Activities
The Honourable Company of Master Mariners offers encouragement and support to all people entering the nautical profession. The best way for you to take advantage of this, is through the Honourable Company’s Apprenticeship Scheme. The importance of this opportunity may not be obvious to everyone when first entering on a seafaring career. The full significance will be seen by those who understand the long term career prospects which shipping and maritime commerce can offer.
As an apprentice you will have a Master Mariner as mentor or guide from entry through to qualification as a Master Mariner in your own right. Through your Honourable Company “Master” you will have access to the expertise and experience of other members and staff. You will receive a Diary and be welcome to attend professional and social meetings and lectures. You will also receive the professional Journal and Newsletters of the Honourable Company.
Complementing Certificate of Competency Schemes
Most employers see the advantages of the scheme for you in helping you with your professional studies and your career and for themselves in making you a better officer. The Honourable Company seeks the co-operation and support of your employer. The Honourable Company scheme is additional to, and complements, normal Merchant Navy cadetship or other training schemes which lead to Vocational Qualifications (Foundation Degree, NVQs or SVQs) and certificates of competency.
The Scheme and How it Works
The general format of the scheme is as follows:
As a prospective Apprentice, if you have not already made contact through family or friends, you will be introduced to the Honourable Company and invited to contact a Master Mariner who may act as your “Master” in the scheme. As far as possible your Master will have a special shared interest with you in terms of ship types and trades, friends or area of residence.
You will be “bound” to your Master (a Liveryman of the Honourable Company) through a traditional City of London indenture which has full Guildhall recognition, allowing entry to the Freedom and Livery in due course “by Apprenticeship”. You will find the ancient wording of the “Indenture” rather old-fashioned and quaint, but that is because it is linked back to the London Craft Guilds of the Middle Ages.
Up to the time of obtaining a Class 3 (Deck) certificate of competency, you will be asked to agree to:
- Keep a journal recording observations on professional topics (at least one entry per week)
- Write to your Master at least once every six months, and
- Visit “Wellington” if leave periods allow*
Note: Entry into the Honourable Company Essay Competition each year is voluntary. A prize will be awarded for the winning entry.
From Class 3 to Class 1 you will be expected to:
- Continue to keep a journal
- Enter the annual essay (or other project) competition
- Write to your Master at least once a voyage, and
- Visit “Wellington” if possible*
Note: *The Honourable Company of Master Mariners’ Finance Committee have agreed that travelling expenses (based on Standard Class Rail fares) will be paid to Apprentices for these visits.
Completion, Achievement: Freedom of the City of London
On obtaining a Class 1 Deck Officer (Master Mariner) Certificate you complete your indenture and will be eligible for full membership of the Honourable Company and Freedom of the City of London.
Advantages for You
The advantages of the scheme for you are as follows:
- another experienced person to turn to for professional advice
- support and encouragement at the most testing time in formulating your career structure and path
- technical information from the Honourable Company Journal
- access to experience in most maritime matters through the Honourable Company via your mentor
- a long term, broad and balanced vision of professional development and career options
- contacts with maritime and commercial activities beyond the immediate confines of your own ship
- introduction to the Honourable Company and good professional practice
- an introduction to the Master Mariners’ respected role in the social and city life of London
- an introduction to the charitable work of the Honourable Company and the help it can give to seafarers and their dependants.
Further Information
An Application Form and further information on the Apprenticeship Scheme and the other professional and charitable work of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners can be obtained from:
The Clerk to the Company, Honourable Company of Master Mariners, H.Q.S. “Wellington” Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN
Telephone: 020 7836 8179 Fax: 020 7240 3082
You can also download an application form here.
Apprentice-Application-form.pdf
Note: Merchant Navy Apprentices and Junior Officers aged 21 or over (who hold or are seeking nautical qualifications) may also be admitted to the Honourable Company in an appropriate category and if they would find it helpful, could be mentored by a Liveryman or a Member of the Honourable Company .
Being a member of the Honourable Company allows you to gain many experiences that you might otherwise not enjoy. From attendance at the Lord mayor’s Show to changing Government policy, joining in this community of your peers is a unique experience.
Three main strands form the basis of your membership are represented by those that underpin any livery company, professional representation, education and training, and charitable giving.
Sir John Stuttard, Lord Mayor of London, 2006-7 explained these roles in his remarks during the opening ceremony for World Maritime Day 2007:
“In this modern world where satellite communication provides instant and continuous contact, I am often asked what is the point of livery companies, what relevance can a system founded in the middle ages have in today’s society?
My answer is that the traditions of the livery abound in every activity that is showcased here today.
A livery company has three founding centres, a professional activities, an educative role and charitable giving. From the Round Table group of international organisations to the professional societies, we can all see how the technical standards of this industry are set, regulated and maintained. Education and proper training is key to all growth. Having a skilled work force trained in up to date techniques is vital to maintaining quality. The maritime charities are there to help those that need just that little bit of assistance and to allow others to achieve their potential. So you can see how a livery company is representative of its trade.”
But there is also a vitally important fourth benefit and this is the fraternal aspect of joining a community of your peers.
Professional role:
All of our members possess huge amounts of knowledge and experience relating to the maritime industry. We have members who work at the highest levels of the legal profession, in government agencies, in ports, as pilots, as business leaders and as masters of the largest and most complex ships ever seen. And all are united by their underpinning knowledge of the sea and are able to apply that knowledge in a way only seafarers can, practically, diligently and efficiently, using only the resources close at hand.
This breadth and depth of knowledge is then applied to the issues facing our industry. From minor corrections to M Notices to submissions to Government. Your skills are made use of and are vital to ensuring an authentic voice of the seafarer is heard at all levels. Through membership of the Honourable Company, you can have an input and add to the voice of first reference.
Education and Training:
It is an underpinning tenant of the seafarer that you should train your relief. To this end we provide funds to train British deck cadets, organise conferences and mentor cadets and junior officers.
The training of the officers of the future is of vital importance, not only because this is where the future membership comes from, but far more importantly, as an island nation, we need highly qualified seafarers to take up the strategic roles that only seafarers can fill. Trade will always be carried on ships and so we need the infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient handling of our trade. This trade needs to carried securely and so we will always need the Royal Navy to keep the seas free of threats. So we must, and do, directly support the education and training of the next generation of seafarers.
Members of a livery company are master’s of their trade. Only those with the highest skills were allowed to join their Guild. This is part of the founding traditions of livery companies. But there was always the obligation for the master craftsman to pass those skills to an apprentice. The Honourable Company maintains this tradition through its apprentice scheme. Cadets, midshipmen and junior officers apply to join this scheme and they are paired with a mentor. This mentor then guides and assists them through their training until they are able to join the Honourable Company as master mariners.
Charitable Giving:
We all need support and assistance from time to time. No one likes to think that they will fall upon hard times, but it happens and this is where the Honourable Company tries to help. We administer a range of charities which provide relief to seafarers in time of distress. We have helped with the purchase of mobility equipment, contributed funds to studies and helped with unexpected bills.
The charities are administered by small committees of seafarers who understand the needs of their community. But this community is larger than just members of the Honourable Company, any British seafarer may apply for relief.
Fraternal role:
Seafarers are a clannish lot. Get a group of them together and within a short time the sea stories start (some of which are even true). But all is fun. Seafarers understand what it means to go to sea, the demands upon the individual and the bond that is formed between them. You may be working in very different parts of the maritime industry, but seafarers all have the sea in common and this brings a uniquely fulfilling aspect to all of our functions. Whether you are at one of our five outports around the country, or dining onboard Wellington, you are assured of a warm welcome from your friends.
The programme is delivered on a flexible, modular basis comprising short but intensive periods of attendance at the University, supported by some work-based and distance learning. Employers are encouraged to support the students through part-time release. In addition to modules related to the management of technology, the programme also offers modules in business management and related skills beyond those gained in traditional maritime service.
The programme makes use of prestigious visiting speakers to supplement core academic content. The programme benefits by advice from an industrial steering committee, which helps ensure that the programme meets the real needs of its students.
Aims and Objectives
The successful M.Sc. graduate from this course will have, on completion:
- A good understanding of maritime operations and technology, and the related business environment in which they work
- A basic understanding of business analysis, finance, human motivation, and the management of a service industry
- Technical knowledge of selected aspects of large ship design and operation and/or related maritime land-based or offshore structures, sub-sea engineering/mining, marine technology and/or research
- Education to a level suitable for taking leadership and management responsibility in a wide range of maritime activities
- An excellent command of communication, IT and presentation skills
- A proven ability to investigate a topic of some importance, assess the key issues, develop logical conclusions, and present a coherent report with recommendations for action.
Distinguishing features of the course include:
- it is based in London, a major international base for many maritime related activities
- it is designed to be run on a part-time, modular, basis for students in full time employment, not necessarily locally
- it makes use of prestigious visiting speakers to supplement core academic content
- the focus and content is guided by advice from the industrial Steering Committee
- it is a unique blend of professional, technical and management related material.
Entrance requirements
The course is aimed at potential students currently holding a responsible sea-going appointment, or a junior management position in one of the various international and global maritime occupations, and possessing the ambition to reinforce their professional skills and experience in order to seek more senior positions in the same, or related, sectors of these maritime industries. The typical student will be of graduate calibre and applications from ‘mature’ students will be encouraged.
Applicants should have one of the following:
- A recognised university degree (normally a 2:2 minimum) in an appropriate discipline.
- A Certificate of Competence as Master or Chief Engineer, Class 1 Master Mariner, Class 1 Engineer, Standards of Training Certificates and Watchkeeping Management Level Qualifications, or equivalent, and work experience in the sea transport industry to a reasonable level of responsibility, such as 1st or 2nd Officer, 2nd or 3rd Engineer, or equivalent.
- A Higher National Diploma in an appropriate discipline plus relevant professional qualifications and experience.
- Relevant experience and qualifications in the offshore industry to a reasonable level of responsibility.
The selection process may include an interview.
Views from the Industry
This course has been developed in partnership with The Honourable Company of Master Mariners. This Livery Company was founded in 1926 and seeks to encourage and maintain a high and honourable standard of ability and professional conduct in the officers of the Merchant Navy.
In addition, to ensure that the course meets the needs of prospective students and the industries in which they are (to be) employed guidance from a Steering Committee has been sought.
External members of this committee have been drawn from across a very wide spectrum of the maritime and offshore industries. They include representatives of the Merchant Navy, the Royal Navy, the Chamber of Shipping, Lloyds Register, the oil and gas industries together with the various elements of the commercial infrastructure that support these activities, such as international law, docks and harbour development, etc.
Fees
£9,000 for the 2006/7 academic year.
(£8,500 if paid in full on registration, that is, within the first month, or £3,000 in three equal instalments in October, January and April)
Contact Details
For more information about the programme contact:
Postgraduate Programmes Office
School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
City University
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 0118
Fax: +44 (0)20 7040 0119
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Any corporation, partnership or organisation, the business of which is ownership or management of sea-going vessels or has manufacturing, scientific or management abilities or knowledge in marine equipment, construction or maintenance of ships, the handling of marine insurance and safety or the practice of marine law, ship broking or other marine associated services, may apply for Corporate Membership. Applications for Corporate Membership may be made by any company or organisation meeting these criteria. Applications are then put before the Court of Assistants for election.
The Members of the Livery enjoy superb facilities in HQS “Wellington”. These are also available to Corporate members who are encouraged to play a full part in the Company’s social, business and networking activities and to make use of the ship to support their own corporate requirements.
In addition to supporting the Honourable Company in its activities, the Corporate Member receives a number of specific benefits:
- The Company’s journals, newsletters and diary.
- Entitlement for representatives and their personal guests to attend all social and professional functions at Members’ rates.
- Use of the Members’ Bar in HQS “Wellington” (The Wardroom) which is open from 12.30 to 14.30 every weekday except days when formal Company lunchtime functions are held.
- Hire of the ship’s facilities at preferential (Livery) rates.
- In general the Managing Director/Chief Executive/Senior Partner is regarded as the principal point of contact and he or his nominated representative may attend (free of charge) any two of the Honourable Company’s social functions each year.
- The right to wear the Company tie.
- For Corporate Members whose principal business is the ownership or management of seagoing vessels, the right to nominate individuals for apprenticeship to Master Mariners, in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws.
Corporate Members are invited to provide a short paragraph about their company and, if they wish, a related photograph (usually of a ship) for inclusion in the Honourable Company’s website. From time to time Corporate Members will be “featured” in the Company Journal. When this occurs we will ask for suitable copy.
For further details contact:
The Clerk, The Honourable Company of Master Mariners,
HQS Wellington
Temple Stairs
Victoria Embankment
London
WC2R 2PN
H.R.H The Prince of Wales, K.G., 1928-1936
Sir Robert Burton-Chadwick, Bt., 1937-1940
Commodore Sir Bertram Hayes, K.C.M.G., D.S.O., R.D., R.N.R., 1940-1941
The Lord Marchwood, K.C.V.O., 1941-1945
Air Chief Marshall Sir Fredrick Bowhill, G.B.E., K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., 1945-1954, 1957-1959
H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., 1954-1957
Captain C. StG. Glasson, 1959-1962
Captain J. D. F. Elvish, C.B.E., 1962-1963
Commander H E Morrison, D.S.C., R.D., R.N.R., 1963-1966
Captain W. E. B. Griffiths, C.B.E., 1966-1968
Captain J. Baird, C.B.E., 1968-1969
Captain L. A. Hill, D.S.C., R.N.R.*, 1969-1970
Captain J. L. Dunkley, C.B.E., R.D., R.N.R*, 1970-1971
Commodore A Henney, O.B.E., 1971-1972
Commander W. R. Symon, R.D., R.N.R.* , 1972-1973
Commander D. H. F. Armstrong, D.S.C., R.D., R.N.R., 1973-1974
Captain J. F. C. Dowie, 1974-1975
Captain J. L. Watson, Ex.C., 1975-1976
Captain W. E. Warwick, C.B.E., R.D., R.N.R.*, 1976-1977
Captain J. E. Bury, F.N.I., 1977-1979
Commander and Alderman Sir Robin Gillett, Bt., G.B.E., R.D., D.Sc., F.N.I., R.N.R.*, 1979-1980
Captain P.A. Ogden, R.D., R.N.R., 1980-1981
Captain A. H. Baber, M.C.I.T., 1981-1982
Captain N.W.C. Rutherford, R.D., R.N.R., F.N.I., F.B.I.M.,
M.R.I.N., 1982-1983
Captain G. W. S. Miskin, J.P., D.L., 1983-1984
Captain O. Elsom, 1984-1985
Captain C. F. Vine, D.S.C., R.D., R.N.R., F.N.I., 1985-1986
Captain P.D.F. Cruickshank, 1986-1987
Captain J.S. Allen, M.R.I.N., 1987-1988
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, K.G., K.T., G.C.B., 1988-1990
Commander D. B. Cairns, O.B.E., R.D., R.N.R., Deputy Master 1988-1989
Captain C. StJ. H. Daniel, F.S.A., F.R.A.S., F.R.I.N., F.N.I., Deputy Master 1989-1990
Captain R.L. Newbury, I.S.O., F.R.G.S., F.R.I.N., F.N.I., 1990-1991
Captain P.F.Mason, C.B.E., F.N.I., 1991-1992
Captain F. E. Holmes, M.R.I.N., M.R.I.N.A., M.I.M.I., 1992-1993
Captain A. D. Braithwaite. R.D., R.N.R., F.N.I., 1993-1994
Captain T J Sandell, F.R.S.A., F.N.I., 1994-1995
Captain J. M. Gray, Ex.C., F.N.I., 1995-1996
Captain G. T. Davis, Ex.C., F.N.I., 1996-1997
Captain R. Clucas, F.N.I., 1997-1998
Captain A. D. Munro, F.R.I.N., F.N.I., 1998-1999
Captain G. M. Pepper, F.N.I., M.R.I.N., 1999-2000
Captain L. A. Holder, M.Phil., ExC., F.R.I.N., F.N.I., 2000-2001
Commodore A. D. Barrett, C.B.E., R.D., D.L., R.N.R., 2001-2002
Captain A. Rawcliffe, F.R.I.N. 2002-2003
Captain S. T. Culshaw, B.Sc. (Hons), F.R.I.C.S., F.R.I.N., F.R.G.S., 2003-2004
Captain C. R. Smylie, F.IMgt., F.N.I., 2004-2005
HRH The Princess Royal, KG KT GCVO QSO 2005-2007
Captain A. J. Speed, Deputy Master 2005-2006
Captain K Hart, RD ExC BSc (Hons) FRIN FNI ACIArb, Deputy Master 2006-2007
Captain E Scott, RD** FNI RNR 2007-2008
Captain APM Davis FCIS ACMA MNI 2008-2009
Captain M W Parrott FRIN FCILT FNI 2009-2010
Captain G M Pepper FNI 2010-2011