Ship and hovercraft officers Salary
Salary data from ONS ASHE. Some figures may be unavailable due to small sample sizes.
About this role
Ship and hovercraft officers navigate and operate merchant vessels, ferries, offshore supply ships and other commercial watercraft. They hold command responsibility for vessel safety, cargo operations, crew management and compliance with maritime regulations.
Key responsibilities
- Navigating vessels safely in all weather conditions
- Managing cargo loading, stowage and discharge operations
- Ensuring compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL and maritime safety regulations
- Supervising crew and managing watch-keeping schedules
- Maintaining vessel logs and documentation
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) Certificates of Competency, obtained through approved training and sea service. Qualifications progress from Officer of the Watch through Chief Mate to Master. STCW certification is mandatory.
Career outlook
UK maritime industry faces officer recruitment challenges. Offshore wind farm support vessels are creating new demand. Competitive salaries, particularly in offshore roles.
Key skills
Common industries
- Merchant shipping
- Ferry operators
- Offshore oil and gas
- Cruise lines
- Port operations