Ship and hovercraft officers Pay Data UK — 2025

Ship and hovercraft officers roles in the UK earn a median of £60,381 per year, equivalent to £30.44 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 4.4% decrease in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £49,626 to £86,793 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Ship and hovercraft officers roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Ship and hovercraft officers

Ship and hovercraft officers command and navigate ships and other craft, co-ordinate the activities of officers and deck and engine room ratings, operate and maintain communications equipment on board ship and undertake minor repairs to engines, boilers and other mechanical and electrical equipment.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• allocates duties to ship’s officers and co-ordinates and directs the activities of deck and engine room ratings
• directs or undertakes the operation of controls to inflate air cushions, run engines and propel and steer ships, hovercraft and other vessels
• locates the position of vessel using electronic and other navigational aids such as charts and compasses and advises on navigation where appropriate
• monitors the operation of engines, generators and other mechanical and electrical equipment and undertakes any necessary minor repairs
• maintains radio contact with other vessels and coast stations
• prepares watch keeping rota and maintains a look-out for other vessels or obstacles
• maintains log of vessel’s progress, weather conditions, conduct of crew, etc

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades. Good colour vision without spectacles or contact lenses is required for some posts and candidates must undergo a medical examination. Training lasts three to four years and combines taught courses and assessed training at sea.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.