Pursuing a career in the maritime industry includes all types of activities in the field such as construction, designing, acquiring, operating, manufacturing, supplying, maintaining or repairing ships or the components thereof, managing, operating shipping lines, customs broker services, marine railways, shipyards, marine repairs shops, dry docks, freight and shipping forwarding services and other enterprises alike.
The information in this article is for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career at sea, mainly as part of a merchant navy which is serving on board merchant vessels like tankers or container ships.
If you want to join the merchant navy as a seafarer on a ship, there is a list of several pre-requisites that need to be met before starting your career. Every ship also has its own departments or disciplines on board, the most predominant ones being engineering and navigating. You’ll need to decide beforehand which one you are interested in pursuing. There are several types of employment levels within each department of which the role of officers (managing and making decisions on-board) and ratings (semi-skilled officers whose work involves being labor intensive) are the most significant. Seafaring is a tough occupation, and like other careers has its own pros and cons that you need to review beforehand and decide whether this would be a fulfilling career choice for you.
Even though a career at sea can be demanding, there are many positives associated with it, but it’ll require specific characteristics such as:
- Eagerness to obey orders
- A strong understanding of responsibility
- Initiative and integrity
- Proficient in working without supervision and reliable
- Capable of working as part of a team
- Being able to cooperate with others (various cultures)
- Willing to work long hours
- Being able to work under pressure
- Paying attention to detail
- Exceptional leadership skills
Most common maritime career paths include marine engineer, cruise ship personnel and navigation. Check out which Coxswain course online QLD you need to complete to qualify for a seafarer career path. There are specific courses of study as set out by the International Maritime Organization that pertains to certification, watch keeping, and standards of training. Most countries accept these regulations, which makes this career choice a global one. Seafarers are required to perform several safety-related training sessions and courses before they can start working on a ship.
These include:
- The first aid at sea certificate (FAAS)
- Personal survival techniques (PST)
- A personal safety & social responsibility certificate (PSSR)
- A basic security awareness certificate
- A medical certificate – certificate of fitness obtained from an accredited SAMSA medical practitioner.
- A letter of employment from a shipping company.
Generally, for you to work on a cruise ship whether it being in passenger entertainment and hospitality, security or health and fitness applicants you must be over the age of 21 years and older, have the acquired qualifications and at least one year of working experience relating to your chosen discipline.
Choosing a maritime career has its own set of disadvantages and advantage. One thing is for sure, this is not a boring career choice, and you’ll enjoy the benefit of pursuing an exciting career choice.
