careers at Sea
Maritime Educational Foundation
Marine Leisure
www.britishmarine.co.uk/careers_home.aspx
Careers in the Marine Industry - careers video
Joint British Marine / RYA careers video (covering more than the leisure sector)
Marine Science / Oceanology
There's a wealth of information on the Society of Underwater Technology's Oceans of Opportunity web pages.
And a three-day careers fair featuring the ocean technology and marine science sectors at the Ocean Business conference in Southampton, 9-11 April 2019.
Offshore Energy
Careers in the Offshore Wind sector - featuring the Triton Knoll wind farm
Tees Valley Careers has a video on the Oil and Gas and
Subsea sector
Ports and Harbours
www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/careers/introduction
Links to careers pages of the UK's major ports
Apprenticeships with Associated British Ports (YouTube)
Careers with the Port of London Authority (YouTube)
Professional and post-experience opportunities
Boatmaster progression routes to STCW Officer Of the Watch
Hydrography - scroll down to 'Cartographic training'
RNLI
RNLI: paid jobs, apprenticeships, and volunteering opportunities
Round the UK: help and support round the country
Royal Navy
Royal Feet Auxiliary - the civilian support to the Royal Navy
Statutory requirements for Seafarers and Certification arrangements
www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mca/mcga07-home/workingatsea.htm
Superyachts
Superyacht cadetship through UKSA
We regret that we are unable to provide either career advice to individuals, or speakers for schools. For the latter, we recommend you to follow the links in the Careers At Sea website.