Howdy...

[Dazandymat]

Howdy...

I'm Daz, 24 years old next week, I live in Newcastle Upon Tyne and I've been toying with the idea of joining the Merchant Navy for about a year or so. I have a tendency to over-think things but I really wanted to be sure before I committed to anything, to be honest I think I was worried I'd just seen Pirates of the Carribean too many times... But here I am, still intrigued. I renewed my passport and it arrived yesterday, so I intend to start applying for deck sponsorship ASAP. I already have one application sent away to Maersk and I'm planning on sending more elsewhere. I'm interested in working on container ships and/or tankers rather than passenger ships (socialising with tourists ain't my forte) and I'm also contemplating the Royal Navy Auxiliary fleet but there's not much information to be had about them online (feel free to link me if I'm mistaken).

Before this I did a degree in 'live Music & Theatre Production' (I know, very transferable, right?) and was a chef in a pub kitchen for four years. I'm currently doing an apprenticeship In rail track maintenance but it's just something to tide me over while I've got nothing on the go.

Well, that's me for now I suppose. Danke for reading...

[CharlieDelta]

Hi Daz and welcome!

Great to hear that you're still interested. With a job like this, it's best to be 100% sure. It makes you more prepared for the whole experience.

Keep getting the applications in! If you search the forums and articles section there's a fair bit about the RFA on here.

Hope to see you about often!

Chris

[Steve]

I'm also contemplating the Royal Navy Auxiliary fleet but there's not much information to be had about them online (feel free to link me if I'm mistaken).

There's quite a lot. The first few hits on Google are:

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-fleet/royal-fleet-auxiliary

http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/

http://www.historicalrfa.org/

but there's plenty more.

[the-mariner]

I came from a sea cadet background and fancied RFA a kind of best of both worlds kind of thing! There is no leeway on their academic grade policy st least there wasnt when I applied, however with many other companies they are very open to all walks of life and choose cadets based on interview enthusiasm and interest rather than just black and white grades on a page so if you find they (RfA) don't favor your academic background do not give up looking, being a little older and with a degree already proves you can stick something out long haul.

Best of luck and welcome topside.

Spence

[HolyNougat]

It is quite easy to recommend the Merchant Navy. Your age and experience will count in your favour as will your proven ability to stick at things, even if they are not 100% relevant to your new career.
I would suggest looking at SSTG, Clyde et al. They will give you a varied training program. I would stay away from passenger ships, CUK only seem to go for good grades these days and I do not think they are very good at training cadets anyway.

[Dazandymat]

Thank you very much for the warm welcome...

I shall investigate those links now Steve, I've definitely seen the first one before (I'd be pretty lousy on the research front if I hadn't) but thank you kindly for the others.