Deck Rating Trainee
As a Deck Rating you will be part of the mooring operations team and once fully qualified, you will steer the ship and also act as a look-out on the bridge. Our Deck Ratings also assist with the operation and maintenance of the ship's deck equipment.
I am really enjoying the apprenticeship, everyone is lovely, and I am learning quite quickly, I studied in Edinburgh after school but didn’t enjoy it, I grew up outdoors and knew that’s what I wanted in a career, so I applied to CalMac. For some people, going to college or university is not for them.
Ciara Evans, 21
Deck Rating Trainee
Role overview
- Reports to: Chief Officer
- Start date: September each year
- Salary: begins at £22,641
- Location: City of Glasgow College (term-time) and Western Isles fleet (sea-time)
- Course duration: approximately 18-20 months
- Shift pattern: two weeks on, two weeks off
- Application close: 5pm on Monday 17 March 2025
Please note: Applications open on Monday 3 March and closes at 5pm on Monday 17 March 2025
You will undertake a course of study and gain sufficient skills and experience leading to the award of:
- Navigational Watch Rating Certificate in accordance with STCW II/4
- Efficient Deck Hand Certificate with intention to progress to STCW II/5 Able Seafarer Deck Certification
I was a bit nervous joining my first vessel but we got to meet apprentices from two years ago, and that helped. Everyone on board was really welcoming, and we all have a mentor, who we can contact whenever we need to. Being away from home for two weeks was challenging at first, as I missed a few things - like a friend’s birthday. However, there’s plenty of time off to schedule things.
Jonathan Bryceland, Millport
Deck Rating Trainee
Key tasks and principal accountabilities
- Complete training tasks as described in the MNTB Deck Rating & Able Seafarer Deck Training Record Book, obtaining monthly signatures as required
- Carry out helmsman duties as necessary in order to qualify for a steering certificate
- Assist with mooring operations (under supervision)
- Assist with vehicle deck cargo operations (under supervision)
- Assist with general maintenance routines as directed by Bosun
- Duties as required by muster list in an emergency (no direct responsibility)
- Assist mobility impaired passengers to passenger lift
- Watchkeeping duties (under supervision) in order to gain experience leading to the award of a Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
- Security gangway duties in the absence of a night watchman (doubled up with an experienced Deck Rating)
- Attend allocated college courses in accordance with the schedule set by the company and/or the college
To diligently study to ensure a high level of understanding and knowledge of topics required for the award of:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Certificate in accordance with STCW A-VI/1-1
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting Certificate in accordance with STCW A-VI/1-2
- Elementary First Aid Certificate in accordance with STCW A-VI/1-3
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR) Certificate in accordance with STCW A-VI/1-4
- Efficient Deck Hand Certificate
- Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats in accordance with STCW A-VI/2
My first placement was on MV Isle of Arran, and I felt that I picked things up fairly quickly. The crew were brand new and very helpful to me, I have felt supported. All the apprentices get on well too. This role is very different compared to previous jobs, but it is much better. I am hoping for a permanent job with CalMac and to continue with a career at sea.
Liam Quinn, 18, Ardrossan
Deck Rating Trainee
I have felt well supported nothing has been a bother for anyone. We’ve had the chance to talk to former apprentices, and they have helped explain what to expect. Being at college is really interesting, such as this week, when we were carrying out rescue training on the Clyde. The two weeks on / two weeks off is very appealing, it allows me to continue as a RNLI crew member during my time off.
Innes Urquhart, 20, Islay
Deck Rating Trainee