Skills and Qualifications Required ...

Skills

Academic requirements:
A good Senior Certificate pass with at least 60% for both Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy) and Science (Physics & Chemistry)

Qualifications and entry level requirements

for Merchant Navy Officers

• Senior Certificate with Mathematics and Science
• Thereafter, a year studying at the Maritime Studies Department or Engineering Faculty at either Cape Peninsula University of Technology or Durban University of Technology, studying Navigation or Marine Engineering.
• Successful completion of studies at either university can lead to employment by a shipping company as a navigating cadet or engineering cadet. (It is essential to complete the required courses that include a cadetship at sea.)
  

for Merchant Navy Ratings

• Senior Certificate, preferably - but not necessarily with Mathematics and Science.
  

Download:

For more information on accredited training institutions and programmes, download: SAMSA's Marine Notice No 24 of 2008

For more information on SAMSA's assessment and certification requirements, download: Merchant Shipping (Training & Certification) Regulations ,1999

Minimum entry criteria to pursue a career(s) as:
Here are some examples:

Ordinary Seaman:

• At least 16 years of age.
  
• Grade 12 with Maths and Science.
  
• Require 6 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages.
  
• Needs to complete onboard training.
  
• Been issued with a provisional certificate of qualification as an Ordinary Seaman by the Master of the ship.

Wiper:

• At least 16 years of age.
• Grade 12 with Maths and Science.
• Require 6 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages.
• Needs to complete onboard training.
• Been issued with a provisional certificate of qualification as a Wiper by the Chief Engineer of the ship.

Catering Assistant/Ship's Steward

• At least 18 years of age.
• Needs to complete onboard training.
• completed at least six months' sea service in the catering department on ships of 100 GT or more on unlimited or near-coastal voyages.

Deck Officer:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Grade 12 with Maths and Science, pass rate of 60 % on standard or higher grade level.
• National Diploma in Maritime Studies would be advantageous.
  
• Required to complete an approved cadetship of 24 months or do a minimum of 12 months sea time on a vessel of over 500 GRT AND complete approved on-board accelerated training.
• Performed Bridge Watchkeeping duties under the supervision of a Deck Officer for the last 6 months of the required sea service. (This is part of the onboard training, so not necessary to put in.)

Marine Engineering Officer:

• At least 18 years of age.
  
• Grade 12 with Maths and Science, pass rate of 60 % on standard or higher grade level.
  
• National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering would be advantageous.
  
• Required to complete an approved cadetship of 30 months, consisting of (i) practical workshop training; (ii) theoretical education (Mechanical Engineer Diploma plus 3 extra maritime subjects); and (iii) at least 6 months approved sea service on vessels of over 750kW.
• Alternatively, the individual needs to hold an approved trade as an artisan in the Mechanical Engineering discipline.

Naval Architect:

• A Naval Architect is a Professional Engineer responsible for the design, construction, and/or repair of ships, boats, other marine vessels, and offshore structures, both commercial and military. To undertake all these tasks, a Naval Architect must have an understanding of many branches of engineering and must be in the forefront of high technology areas such as vessel arrangements, hydrodynamics, stability, and structures. He or she must be able to effectively utilize the services provided by scientists, lawyers, accountants, and business people of many kinds.
  
• Grade 12 with good maths and science results.
• Required to complete a B.Sc (Eng) Degree preferably at the University of Cape Town - 4 year degree.
• MSc Eng (Marine/Nav Arch).
• Follow a RINA (Royal Institute of Naval Architects) accredited training programme.
  

Ship's Electrician:

• Needs to first achieve a Diploma in Electrical Engineering
• Then requires practical time in the marine engineering industry (approximately 2 years experience).
• If never been to sea, then time at shipbuilders or ship contractors essential.

Salvage Officer:

• Needs to first achieve a Certificate of Competency as Deck Officer (see above requirements).
• Then requires practical time on salvage operations.

Salvage Engineer:

• Needs to first achieve a Certificate of Competency as Engineer Officer (see above requirements).
• Then requires practical time on salvage operations