The sea is one of the greatest riches of the planet and of France.

Thanks to its overseas territories, France has the second largest maritime area in the world, just behind that of the United States. This represents a major economic opportunity for our country. More than 90% of the world’s goods traffic passes by sea and there is no great maritime country without a strong Merchant Navy. France has thus built a dense maritime history and developed exceptional know-how in this field.

During the Assizes of the Sea in Nice in September 2021, the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, called for “going faster” to “remake France a great maritime power” and to accelerate the ecological transition of merchant ships. . But the activity is now under pressure due to a lack of qualified officers. During his speech, Emmanuel Macron thus announced the government’s objective of doubling the number of graduates leaving the École Nationale Supérieure Maritime (ENSM) by 2027 to adapt it to the needs and commitments of shipowners. Indeed, without Merchant Navy officers, our entire economy is in danger, as well as our way of life.

A handful of bachelors are familiar with this sector, which is talked about too little… And yet, the merchant navy offers exhilarating and encouraging jobs for young adventurers passionate about the sea!

Why not become a captain, chief engineer or expert in maritime engineering and circumnavigate the globe thanks to a merchant navy of the future, which embraces the ecological and energy transition? By becoming an officer, not only do you discover the world but you also benefit from 6 months of vacation during the year.

France has named maritime security to a real chain of public and private actors, in which the ENSM plays a cardinal role. Each year, 1,200 students are trained at its sites in Marseille, Le Havre, Nantes and Saint-Malo to operate ships, define their routes, ensure the safety of personnel, passengers and goods. They will join Merchant Navy ships by following one of the three courses offered: engineering officer, deck officer, engineer officer (both deck and engine). The teaching delivered by the ENSM is organized around complete programs and experts, intelligently mixing theory, simulation, stages and navigation.