Marynarka handlowa
How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in Poland
Poland's merchant navy — the Marynarka handlowa — is served by two large maritime universities whose nautical and marine-engineering degrees are well regarded across Europe, sending many officers into the German, Scandinavian and offshore fleets.
Regulator: Maritime Office (Urząd Morski) / Ministry of Infrastructure (Urząd Morski) · Updated 2026-05-01
The Marynarka handlowa in Poland
A career as a Polish 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 Poland is recognised worldwide — while the entry route, terminology (Marynarka handlowa) and approved institutes are specific to the country.
Eligibility & requirements
- Matura (secondary leaving exam), maths/physics helpful.
- Maritime medical fitness certificate.
- Cadet sea-training embedded in the degree.
- Polish and English proficiency.
Entry paths to become an officer
1. Maritime University degree (Navigation / Marine Engineering)
A Bachelor/Engineer degree combining academic study with cadet sea phases toward an operational-level officer certificate.
Approved institutes & academies
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gdynia Maritime University | Gdynia | University |
| Maritime University of Szczecin | Szczecin | 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.
Polish officers are widely employed on foreign-flag ships at international USD rates (indicative below).
| 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 Urząd Morski.
Keep passport, academic records, medical certificate and sponsorship letters organised.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Polish term for merchant navy?+
It is 'Marynarka handlowa'. Officer training is concentrated at the maritime universities of Gdynia and Szczecin.
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.