50 Marine Careers Essential Guide

The marine world holds a myriad of employment opportunities within itself. This is one exciting field which offers marine employment along with great remuneration, adventure, and fun. If you are the kind of person who loves exploring unique yet lucrative opportunities, then jobs in marine industry is the right thing for you.

In this article, we have enumerated all the unique marine careers and jobs which offer an exciting and satisfying professional life. Kindly note that this is not an exhaustive list; and we will keep on adding more interesting and rewarding career options to this huge marine jobs list.

The guide includes every kind of career options, ranging from lesser requirements of qualification to those needing higher degrees.

If you are looking for jobs in marine, this is your ultimate guide.

1.    Marine Engineer – The career of marine engineers deals with maintenance and repair of ship’s machinery. This is an exciting career branch for those interested in the technical aspect of the ships.

2.    Naval Architect – The profession of naval architecture involves planning and designing of ships and sea going vessels. The Career Option in Naval Architecture has several rewarding opportunities.

3.    Shipping Broker – The profession of a ship broker deals with buying and selling of ships and shipping cargo. More than theoretical knowledge, this field is more about being in the market and learning different the ropes of the game. This is one highly competitive yet rewarding field.  As a Ship Broker the person would act as a link between the ship owners and charterers.

4.    Bosun – The job of bosun falls under the deck department of careers on ships. Bosun helps in carrying out various operations of the ship and also leads the crew department of the ship.

5.    Oil Driller  – As an oil driller the person is involved with drilling activities on oil rigs or offshore vessels. This job asks for great mental and physical strength, but also provides good returns.

6.    Ordinary Seaman (OS)  – This job involves performing work in the deck department of the ships. Career as an ordinary seaman is the stepping stone for a promising career at the sea.

7.    Ship Fitter – The job of the ship fitter involves repairing and maintenance of the ship under the guidance of the ship officer. Find out more about ship fitter inside the article.

8.    Tool Pusher – A tool pusher is a person who is in-charge of maintaining a continuous supply of necessary equipment on an oil rig.

9.  Tugboat Jobs – Jobs on tugboats are for those people who love sea but want to stay connected with the shore as well. Surprisingly, there are various jobs available tugboats. If you want to find out more about them, then this is the perfect place.

10.  Shipbuilding Engineer – Shipbuilding engineer deals with the engineering aspect of design and construction of ships and marine vessels. Just like any conventional engineering field, a shipbuilding engineer has to go through four years of training to be eligible to work in a shipbuilding yard.

11.  Shipping Fright Broker – Shipping fright broker acts as a link between those who want to ship cargo and those who have ships to transport that cargo. The career of shipping fright broker is a highly competitive and rewarding field.

12.  Cruise Ship Designer – Ever wondered how those massive cruise ships are designed? If you have a penchant for designing things, then this can be an exciting career for you.

13. Quitting sea life to settle ashore ← Recommended – Some people may not want to go to sea but would still want a career in the marine industry. If you are one of them, then find out about how to settle ashore in the marine industry.

14.  Shipwright – A shipwright is a person who is involved with designing and construction of ships. A highly specialized field, shipwright is all about making of ships and marine vessels.

15.  A List of Shipyard Jobs ←Recommended– Shipbuilding and ship breaking yards provide a number of opportunities for those interested. Explore the amazing world of marine employment offered by shipyards in here.

16.  Pump man – The job of a pump man deals with pipelines on ships and offshore vessels. This is an extremely responsible job which requires both physical and mental strength.

17.  A List of Job Opportunities on Yachts ← Recommended – Jobs on yachts are also one of the most sought after careers around the world because of the glamour and money attached with the same. Find out a list of various job opportunities available on yachts.

18.  Roughneck – The job of a roughneck involves laborious work on oil rigs and offshore platforms. It is one of the lower level marine jobs.

19.  Motorman – The job of a motorman on ship is to help in maintenance and watch keeping of the ship’s engine room. This is one of those marine careers which require lesser qualifications. However, like all marine jobs, this is also a rewarding one.

20.  Wiper – Wiper helps in maintenance of the ship and assists ship officers in carrying out various procedures. Though this career requires fewer qualifications, there is great scope to learn and grow.

21.  Marine Environmental Management – If you are an environment lover and are concerned about the deteriorating state of the global environment, then the marine environmental management is the right thing for you.

22.  A List of Unique Marine Careers ← Recommended – If you are interested in fields such as ocean engineering, marine biology, marine mammal trainer, marine archaeology, marine researcher, oceanography, aquatic veterinarian, marine scientist, marine scientist, or marine environmental economist, then you must read this.

23.  Barge Engineer – The job of a barge engineer is to ensure smooth functioning of the barge and other operations involved. An important position in the oil and gas industry, the career of barge engineer has a lot to offer.

24.  Underwater Photography – This is definitely the most glamorous and adventurous marine career which requires both great skills and courage. If you are interested in marvellous underwater world and have a thing for photography, then there is no better career than this.

25.  Career in Underwater Exploration – There are great mysteries lying at the ocean floor. If you are intrigued by what lies beneath the blue surface then the career of underwater exploration is the right thing for you. Needless to say this is unique and requires great deal of physical and mental strength.

26.  Aquaculture – If fishes and sea life interests you then aquaculture can become a marine career of your interest. This is an unconventional career option which requires great interest and passion to undertake.

27.  Ship Banker – Though not totally a marine career, ship banking or financing helps to understand the system behind the commercial aspect of the shipping industry. If you are interested in banking and the marine world, the being a ship banker can be extremely rewarding.

28.  Electro Technical Officer – The career of electro technical officer deals with understanding and maintaining electrical equipment and systems on board ships or offshore vessels. If you a thing for electrical gadgets and circuitry then this is the right choice for you.

29.  Cargo engineer – The marine work of cargo engineer deals with supervising loading, discharging and conditioning of cargo which is transported by ships. This is one field of engineering which is always in demand.

30.  Gas Engineer – The job of gas engineer mainly deals with offshore oil and gas industry. This is one marine career which requires great physical and mental skills. It is one of the most rewarding marine careers out there.

31.  Maritime Reporter – An extremely amazing job for those who would love to explore different aspects of the marine world.  Maritime reporter deals with reporting news, hidden stories, and amazing trends of the marine world.

32.  Marine Underwriter – The job of a marine underwriter falls under the marine insurance department. A marine underwriter is a professional who has the expertise of various aspects of marine insurance.

33.  Radio Officer – The career of radio officer is slowly disappearing because of the advancement in technology. However, those interested in the amazing world of ship navigation must explore this field.

34.  Ship Superintendent – A ship superintendent ensures that all the ship repairing work is done in a smooth and efficient manner. The job of ship super involves both great power and responsibilities.

35.  Cruise Ship Captain – This is the ultimate job any person interested in marine careers would like to have. Being a captain of a cruise ship is a matter of great pride. This is one rewarding job which involves great responsibility as well.

36.  Jobs in Ship’s Galley ← Recommended – Ships and other floating vessels offer a variety of non technical jobs as well. Jobs in the ship’s galley fall under the hospitality department of the marine careers. Find out a variety of jobs in the ship’s galley inside the article.

37.  Shipper – A shipper deals with various formalities attached with the cargo that has to be shipped. Shipper also takes the responsibility of ensuring that the cargo reaches its intended destination without any accident or mishap.

38.  Shipping Agent – A shipping agent is a person who deals with the transactions of a ship in every port that the ship visits or docks. He or she is a local expert that acts as a representative of the owner of the ship and carries out all essential duties and obligations required by the crew of the ship.

39.  Ship Chandler – A ship chandler is a person who exclusively deals with supplying commodities to the ship and its crew.

40.  Marine Archaeology – Interested in finding hidden truths lying at the ocean floor? A career in marine archaeology deals with the history of the marine world. This is an interesting field which is both unique and adventurous.

41.  Subsea Engineer – This is an interesting career option which is a part of offshore industry. A subsea engineer is mainly responsible for digging out crude oil and gases from the vast marine reserves using the latest technologies. Find out more about subsea engineer inside the article.

42.  Navy Nurse – This job is for those female candidates who are looking for a respectful and rewarding career at the sea.

43.  Marine Biologist – A career in marine biology deals with understanding and researching the living organisms found in the sea. This is supposed to be known as the most sought after careers in today’s time.

44.  Maritime Consultant – Maritime consultants are people who have the expertise to advice and suggest better trade routes and address other necessary shipping concerns to individuals and corporations engaged in the marine business to help them boost, advance and further their business positively. As a career in maritime consultant, the person requires several years of experience in the same field.

45.  Maritime Security Jobs – The job of maritime security officer is in great demand lately because of the rise in piracy activities. Find out about different opportunities offered by maritime security jobs.

46.  Hydro graphic Surveyor – A career in hydrography deals with various aspects of the ocean such as geography, hydrogeology, and geophysics. This is an ever green field which required great expertise and knowledge.

47.  Ocean Engineer  – Ocean Engineering is a unique field which deals with various aspects of construction of offshore structures such as planning, designing and construction. This is a sought after career which is equally demanding.

48.  Maritime Lawyer – As a maritime lawyer one deals with maritime laws, rules and regulations of the sea, and aspects related to the commercial side of shipping.

49.  Ship’s Steward – It’s a job that falls under the hospitality department of the ships. This is a demanding job which is also rewarding.

50.  Boat Mechanic – The responsibility of a boat mechanic includes repairing, installation of required machinery and carrying out periodic upkeep of the boat. Certain boat mechanics are also called upon to carry out restoration work for boats. Know more about boat mechanic inside the article.

Shipping industry and seafarers bring prosperity to the world. However, the female count in the maritime industry is very limited. Mostly women don’t wish to join this challenging profession because of many reasons which have already discussed earlier.However the chosen few are doing a great job out at the seas with their heads held high up.

A maritime career doesn’t always mean a career at sea. It is quite natural for any seafarer to look for a shore job after they have spent a considerable period of time working at the seas. While on work it is all about being away from home, from friends and families. Sense of isolation and boredom is not uncommon in any seafarer’s life. At some point of time in their career most of the seafarers would want to look for jobs ashore. It seems seafarers are often not aware of some shore side career opportunities.

Shipping is a massive industry developed into spin offs with many sectors to be in. Seagoing experience is vital and realistic. We must know that every seafarer can settle for a job ashore, which values his or her skills, knowledge and experience. The training and experience acquired from a career in shipping can be used across industries ashore and many diverse areas. To survive and do well one has to keep on upgrading his/her skills.

Credits: Corepics/depositphotos.com

There are very many sectors where seafarers can join and make a good fortune. Some of them are listed below:

1.  Maritime Lecturer or Instructor: Maritime training institutions are growing in a good number. Experienced Seafarers willing to teach can join such institutions and can dedicate themselves to the development and fine tuning of quality maritime training programs that will ensure that quality graduates are provided to the maritime industry. It is very important to train the budding ship officers and help them think critically and solve problem as would be expected of them when onboard. Seafarers can use their own experience and previous research to impart knowledge to the students, educate and prepare aspiring seafarers for life at sea so that they can perform their duties onboard diligently and efficiently. A number of maritime academies/universities run training vessels where extra-ordinarily good faculties are required to provide the necessary maritime background knowledge. An attractive solution would seem to be to engage deck officers or marine engineers who have abandoned sailing with sufficient sea time. Seafarers thus having worked onboard ships can contribute to the training and development of the next generation of seafarers and assist them in their pursuit of fulfilling their dreams.

2. Maritime Surveyor: Any deck officer with a certificate of competency as a Master on a foreign going vessel and a ship’s engineer a certificate of competency as a chief engineer are eligible to become a class surveyor for ships to check sea worthiness. A class surveyor is responsible for conducting surveys and inspections on ships structure and marine equipment according to national and international rules to determine overall condition and ensure quality and safety of ships. A well experienced seafarer has good observational skills and technical knowledge and is already aware of the ins and outs of the ship. It is thus quite easy for him/her to find out the loopholes and prepare the ship well for a safe voyage. Any seafarer with sufficient sea experience can undergo distant learning courses in marine surveying from renowned universities which can help in increasing professional skills and in a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a marine surveyor.

Credits: ISWAN Videos/YouTube

3. Maritime Author: Another option for seafarers who have abandoned sailing after spending a long time at sea is to become an author. A seafarer can bring to the book that she has written her long experience of sailing and the knowledge she has gained over the years which should prove extremely useful to Marine officers. A well experienced seafarer has overcome all the hurdles of sea life and knows exactly what is expected of young officers to clear their competency exams. Keeping this in mind maritime books can be written primarily intended for not only helping students to prepare for their exams but as well as to gain a clear idea regarding the subject. It can present to mariners in a crisp as well as lucid manner the necessary knowledge of the subject. Help can be taken from existing authors who can have some great insights and suggestions.

4. Entrepreneur: Having made enough savings one can think of starting her own small business ashore and be your own boss. Entrepreneurship demands passion, persistence and tenacity which is nothing new to seafarers. Women seafarers can consider launching a home based bakery or catering business or anything that they are passionate about. Food is always in demand and there will always be a market for food based businesses. Smaller home gatherings can be handled with a business partner. Investing in a franchise is also a great way to become a business owner without having to come up with a concept or marketing strategy. There are many other ways whereby a mariner can invest and start her own business. Some can even think of starting a boutique.

Paromita Mukherjee in Marine Careers6 months ago

8 Career Options For Women Seafarers After Sailing At Sea

Shipping industry and seafarers bring prosperity to the world. However, the female count in the maritime industry is very limited. Mostly women don’t wish to join this challenging profession because of many reasons which have already discussed earlier.However the chosen few are doing a great job out at the seas with their heads held high up.

A maritime career doesn’t always mean a career at sea. It is quite natural for any seafarer to look for a shore job after they have spent a considerable period of time working at the seas. While on work it is all about being away from home, from friends and families. Sense of isolation and boredom is not uncommon in any seafarer’s life. At some point of time in their career most of the seafarers would want to look for jobs ashore. It seems seafarers are often not aware of some shore side career opportunities.

Shipping is a massive industry developed into spin offs with many sectors to be in. Seagoing experience is vital and realistic. We must know that every seafarer can settle for a job ashore, which values his or her skills, knowledge and experience. The training and experience acquired from a career in shipping can be used across industries ashore and many diverse areas. To survive and do well one has to keep on upgrading his/her skills.

Credits: Corepics/depositphotos.com

There are very many sectors where seafarers can join and make a good fortune. Some of them are listed below:

1.  Maritime Lecturer or Instructor: Maritime training institutions are growing in a good number. Experienced Seafarers willing to teach can join such institutions and can dedicate themselves to the development and fine tuning of quality maritime training programs that will ensure that quality graduates are provided to the maritime industry. It is very important to train the budding ship officers and help them think critically and solve problem as would be expected of them when onboard. Seafarers can use their own experience and previous research to impart knowledge to the students, educate and prepare aspiring seafarers for life at sea so that they can perform their duties onboard diligently and efficiently. A number of maritime academies/universities run training vessels where extra-ordinarily good faculties are required to provide the necessary maritime background knowledge. An attractive solution would seem to be to engage deck officers or marine engineers who have abandoned sailing with sufficient sea time. Seafarers thus having worked onboard ships can contribute to the training and development of the next generation of seafarers and assist them in their pursuit of fulfilling their dreams.

2. Maritime Surveyor: Any deck officer with a certificate of competency as a Master on a foreign going vessel and a ship’s engineer a certificate of competency as a chief engineer are eligible to become a class surveyor for ships to check sea worthiness. A class surveyor is responsible for conducting surveys and inspections on ships structure and marine equipment according to national and international rules to determine overall condition and ensure quality and safety of ships. A well experienced seafarer has good observational skills and technical knowledge and is already aware of the ins and outs of the ship. It is thus quite easy for him/her to find out the loopholes and prepare the ship well for a safe voyage. Any seafarer with sufficient sea experience can undergo distant learning courses in marine surveying from renowned universities which can help in increasing professional skills and in a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a marine surveyor.

Credits: ISWAN Videos/YouTube

3. Maritime Author: Another option for seafarers who have abandoned sailing after spending a long time at sea is to become an author. A seafarer can bring to the book that she has written her long experience of sailing and the knowledge she has gained over the years which should prove extremely useful to Marine officers. A well experienced seafarer has overcome all the hurdles of sea life and knows exactly what is expected of young officers to clear their competency exams. Keeping this in mind maritime books can be written primarily intended for not only helping students to prepare for their exams but as well as to gain a clear idea regarding the subject. It can present to mariners in a crisp as well as lucid manner the necessary knowledge of the subject. Help can be taken from existing authors who can have some great insights and suggestions.

4. Entrepreneur: Having made enough savings one can think of starting her own small business ashore and be your own boss. Entrepreneurship demands passion, persistence and tenacity which is nothing new to seafarers. Women seafarers can consider launching a home based bakery or catering business or anything that they are passionate about. Food is always in demand and there will always be a market for food based businesses. Smaller home gatherings can be handled with a business partner. Investing in a franchise is also a great way to become a business owner without having to come up with a concept or marketing strategy. There are many other ways whereby a mariner can invest and start her own business. Some can even think of starting a boutique.

Image Credits: adports.ae

5. Ship Broking and Chartering: Ship broking is not a complex profession for those who have worked in the shipping industry. As a profession it has continued to grow in presence. A ship broker is the one who acts as a negotiator between ship owners and charterers. Ship broker’s role can be classified as finding ships for cargoes and cargo for ships. This function necessarily requires an in-depth knowledge of ship and cargoes, methods of loading and discharging of various cargoes, weather patterns etc. New entrants can take up educational courses offered by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers to get a deeper insight of the profession. Organisations such as Clarksonsalso conducts trainee broker programme which makes one a better professional. Such program provides a fantastic insight into the culture and environment of a leading ship broking firm and helps you make a difference in the global level. They also provide internships in leading broker house.

6. Ship Operation Management: Working in the ship management is one of the most interesting and challenging sectors of shipping. As the name suggests ship management involves the process of managing the ship for an agreed period of time. Ship management has different areas to be looked after- commercial, operations, technical, crewing, finance, administration, quality and safety. A well experienced navigating officer can later join shipping companies ashore as fleet manager, safety and quality manager, training officer, technical manager and so on. Navigating officers can enrol themselves into various management courses, both distant and regular which can help them analyse the core business requirements. These courses equip them with the skills, knowledge and tools that they need to formulate business strategies and manage their business successfully. Shipping companies prefer to absorb officers who have already worked onboard their vessels as they already hold a developed relationship with them. It is easier to recruit officers who already have a fair idea about the company.

7. Maritime Regulatory Authorities:  Government jobs are starting to get attractive again. Marine officers can also enjoy the benefits of government job by working under the Ministry of Shipping. Seafarers with a certificate of competency as a Master of a foreign going ship are also eligible to join the esteemed maritime regulatory authorities like the Director General of Shipping as principal officer or Nautical surveyors who are responsible for conducting examinations for masters and mates. They can also join in higher posts like the deputy director general, assistant director or Nautical Advisor.

Additional qualifications such as having a masters degree in Maritime Affairs or Maritime Policy are highly desirable. Nature of work involves implementing the ISPS code, working in connection with the Port State Control, regulate employment to seamen and other duties as required. Engineers with a first class certificate of competency or extra first class engineers certificate are also eligible for the same. The method of recruitment is directly through UPSC (Each country has its own type of examination). One who is interested has to follow the employment news for circulars and further information.

Credits: imo.org

8. Ports And Harbour Management And Pilotage: Ports are busy places and offer exciting job opportunities in many different areas. Ports have to move with the times in response to global shifts in maritime trade if they are to remain competitive. Hence they require efficient and skilful professionals to develop strategic business plans. Some of the jobs available in port operations involve technical work, administration, management, vessel traffic services and pilotage. Seafarers who have served in a senior capacity at sea have the required skill, knowledge and understanding and are therefore ideal for the above posts. Additionally a degree in port management can serve as an excellent opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the rules and regulations that go into operating ports globally and the economic and commercial aspects of port operations.

Thus this brings us to a conclusion that there is plethora of jobs available ashore. Please do note that this is not an exhaustive list. You can do any kind of job you are passionate about. Seafarers have a rounded view of how the international shipping industry fits together. With dedication, knowledge and the right skills seafarers are apt for shore based jobs. After gaining sufficient sea experience one can make a transition from sea to shore and settle ashore and stay connected to their near and dear ones.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Zone. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

A List of Unique and Interesting Marine Careers

Fancy a career in the sea? Are you one of those who find a job that allows them to stay close to waters fascinating? Do you wish to be able to make your love for thrill of ocean into a profession? Well, then the answers for you are simpler and the good news is you don’t have to be a mariner discovering new lands or a pirate to be able to enjoy marine careers. The options in maritime careers today are immense. As long as you have a passion for this line of work, you can expect to find something to your liking while keeping your passion alive for sure.

A Maritime degree today comes with options varying a lot with a choice ranging from being a biologist to unearthing secrets of ocean beds. The diversity of maritime courses is so huge that there is something for everyone with any kind of interests.

Credits: JamaL1977a/depositphotos.com

1.   Ocean engineering

To start with, you can choose a marine degree in ocean engineering which allows you to explore everything from the depth of the oceans to its vast expanse all on basis of your technical skills. Marine careers in ocean engineering allow a lot of scope for engineers to make a combined use of their passion for water and technical knowledge.

2.  Marine Biology

But if you are more into the biology side, marine biology is one of the maritime careers suited to you the most. Study the life inside the water, from little algae to the fascinating reefs to the huge whales and sharks.

Photograph by Jenny/wikipedia.org

The options in this particular maritime degree are immense because the ocean is the limit and your passion is your desiring force.

3.   Marine Mammal Trainer

If you like the lighter sides of things and have a love for animals (especially marine) try a career as a marine mammal trainer. You can find job opportunities in places like marine life museums or marine mammal care centers etc. where you can get to look after these fascinating creatures for a living.

4.   Marine Archeology

Marine archeology is another intriguing marine degree offering a chance to unravel the secrets lying at the ocean beds. The skills needed for such a job include diving, archeological skills and basically a passion to ‘get to the bottom’ of things. You can pursue this degree at undergraduate, post graduate or doctoral level, depending upon the interest you have in this area.

5.   Marine Researcher

But if you are interested in the entire marine world, being a part of a marine researchers’ team would allow you to explore all aspects of marine life. You can enjoy all there is to enjoy in the very essence of a career at the sea while exploring and discovering new secrets.

6.   Marine Environment Educator/ Oceanography

On the other hand, as a marine environmental educator, you can make some real difference to the marine world and make efforts towards sustaining the life in it in a more holistic way. As a marine environmental educator, you can do a job ranging from training people in marine environmental safety to spreading knowledge about it. Or you can choose to be an oceanographer and study a wide range of subjects related to marine life. A Maritime degree in oceanography makes you eligible to study a lot of aspects of marine life right from marine ecology to marine flora and fauna.

7.   Aquatic Veterinarian

For those who share a love for animals and water both, one of the maritime courses suitable for you is for an aquatic veterinarian. You can look after all sorts of marine animals from large whales to super friendly dolphins to fascinating walruses.

8.   Scuba Diving Instructor and Underwater Filmmaker

But for those who enjoy the thrill of life under water, maritime courses in underwater film making or scuba diving would be the most suitable choices. While the former allows you to put your artistic side to use while exploring the underwater life and brining it out to the world, the latter is a career choice where every day at work would be filled with an adventure.

Credits: US Navy/wikipedia.org

Swimming with the fish or exploring the unseen marine plants, the life as a scuba diver is quite thrilling. The choice here remains to work as an individual like a free lance marine life filmmaker or to get into corporate side of things.

9.   Marine Scientist

Another on the list of maritime careers is that of a marine scientist. With a degree in marine science, you can find a career as a scientist exploring various parts of marine life, environmental facets of ocean beds, and chemical composition of waer. The specialization in the course decides your area of research but the choices to choose from are immense.

10.   Marine Environment Economist

If saving the marine environment is what you like the most, then of all the marine careers, one as marine environment economist is what you should pursue as a career option. With a degree in this course, you can work with the government or with private companies, making efforts towards saving the marine life and resource management for their maximum sustenance.

Life at sea is fascinating in whatever way you choose to look at it. So no matter which of all the marine careers available you choose to go for, as long as you have a liking for the waters, you will find something you love.

You may also like to read – Shipping Jobs: A Field of Great Opportunities

Appearing For Merchant Navy Competency Examination Abroad – UK

The following article has been written considering Indian Seafarers in mind. Though the information included in this article may not be relevant or accurate for seafarers from all countries or states, the procedure to apply and appear for merchant navy competency examinations from the mentioned nations would remain the same with few changes.

Varied are the perceptions of candidates appearing for Competency Exams in Merchant Navy regarding the Indian Examination system conducted by Mercantile Marine Departments established at various ports across the country and governed by the central govt. through Directorate General of Shipping .

This examination process which is perched at a standard equivalent to or higher than the mandatory requirements according to Standards For Training Certification and Watchkeeping 2010 (STCW), is the prime reason Indian officers have been successful in establishing an enviable reputation in the Maritime industry and keeping the ongoing trend alive for their successors.

© filigor – Fotolia.com

However many Indian or Indian origin seafarers have in past and even now choose to appear for their preparatory courses and subsequent competency exams from countries outside India for e.g. United Kingdom , Singapore , Australia and New Zealand. Often the reasons cited for this by the Indian seafarers are mainly as under:

• Application and other formalities are comparatively speedy and overall process is convenient due to prevalent use of technology
• Time bound services being offered by various administrations across the world
• Tourism too is states as one of the reasons as the preparatory courses and exams includes stay of few months or more. Thus solving the dual purpose
• Countries such as UK , Australia, Singapore have a permit to work system which enables seafarers to generate extra earnings by using their spare time. Often financial independence thus provided is a motivating factor. Sometimes this incomes exceeds the expenses occurred during the stay and on some occasions seafarers have saved handsome amounts while appearing for exams as well
• Having family roots abroad too is a reason seafarers choose to appear for examinations there. That way they do get some time to spend with distant relatives which doesn’t occur frequently in merchant navy owing to the nature of job .

In this article we shall discuss in detail the examination process and its benefits for seafarers appearing for Competency Exams in various maritime nations such as United Kingdom, Australia , Singapore, New Zealand and others.

Internet on ship. © filigor – Fotolia.com

Shipping being a global industry, attracts movement of officers and crew members to different countries for examinations depending on above mentioned factors. One of the favourite country to appear for maritime examinations and courses is the United Kingdom.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the authority for conducting examinations and certification on behalf of the administration. It comes under the Department for Transport. Eligibility for examinations is based on sea time requirements in various ranks onboard with respect to the Competency certificate applied for.

Various preparatory courses are conducted by some very famous universities of UK for e.g. Glasgow College, University of Plymouth . The major institutes imparting maritime training in UK are in towns like Liverpool, Southampton, Orkney and Shetland. These courses include both theoretical as well as practical training.

A detailed list or useful links for the same can be found on the Merchant Navy Training Board website.  There are some relaxations in attendance required by these institutes. The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) approved training programmes are prerequisite and an attendance certificate for such programmes is required to obtain a Certificate of Competency by MCA . However the training imparted by them places one at par with any other maritime training around the globe. The MCA website provides details for criteria to be fulfilled regarding eligibility, courses, certifications and exemptions.

UK being a developed country the expenses are on higher side but nevertheless part time jobs opportunities or limited weekly and monthly work hour permits are available to meet the expenses during the period of stay. The work permits of around 16 hrs per week are being provided along with the study visa in the passport. Mode of payment is mostly by electronic means thereby easing the process of application. However stringent measures have been adopted by the examination authority to avoid any kind of malpractices.

As per the new regulations for examinations and study visa, the maximum period of stay is reduced to 1 year without further extensions, after which, the candidate has to return to his home country and then again apply for visa. The second period for visa has been limited to six months. The mode of examination being written as well as orals.

If a mariner successfully completes the foundation degree from any of MNTB/MCA approved institute he qualifies for various exemptions from written examinations conducted by Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). In some cases the attendance certification for foundation degree reduces the sea time requirements as well.

The Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA)  Examination for Chief Mate and Master is given recognition as higher national diploma.  After achieving a Chief Mate’s certificate followed by further sea service requirements, a candidate can appear for Master’s Oral Examination conducted by MCA . Regarding the STCW  modular courses, certificates and endorsements issued by any IMO ‘white list’* country or EU member state, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa is acceptable. More detailed information can be obtained from Seafarer Training and Certification (MCA). Indian Seafarers who have a UK COC have to obtain an Equivalent Certificate or COE to work on ships registered in India.

While appearing for competency examinations in UK, mariners find it convenient but expensive country to stay. However, the latest visa regulations have been less favourable for candidates who fail to complete their training and exams within the stipulated period. The weather in summers is favourable but temperatures in winter falls down to Zero and even low further crossing to the negative side. Despite a few cons, the picturesque and lush green countryside and amicable atmosphere of UK tends to attract thousands on mariners every year.

*An IMO White List country refers to a list of contracting states which have successfully implemented and are following the STCW code and its requirements. The assessment for the same being done by IMO.

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