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Marine

The UK’s marine sector plays a crucial role in national infrastructure and trade.  In 2023 it was reported that the sector was supporting over 500,000 jobs (Maritime UK, 2023 State of the Maritime Nation Report).  

The Merchant Navy is a term used to describe commercial shipping. A non-military service, the Merchant Navy is part of a global economy that impacts our daily lives from the food we eat to the things we own and use every day. Maritime transport moves 95% of the UK’s international trade by volume, making the Merchant Navy a vital area for innovation, investment and career opportunities. 

In the Southwest of England, the marine logistics and transport sector is a key economic driver. Major ports such as Plymouth, Falmouth and Bristol handle a wide range of cargo, ferry services and defence logistics. The region is strategically positioned for trade routes across the Atlantic and into Europe and is home to key employers like Babcock International, A&P Falmouth, Pendennis Superyachts and Brittany Ferries. The Southwest of the UK offers unique opportunities to contribute to the UK's transition to a greener, more resilient maritime transport system. 

There is growing demand for graduates with skills in supply chain management, port operations, digital systems, engineering and sustainability. Smart port technology, maritime decarbonisation and autonomous vessel development are fast-growing areas within the industry, supported by regional innovation hubs like the Ocean Futures programme in Plymouth and the Maritime UK Southwest cluster. 

Roles of interest could include:  

If you are interested in these roles, you might also be interested to read about:  

Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for. 

  • Boat handling: ensures safe and efficient vessel operation during fieldwork, transport or offshore project support.
  • CAD design: is used in marine engineering to design ship components, propulsion systems and offshore structures.
  • Critical thinking: enables the evaluation of complex technical data and the development of sound, evidence-based project recommendations.
  • Data analysis: used to interpret survey results, identify trends and support decision-making in environmental assessments and research.
  • Diving: allows direct access to underwater environments for inspection, repair or ecological surveys, especially in marine construction or research.
  • Field sampling: Involves collecting water, sediment and biological samples to monitor marine ecosystems and assess environmental impacts.
  • First aid: critical for ensuring safety in remote marine environments where emergency medical support may be limited.
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems): enables marine scientists to map terrain, analyse spatial patterns and plan sustainable marine developments.
  • Problem solving: finding practical solutions to challenges like equipment failure, unpredictable sea conditions or ecological conflicts.
  • Report writing: communicating complex technical or scientific findings clearly to regulators, stakeholders and clients or for project planning.
  • Resilience and adaptability: essential for working in dynamic and often harsh marine environments, where conditions and priorities can change rapidly.
  • Robotics: support the development and operation of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous systems for underwater inspection and maintenance.  

To develop some of these transferrable skills, the Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.   

Gaining Experience

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to gain relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in the following relevant societies on offer: 

Exeter Students’ Guild (for Exeter campuses)  

or the Falmouth and Penryn Students’ Union: 

The following organisations are useful for gaining sailing experience: Ocean Youth Trust, Tall Ships Youth Trust, Sea Cadets. 

University of Exeter Employability Schemes 

  • Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements
  • Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university
  • The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. 

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply speculatively. Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page. 

Finding part time work  

You could also have a look at Handshake, our vacancy database with employers who are targeting University of Exeter students.

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers.  

Places where you can find job vacancies:  

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.  

Graduate schemes and internships 

Placements  

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.    

Specialist Recruitment Agencies:  

There are a wide range of recruiters who specialise in the Marine sector.  See Agency Central for a list of specialist recruitment agencies and search by sector. Ensure any recruiters you connect with are members of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development or the Recruitment & Employment Confederation.   

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international student webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Further study and professional development

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

Advice 

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.   

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector. 

Professional Institutions: