Is it to late to join

[David Collin]

Hi all
Unfortunately when i was younger a career in the merchant navy was never heavily advertised and i so wish it had been as i feel I've missed out on the career of a lifetime. I'm 39 now and my qualifications (GCSE's) are ok but not brilliant. So I'm wondering what are my chances of getting into the merchant navy now?
Ideally I'd like to work on a container ship.
Thanks in advance for any help received

[Keith Tindell]

Welcome to the site David, don't take too much notice of us old gits talking of the past MN life, it no longer exists i,m afraid. But as for a career now, you will get some info from the guys soon, kt

[Doc Vernon]

Hello David
Well that was a pity as you say I too think that you missed a chance of a lifetime ,but as they say its never too late!
There are many Sites that one can look at for Careers at Sea,so hopefully you will find something soon.
Just persist !
Here are sites that may get you started,i am sure others will post more advice
Cheers

Jobs At Sea | Marine Recruitment And Employment | Career At Maritime

Crewing jobs and recruitment

https://www.seacareer.com/

[David Collin]

Thanks Keith

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Superb I'll check them out. Thanks Vernon

[Keith at Tregenna]

Keep looking in, guess you will get a lot of advice.

Also, keep us updated, be good to hear how you get on.

Every success in all future ventures.

Regards Keith.

[Captain Kong]

It depends on your skills and what you have been doing since you left school. ANY INFO ON THAT??

[David Collin]

Yes i will do. Thanks Keith

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Don't really have any skills that would be much use in the merchant navy. I'm 39 now and have been driving hgv's (class 1) since i was 21

[Doc Vernon]

David
I think it will be best to just go ahead and apply for a few Positions that you think may suit your qualifications be they not much in the line of Merchant Seaman.
I have known quite a few People in the past (not too distant past) that have applied and have had success!
Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say!
Just be prepared to be able to Travel ,as a lot of these Jobs nowdays are started in various countries, The Company that Employs you though normally and I say this generally,help the cost of getting to wherever,they will then deduct the cost in small repayments once employed! Just make sure the job offer is concrete otherwise you will land up with a sizable debt of Travel Expenses!
Good Luck
Cheers

[Roger Millard]

Yes i will do. Thanks Keith

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Don't really have any skills that would be much use in the merchant navy. I'm 39 now and have been driving hgv's (class 1) since i was 21

On a ship with hatches and derricks you would not be a stranger to the tasks that a hgv1 driver as yourself would bring, My job after leaving the MN was hgv1 and i found the skills complimented each other. not to sure though if these type of vessels are still around in numbers. Good luck on your venture. Roger m.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Just wondering more than anything else if you have done anything related in your spare time.

I would imagine hobbies eg: Rowing, sailing and on may count ?

Volunteering etc may be considered useful, RNLI, Tall ships and more.

Where did your interest come from, the desire may be of interest to anyone that can assist.

Fishing fleet in the family, the list goes on.

Someone, somewhere will ask.

As said all the best regardless.

Keith.