Handelsflåten · Handelsflåten / Handelsmarine
How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in Norway
Norway's merchant fleet — the Handelsflåten — is a high-tech, offshore-heavy sector. Officers typically take a nautical or marine-engineering bachelor at a university college, combined with cadet sea-time, and are certified by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Regulator: Norwegian Maritime Authority (Sjøfartsdirektoratet) · Updated 2026-05-01
The Handelsflåten in Norway
A career as a Norwegian merchant navy officer offers internationally portable qualifications, structured promotion and some of the highest entry-level earnings of any technical profession. Training follows the global STCW convention, so a certificate earned in Norway is recognised worldwide — while the entry route, terminology (Handelsflåten) and approved institutes are specific to the country.
Eligibility & requirements
- Upper-secondary qualification with relevant maths/science, or a vocational maritime route.
- Maritime medical certificate.
- Cadet sea-service to complete certification.
- Norwegian and English proficiency.
Entry paths to become an officer
1. Nautical Science / Marine Engineering Bachelor
University-college degree plus cadet sea-time leading to a management-track officer certificate.
2. Vocational (fagskole) maritime officer route
A technical-college pathway, often after a relevant trade certificate and sea service.
Approved institutes & academies
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NTNU in Ã…lesund | Ã…lesund | University |
| Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) | Haugesund / Bergen | University |
| UiT The Arctic University of Norway | Tromsø | University |
Ranks & salary structure
Merchant navy officers progress through a clear rank ladder in two main departments — Deck (navigation) and Engine — plus the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) role. Promotion depends on sea-time and higher Certificates of Competency.
Norwegian and NIS-registered officers are among the best paid in Europe; ranges below are indicative USD equivalents.
| Rank | Department | Indicative pay (USD / month) |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Cadet / Trainee | Deck | $300 – $700 |
| Third Officer (3/O) | Deck | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Second Officer (2/O) | Deck | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Chief Officer (C/O) | Deck | $6,000 – $9,500 |
| Master (Captain) | Deck | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Trainee / Fifth Engineer | Engine | $300 – $700 |
| Fourth Engineer (4/E) | Engine | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Third Engineer (3/E) | Engine | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Second Engineer (2/E) | Engine | $7,000 – $10,500 |
| Chief Engineer (C/E) | Engine | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | ETO | $4,000 – $6,500 |
Figures are indicative monthly wages for foreign-going officers and vary by company, flag state, vessel type and contract length.
Documents, exams and planning checklist
Confirm eligibility and medical standards before paying any institute fees.
Shortlist only training routes recognised by Sjøfartsdirektoratet.
Keep passport, academic records, medical certificate and sponsorship letters organised.
Frequently asked questions
What is the merchant navy called in Norway?+
Commonly 'Handelsflåten' (the merchant fleet). Certification is handled by Sjøfartsdirektoratet, the Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Life at sea
Shore leave, paperwork, fatigue, mental health, contracts and pensions affect seafarers in much the same way whatever country they train in, so they are covered once, in real-life issues on ships.