Roles

SAFETY 
At Sea 
There are a wide variety of careers involved in keeping people and vessels safe, both at sea and in ports and harbours. 

In the UK the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has a leading role in safety at sea – “We work together with our partners and stakeholders to prevent the loss of life at sea and on the coast in the UK. We produce legislation on maritime matters and guidance to help follow the rules. 
Whatever skills you may have, we can support you in developing a rewarding career whilst making a difference and contributing to saving lives.”  

At Work 
Every employer in the maritime industry needs to look after the safety of their work force. Many organisations and companies employ people to look after that area, usually called Health and Safety Advisers.  

CODING 
Before commercial vessels can go to sea, they need to be suitable for the job they are doing. They must be inspected and get a certificate to say they comply with maritime regulations. 

All UK owned Small Commercial Vessels must comply with the relevant Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice. To get their certificate the vessel will be inspected by a marine surveyor. This is a rewarding and varied career – see Marine Surveyor. 
 

Qualifications & Training 

SAFETY 
At Sea 
The MCA offers job and career opportunities at all levels, whether you are leaving school, college or university.  Jobs include Maritime Operations officer, Coastguard, Marine Surveyor, administration and IT. 

At Work 
University 
You can do a degree or postgraduate diploma recognised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. 
You'll usually need: 
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree 
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course 

Apprenticeship 
You can do an advanced apprenticeship as a safety, health and environment technician. 
It takes about 24 months to complete and allows you to become: 
a technical member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 
an affiliate member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 
You'll usually need: 
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. 
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship 

You could study for a health and safety qualification while you're working or to improve your chances of finding a trainee position. You can take approved health and safety courses through: 

NEBOSH 
British Safety Council 

CODING 
The MCA employs Marine Surveyors and offers career opportunities at all levels, whether you are leaving school, college or university.  
See Marine Surveyor for more information. 

Salary Brackets

For a Coastguard salary is £20,000 - £30,000 
Health and Safety Adviser £22,000 - £50,000
 

Colleges/Universities

Safety at Work 
NEBOSH 
https://www.nebosh.org.uk/guidance/guidance-for-learning-with-nebosh/ 

British Safety Council 
https://www.britsafe.org/ 

Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 
https://iosh.com/