Merchant Navy?

Question

I have an interview for a cadetship with a large shipping company. Any particular things to mention in interview? or research?

Answer 1

I'm taking it that your question is geared toward preparation for the interview. My suggestion would be to research the war-time contributions of the Merchant Marine.

Many people look at the Merchant Marines as inferior to Navy in terms of sacrifice. That is totally not true as the Maritime sailors experienced horrific losses.

Awareness of their history will give you an attitude of respect that will probably come across in your interview.

Also research the demands of the job, navigation, maritime law, mechanics etc. Approach it as an interesting career of continued learning, not as an opportunity to travel and see the world.

You might end up as Captain of a large ship which is a unique and rewarding position. Along the same vane, I read some where, more men have walked on the Moon than have Captained Nuclear Aircraft Carriers.

Answer 2

Definitely find out all about the shipping company you are applying to including the kind of ships, routes, cargoes.

Be definite about which branch of the cadetship you are going for - Deck officer or engineering officer and ensure you know what BOTH branches do.

Best of luck

Answer 3

First I would research the company you are interviewing with, find out what interests you about them. Is there a division that you would be interested in working with. ie Container, Tanker, Government division after graduation and getting your ticket. Be able to say what it was/is that made you want to work in the Merchant Navy as a career. Be honest, if there is something you don't know just say so when they ask. I am sure they have done alot of these so don't try and BS them. Most importantly just be yourself.

Answer 4

That depends somewhat on what you plan to do after you get off the ship. Since advancement in the Merchant Marine Service is directly related to sea service it is important to know what department your sea service will be recorded in. If it is in the deck department you can advance as an Able Seaman and/or deck officer; if it is in the engine department you can advance as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department and/or engineer; if it is in the steward's department you can do neither.

You should also ask about your quarters, since this is the only private space you will have on the ship. Will you have your own stateroom, or will you be sharing it with another sailor, or even sailors.

Work hours should also be of interest to you. Depending on the department you work in this could be a regular shift or as much as 12-hours on and 12-hours off.

Another subject is shore leave and off duty time. What is there to do on the ship when you are not on duty and is shore leave allowed in port?

Good luck,

Dennis

Answer 5

Primary thing is to research the shipping company, find out their history, what they do, what their fleet is and what their structures are. You could also do with researching how deck officers (or engineering officers,depending what you're going for) progress their careers. Ask them how they envisage your career with them progressing (that implies you are keen to stay with them).

The interview board will almost certainly contain at least one Master, who will know what he/she's talking about, so some knowledge of the sea and shipping will come in handy!

Answer 6

You`ve seen Pirates of the Carribean twice, and you may , or may not have a wooden leg.