Maritime Industry Jobs

Jobs in the Maritime Industry

The maritime industry is growing rapidly, and there are many opportunities for those interested in working on the water. Opportunities are available on tug boats, tankers, cruise ships, and many other types of sea and oceangoing vessels. There are many different types of positions within the maritime field. Career opportunities include:

• Boat Captain
• Deckhand
• Electronics Officer
• Mate
• Radio Officer
• Seaman

Credentialing for Maritime Industry Jobs

Coast Guard

Many jobs in the maritime industry require United States Coast Guard licensure. You can find testing centers and download application forms for the various USCG licensing exams from the Coast Guard's Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation web page.

Some approved maritime courses are approved to count toward licensure in lieu of testing. This means that individuals who successfully complete such courses will receive their credentials without having to sit for an exam. Before registering for a class, be sure to verify whether or not you will have to take an exam before you receive a recognized license or add-on credential.

FCC

Positions that involve operating marine radios and radar systems require FCC licensure. You can find details about FCC licensure, including specific tests and exam centers in your area on the National Association for Radio, Telecommunications, and Electromagnetics (NARTE) website.

Professional Credentials

Professional certifications for maritime professionals include:

• Able Seaman
• Celestial Navigation
• Coastal Navigation
• Firefighting
• First Aid & CPR
• Flashing Light (visual communications)
• Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS)
• Master Mate
• Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV)
• Radar Observer
• Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
• Tankerman
• Terrestrial Navigation
• Additional Credentials

Training for Maritime Industry Jobs

Many organizations specialize in providing training designed to help individuals gain entry to and advancement within the maritime industry. Some training centers provide vocational training for entry-level employment skills. Others offer a variety of advanced training opportunities that can help people get the skills they need to move into higher level positions with increasing responsibility and financial opportunity.

• Chesapeake Marine Training Institute
• Down East Maritime, Inc.
• Elkins Marine Training International
• Houston Marine Training
• Marine Safety International
• Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies
• Merchant Marine Training Services
• Northeast Maritime
• Pacific Maritime Institute
• Sea School
• Workboat Academy

Where to Find Maritime Industry Jobs

Geographically Targeted Job Search

When looking for employment in the maritime industry, it is logical to concentrate your job search efforts in geographic areas located along the waterfront. Most cities located along the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean in the United States have active, working waterfronts rich in opportunity for those interested in working in the maritime industry.

If you would like to live in a particular area, it is a good idea to check help wanted advertisements for maritime job opportunities in the region. For example, if you are interested in living and working in Mobile, AL, visit AL.com to find online listings for all the help wanted advertisements posted in the city's newspaper. It's likely that you'll be able to find a similar resource for all major port cities.

Employment Agencies

Because there is such a large demand for workers in the maritime industry, there are a number of employment agencies that specialize in matching skilled maritime workers with employers. Examples of employment services specializing in maritime recruiting include:

• All American Marine
• Alliance Marine Services
• Coast to Coast Marine Employment Services

Online Job Boards

There are also a variety of online job boards that list jobs in the maritime industry available throughout the country, and even around the world. If you want to work in the maritime field, but don't have a specific home base in mind, these websites can help you locate all types of employment opportunities:

• MaritimeJobs.com
• MaritimeEmployment.com
• OffshoreJobs.com

Is a Maritime Career Right for You?

If you love being on the water and you're not afraid of hard work, a job in the maritime field might be perfect for you. Before you choose to pursue a career in this field, however, it's important that you are aware that working in this field can require spending significant amounts of time away from home. If the idea of seeing the world from the water appeals to you and you're ready to go to sea, start investigating the best way to get the training you need to enter the maritime industry.