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Integrated Rating

Also known as Merchant Mariner, Merchant Seafarer and Sailor.

Integrated ratings carry out maintenance and lookout duties on the decks and in the engine rooms of merchant ships.

Integrated ratings may spend long periods at sea.

When steering the ship, on lookout duty or on watch, integrated ratings work under the direction of the officer of the watch.

When in the engine room, they work under the direction of engineering officers.

Integrated ratings may be required to work in confined spaces following safety protocols.

TASKS

Integrated ratings may perform the following tasks:

maintain deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, and lifesaving and firefighting appliances
assist with standing lookout at sea, and alert deck officers when other vessels, navigation marks or hazards are sighted
steer the ship under supervision
secure cargoes and splice wires and ropes
handle rope and wire mooring lines, gangways and ladders when the ship is berthing and unberthing
maintain the cleanliness of decks and structures
renove rust from, treat and paint the ship's sides and structures
assist with maintaining a watch in the ship's engine room
assist with maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and mechanical equipment
participate in safety drills under the direction of the ship's officers
clean the ship's cargo compartment and the fresh water, ballast and oil tanks

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to cope with the physical demands of the job
enjoy manual activities
able to pass a medical examination and eyesight test
normal colour vision
enjoy life at sea
mechanical aptitude

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an integrated rating you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in maritime operations (integrated rating). As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for more information.

You can also become an integrated rating through a traineeship in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

In addition, you will need to complete nine months of sea time on board a seagoing ship prior to being awarded a Certificate of Proficiency in Integrated Rating by the Australian Maritime Authority (AMSA).

Integrated ratings must be over 18 years of age at the time of completing their qualifications. In order to serve on board a ship, you will need to qualify for and obtain an AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Integrated ratings work on coastal and overseas ships. There is a relatively small number of ships in the Australian merchant fleet, so positions can be competitive. There is an increasing demand for integrated ratings in the Australian offshore oil and gas industry.