Apprentice Deck Rating

Trinity House

Recruiting nationally

Closes in 21 days (Monday 18 May 2026)

Posted on 27 April 2026

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Summary

Looking for a career where every day brings something new, with the chance to explore some of the UK’s most remote and unique coastal locations? A Deck apprenticeship with Trinity House could be the perfect fit.

Wage

£17,472 to £27,758.64, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Other benefits include a career average occupational pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%. All accommodation and travel costs are funded by the Trinity House. 

Training course
Seafarer (deck rating) (level 2)
Hours
A working pattern of approximately 6 weeks at sea followed by 3 weeks leave. Shifts to be confirmed.

42 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year

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

  • Deck Working
  • Shipboard Procedure and Documentation
  • Paintwork Systems
  • Boatwork
  • Boat Preparation
  • Communications
  • Bouy Preparation
  • Stowage
  • Anchoring And Mooring
  • Helicopter Operations
  • Safety And Emergency Procedures
  • Vessel Familiarisation
  • Rigging Of Pilot Ladders/Stages 

Where you'll work

Training

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

Training provider

THE MARINE SOCIETY AND SEA CADETS

Training course

Seafarer (deck rating) (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • 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

This apprenticeship offers a structured and hands-on training programme designed to develop your maritime skills:

  • Practical training at sea aboard Trinity House vessels
  • Periods of study ashore to complete required statutory training
  • A working pattern of approximately 6 weeks at sea followed by 3 weeks leave
  • On-the-job training under the guidance of experienced crew, including the Bosun
  • Ongoing support and progress monitoring from the Chief Officer
  • Completion of your Merchant Navy Training Book

Requirements

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

Applicants must hold a valid, unrestricted MCA Medical Certificate (ENG1) before starting the programme.

When you are at sea all of your meals are provided, and you will have your own cabin. When you are on your off-duty period, we pay for your travel costs to get you home and back on the ship again when your rest period is finished. When you are working on the ship you will be working 6 weeks on and 3 weeks off. This is so you can get as much sea time in as possible in order to complete the requirements for your course.

About this employer

Trinity House works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity. Our people are central to our reputation as a leading maritime organisation, as is our commitment as an employer to developing the skills, capabilities and potential of our workforce.

Trinity House is responsible for ensuring the safety of navigation around the coasts of England and Wales. Established in 1514 by Royal Charter from Henry VIII, it is one of the three General Lighthouse Authorities serving the UK and Ireland.
The organisation maintains lighthouses, lightships, and buoys, playing a vital role in supporting mariners and safeguarding UK waters. Our mission is to deliver a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective aids-to-navigation service for the safety and benefit of all mariners.

https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

The apprenticeship lasts one year. On successful completion you will gain a Certificate in Maritime Studies and Able Seafarer Deck STCW Reg II/5. 

Once qualified we cannot always offer a full-time job but we will help individuals who complete the apprenticeship as much as possible. You will be well placed to enter an industry with a growing need for new staff.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE MARINE SOCIETY AND SEA CADETS

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000028352.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Monday 18 May 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.