Careers: How to become an Officer of the Watch

When did you decide you wanted to work at sea?

My Sea Cadets unit was full of people who worked at sea in all sorts of jobs, which meant I had all the right people to ask for advice. I managed to spend time on RFA Lyme Bay [a Bay Class landing ship dock of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary] for a few days, and lots of ships visits also showed me what an amazing life it is.

 

What is an Officer of the Watch and what made you want to become one?

I’m qualified as an OOW Unlimited; this means I’m able to drive any ship of any size in the world. There are many more qualifications and years at sea that I need to complete to become a Captain. 

I decided to become a deck officer as I really enjoy navigation and the hands-on deck work. I opted for the Merchant Navy as it can offer long periods of leave at home and good pay. There is also more freedom over my career and work patterns compared to the Royal Navy. 

What does your role involve? 

I’m currently sailing as a third officer on my first ship since being qualified. I’m working on a multi-purpose vessel in the South Atlantic and sub-Antarctic – an amazing part of the world that not many people get to see. The ship carries out logistics, scientific research and fishery patrol among other jobs. 

We are on charter to the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands [a British overseas territory close to Antarctica and the tip of South America] sailing between here and the Falkland Islands. 

My role onboard is incredibly varied, every day, which is the main reason I wanted to work at sea. As a deck officer, the majority of my day is spent keeping watch on the bridge while navigating around ice and coastal waters. It’s also my responsibility to be in charge of all firefighting and safety equipment, as well as the rescue boat. 

Cargo and boat operations include driving the ship’s ‘daughter craft’ to carry out fishery boardings – inspecting the safety and legal standards of large commercial fishing ships in Antarctic waters. There is also safety maintenance, drills and training to fit into a packed routine.

What have been the most rewarding aspects of the role so far? 

Travelling the world at such a young age, driving a ship with over 5,000 people on it… you don’t get much more responsibility in any other job! And it’s magical to come to the bridge while the sun is rising and drive the ship into bays and coastal areas surrounded by whales and birds.

What was the hardest part about achieving OOW status?

Spending time away from home and out of the UK is hard, and study at the maritime school was intense and fast-paced. However, being a cadet when I was younger meant I was already used to a busy schedule, and knowing seamanship, navigation and meteorology took a small amount of pressure off training and meant I settled in with ease. Having spent lots of time on ships such as HMS Bristol and Sea Cadets training ships meant ship life wasn’t unusual to me.  

Tell us a little about your apprenticeship.

A cadetship is three years long and is a combination of a year training on ship and time studying at a maritime school. Trinity House was the most amazing sponsor for my cadetship as I had the chance to experience a variety of vessels: cruise ships, multi-functional buoy tenders, a tall ship and even an exchange with the Royal Navy for three months. 

At college, training covered law, stability, firefighting and all the maritime sciences, along with courses on security and rescue boat driving, using the simulator to complete exercises. 

What advice would you give a cadet who wants a maritime career?

There are so many roles at sea and ashore, from cargo ships or wind farm support vessels to research or sub-sea construction – something for everyone. Working at sea is also a great way to see the world and its incredible oceans and wildlife – along with amazing sunsets and sunrises, and the clearest view of the stars you’ll ever see!  

Photos: Ella Gambell