Some advice please

[Newtothis]

In my last year at school and I would really like to join the Merchant Navy as I have always had a great love of boats, how should I go about joining? Any help greatly appreciated.

[Newtothis]

Oh another thing, is this the best forum to ask these things or is there another Merchant Navy forum?

[Captain Kong]

This is the best forum to ask, a lot of guys on here know more about it than I do. So you have to be patient it is weekend and things go a little quiet
.
First, Have you any skills, a trade or education qualifications.
What is your age. Have you any work experience,
Have you any training in ships, eg. Sea Cadets etc.
Do you know what you would want to be when serving on a ship. ie Navigating, Engineering, Catering, Deck and so on.
Do you know what type of ship you want to work on.
Liners, Cruise ships, Oil tankers, Box boats, Rig Supply , Ore Carriers, Chemical tankers. and so on.
Have a plan,
and best of luck.
Cheers
Brian.

[Newtothis]

I have a bit of experiance, I did maritime skills in school so know my way about a boat. My careers adviser told me I should go to Glasgow and join the Clyde Marine Training group so I'm looking to apply for that next year. I would be looking to do engineering on the boat for sure. I'm 17 next month.

[Captain Kong]

Hi there are a few lads on here who can guide you in that direction, be patient and keep looking in someone will have the answer.
Cheers
Brian

[Captain Gordon Whittaker]

Try looking in :- www. careersatsea.org If you gain the relevant grades, you can apply for free sponsorship, and earn money during your training, with time split between college and actual sea-time,
Clyde Marine is your top bet, but there are many more.
Contact me by e-mail and I will send you the relevant leaflets with all prospective sponsors. I need your name and address, but not on the open site!

[Newtothis]

CHeers had a look at that website. What I am wondering is what is the difference between applying straight to the sponsering company or applying to Clyde Marine Training group?

[Chris Allman]

Hi there Newtothis,

You might like to look at THIS Forum which is set up to assist Merchant Navy Cadets both Deck and Engineering.

Chris.

[Newtothis]

Cheers! Going to have a look at that.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Cheers! Going to have a look at that.

New to this

Would suggest you use the word "Ship" in your correspondence instead of "Boat" it will give a more professional appearance.