3512 — Ship and hovercraft officers

What this occupation covers

Ship and hovercraft officers command and navigate ships and other craft, co-ordinate the activities of officers and deck and engine room ratings, operate and maintain communications equipment on board ship and undertake minor repairs to engines, boilers and other mechanical and electrical equipment.

Typical duties

allocates duties to ship’s officers and co-ordinates and directs the activities of deck and engine room ratings

directs or undertakes the operation of controls to inflate air cushions, run engines and propel and steer ships, hovercraft and other vessels

locates the position of vessel using electronic and other navigational aids such as charts and compasses and advises on navigation where appropriate

monitors the operation of engines, generators and other mechanical and electrical equipment and undertakes any necessary minor repairs

maintains radio contact with other vessels and coast stations

prepares watch keeping rota and maintains a look-out for other vessels or obstacles

maintains log of vessel’s progress, weather conditions, conduct of crew, etc

Entry routes and qualifications

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades. Good colour vision without spectacles or contact lenses is required for some posts and candidates must undergo a medical examination. Training lasts three to four years and combines taught courses and assessed training at sea.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Temporary Shortage List: Ship and hovercraft officers. Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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