Merchant Navy CV Example
A merchant navy CV presents your maritime qualifications, sea service record, and operational expertise for positions aboard commercial vessels worldwide.
Recommended template: ElegantPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- List your Certificate of Competency and STCW endorsements prominently.
- Include a comprehensive sea service record with vessel names, types, and durations.
- Highlight experience with international flag states and classification societies.
- Mention any specialist training such as tanker operations, dynamic positioning, or ice navigation.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Merchant Navy CV
A merchant navy CV must present your maritime qualifications, sea service record, and operational competencies in a clear, professional format. Shipping companies and crewing agencies need to quickly assess your certificate level, vessel experience, and availability. Unlike standard CVs, a merchant navy CV should include a detailed sea service record and a comprehensive list of your STCW and specialist training certificates. Your experience at sea is the primary measure of your suitability for the role.
CV Structure
Begin with your personal details and certificate summary, followed by a brief profile, your sea service record in tabular format, shore-based employment if relevant, qualifications, and training certificates. The sea service record should include vessel name, type, gross tonnage, flag state, rank, and dates of service. Keep the overall document to two or three pages, with additional pages for your certificate list if required.
CV Format
Use a clean, professional template that accommodates tabular data for your sea service record. Many shipping companies use standardised CV formats, so check whether a specific template is required. Keep the design simple and professional, ensuring all certificate numbers and expiry dates are clearly visible. Save as a PDF and ensure all information is easy to read on screen and in print.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced Deck Officer
MCA-certified Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) with eight years of sea service across bulk carriers, container vessels, and general cargo ships trading worldwide. Experienced in bridge watchkeeping, cargo planning, and ISM/ISPS compliance with a clean disciplinary record and ENG1 medical fitness certificate. Seeking promotion to Chief Officer with a reputable international shipping company.
Chief Engineer
Class 1 Chief Engineer with fifteen years of sea service on tankers and offshore supply vessels ranging from 5,000 to 85,000 gross tonnage. Experienced in planned maintenance systems, dry-docking supervision, and machinery troubleshooting across MAN, Wartsila, and Caterpillar engine types. Holds a valid STCW certificate, advanced firefighting, and medical care qualifications.
Junior Deck Officer
Recently qualified Officer of the Watch with two years of cadetship sea time completed aboard container vessels in European and Far Eastern trades. Holds an MCA OOW Certificate of Competency, GMDSS General Operator's Certificate, and all STCW short courses. Eager to build navigational experience and develop cargo operations knowledge with a company that invests in officer development.
State your current certificate level, years of sea service, vessel types sailed on, and your trading areas. Mention your ENG1 medical status and availability for joining. Keep this to three or four sentences that give a recruiter an immediate overview of your qualifications and experience.
Key Skills for Your Merchant Navy CV
STCW Certification
Holding valid STCW certificates including personal survival techniques, firefighting, first aid, and personal safety and social responsibility.
Bridge/Engine Watchkeeping
Maintaining a safe and effective watch on the bridge or in the engine room in accordance with international regulations and company procedures.
Cargo Operations
Planning and supervising the loading, stowage, securing, and discharge of cargo while maintaining vessel stability and structural integrity.
Maritime Safety
Implementing and maintaining shipboard safety procedures including drills, inspections, and compliance with SOLAS and ISM Code requirements.
ISM/ISPS Compliance
Managing documentation and procedures required by the International Safety Management Code and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
Navigation & Chart Work
Planning and executing ocean and coastal passages using electronic and paper charts, radar, ECDIS, and celestial navigation methods.
Emergency Procedures
Leading and participating in emergency drills including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, and oil spill response procedures.
Crew Management
Supervising and coordinating the work of deck or engine room ratings, ensuring compliance with hours of rest regulations and safe working practices.
Work Experience Examples
Present your sea service in a structured table showing vessel name, vessel type, DWT or GT, flag state, your rank, and the dates of each contract. Below the table, expand on your most recent or significant roles with bullet-pointed responsibilities and achievements. For shore-based roles, describe your responsibilities and relevance to the maritime industry.
Second Officer (Officer of the Watch)
Atlantic Maritime Services — MV Pacific Endeavour (42,000 DWT Bulk Carrier)
Served as navigational watchkeeper and safety officer aboard a Handymax bulk carrier trading between West Africa, South America, and Northern Europe.
Responsibilities
- Maintained a safe navigational watch on the bridge, monitoring radar, ECDIS, and AIS while adhering to COLREGS and company standing orders.
- Prepared passage plans for ocean and coastal voyages, conducting chart corrections and updating nautical publications.
- Managed the vessel's safety equipment inventory, conducted fire and abandon ship drills, and maintained SOLAS life-saving appliances.
- Supervised cargo loading and discharge operations, calculating stability and stress parameters using the onboard loading computer.
- Maintained the ISM safety management system documentation, recording non-conformities and conducting internal safety inspections.
Achievements
- Completed 14 consecutive months of service without a single lost-time injury, contributing to the vessel's fleet safety award.
- Identified a critical deficiency in a lifeboat release mechanism during a routine inspection, preventing a potential safety incident during an upcoming Port State Control visit.
- Prepared the vessel for a Paris MoU Port State Control inspection in Rotterdam, achieving a zero-deficiency result.
Deck Cadet
Caledonian MacBrayne — MV Isle of Lewis (Ferry)
Completed 12 months of structured cadetship sea time aboard a passenger and vehicle ferry operating across the Scottish Hebrides.
Responsibilities
- Assisted the Officer of the Watch with bridge watchkeeping duties including lookout, helm, and radar monitoring in coastal waters.
- Participated in cargo and vehicle loading operations, learning vehicle lashing procedures and stability management for ro-ro operations.
- Completed the MNTB Training Record Book, gaining practical competencies in navigation, seamanship, and safety procedures.
- Assisted the bosun with deck maintenance tasks including painting, mooring operations, and anchor handling.
Achievements
- Completed all MNTB competency assessments ahead of schedule, earning commendation from the training officer for initiative and reliability.
- Volunteered to assist with passenger safety briefings during the busy summer season, receiving positive feedback from the ferry's master.
Education & Qualifications
List your Certificate of Competency first, including the issuing authority and certificate number. Follow with your STCW short courses, specialist training, and GMDSS certificate. Include your maritime college and any academic qualifications. Keep certificate expiry dates up to date on your CV.
MCA Certificate of Competency
The mandatory qualification issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for deck and engineering officers at various levels of responsibility.
STCW Short Courses
Mandatory safety training courses including personal survival, fire prevention, first aid, and personal safety required for all seafarers.
GMDSS General Operator's Certificate
The radio communication qualification required for officers serving as the GMDSS operator on board commercial vessels.
ENG1 Medical Fitness Certificate
The mandatory seafarer medical certificate issued by MCA-approved doctors confirming fitness for service at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I format my sea service record?
Should I include all my STCW certificates on my CV?
How long should a merchant navy CV be?
Should I include shore-based experience on a merchant navy CV?
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