SOC 2020 · 3512
Ship and hovercraft officers
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Shortage list only
Below the usual skill level, but listed.
Salary floor
£58,300
The going rate, £58,300, is the higher of the two.
Shortage lists
Temporary Shortage List
Listed roles carry their own restrictions — check GOV.UK.
Shortage list conditions
Temporary Shortage List: all jobs in this code. Certificate of sponsorship must be issued before 31 Dec 2026.
Shortage-list jobs are below the usual skill level, so employers face restrictions such as no dependants and no salary discount. Check GOV.UK for the current conditions.
Salary the job must pay
A Skilled Worker job must pay at least the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for its occupation code.
Going rate (standard)
£58,300
General threshold
£41,700
Visa thresholds from
Minimum for this role
£58,300
Home Office going rates from
New entrants and some other cases can use 70% of the going rate, £40,800, subject to the lower general threshold of £33,400.
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
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
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.