New Recruit

[JMcGhee]

Hi, I'm Josh and I'll be applying to one of the Merchant Navy training organisations in a few months time. This was not always my chosen career path, in fact I didn't know what I wanted to do for a long time. I came across the idea of working at sea whilst browsing through the pages of the Royal Navy, but after more research was enthused that the Mechant Navy was the place for me.

I'm interested in finding a veteran of the Merchant Navy, someone who would be willing to share their experiences and perhaps offer some advice to a novice like myself, where it is most needed. Perhaps just an e-mail or forum message every now and again. I would be very grateful for any replies or offers that I receive.

[Neil Morton]

Welcome to the site Josh,I am sure that one of the crew will put you right. I'm not sure of the ropes these days.Navigation and Engineering officers seem to get jobs but I think the lower decks are all low paid hands sourced overseas. Dont let that stop you though just go for it!!

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Josh
Would just like to give you a warm Welcome to this very good site!
Here you will find lots of info,good Crew .
So sit back,relax and just enjoy the trip!
Hope we will have you here for a long time!
A site truly worthy of the British Merchant Navy!
Cheers

I agree with Mort,that says( just go for it),and if nothing else Josh you will certainly learn as you go along in life with all the present Seaman there to guide and help you!
Just always be aware of what goes on,do the best you can and most of all enjoy the Career! I think you have chosen well!

Again as said there will be quite a few here who may offer you good advice and encouragement,its a great life out there Josh,with Worlds to see and great experiences to be had!

Just as they say "Stay on Course" and you wont go far wrong!

The very best of luck in your new Career,and possibly we may again hear from you once you are established!
It would be nice to hear your views once you have done a few stints at Sea!

Cheers and be Happy!!

[Russ Kennedy]

Hi Josh,
Like most of the guys on this site I would agree that you "go for it", but take a little time to research and decide wich route/career to go for. Some of my happiest days were during my sea time. I chose Engineering, one of the reasons being that I believed it would be the most useful when the time came for me to leave the sea. It was the right choice for me, hard work, but good fun (most of the time!!!). It paid dividends when I came shoreside after 8 years. Be careful though, it isn't everyone's cup of tea.
What ever you choose, I wish you well and lots of good fortune.
Russ Kennedy

[JMcGhee]

Thanks everyone for such a warm welcome! I'm torn between deck and engineering, in theory I should be able to do either with my grades in maths and the sciences, but I hear theory doesn't always work out in practice.

Ideally, I'd like to give myself the widest range of opportunities possible. From what I understand, a deck position may be more suiting for someone planning to stay within the Merchant Navy life-long as it offers the prospect of further promotion(captain) than in engineering. However I am concious of Russ' point. The prospects for engineering officers once back on land do indeed seem to be greater.

All in all, I'll have to take more time to think about this, as it could well be a decision which has a really massive impact on the course of my life. Thanks again for all your encouragement

Josh