This involves the use of modern communications systems. Medical Assistants - look after everyone on board and take responsibility for the ship's hospital. Medical assistants, or medical branch ratings give training in first aid to everyone on board. All applicants must be British citizens and have to pass the Marine Safety Agency medical. If you have studied Mathematics and Physics to A level standard and have passed one of them, you can enter an accelerated training course.
Training is carried out both at sea and at nautical college on shore, taking three to four years.
Systems Engineering officer cadets need an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Electronic and Communications Engineering, or an HNC plus experience in the Royal Navy, commercial shipping or shore based experience. Supply officer cadets are generally recruited in their mid 20s to 30s, and hold BTEC qualifications in business studies or hotel and catering. Relevant experience either at sea or shore based is acceptable. Deck, Engineering and Supply Department Rating recruits are generally aged between 16 and 23. There are no academic entry requirements but personal qualities are important.