Marine Link
Monday, July 7, 2025

Maritime Careers / Shipboard Positions

The maritime industry offers a vast array of career opportunities, each playing a crucial role in the global economy. From navigating the high seas to ensuring the smooth operation of ports and shipping lines, maritime careers are diverse and dynamic. This article explores the various career paths available in the maritime industry, the skills required, and the benefits of pursuing a career at sea.

Deck Officers

·  Chief Officer (Chief Mate)

·  Second Officer (Second Mate)

·  Third Officer (Third Mate)

·  Boatswain

·  Able Seamen

·  Ordinary Seamen

·  *Deck cadet

 

Steward’s Department

·  Chief Steward

·  Chief Cook

·  Steward's Assistant

·  Baker

·  Head Waiter

·  Head Barman 

 

Engineering Positions

·  Chief Engineer

·  Second Engineer (First Assistant Engineer)

·  Third Engineer (Second Assistant Engineer)

·  Fourth Engineer (Third Assistant Engineer)

·  Fifth Engineer (Junior Engineer)

 

Engineering Department

·  Oiler 

·  Greaser

·  Wiper 

·  Utilityman

·  Motorman

·  Pumpman

·  Machinist

·  Electrician

·  Refrigeration Engineer

·  Tankerman

·  *Engine Cadets

 

Staff Positions  (hold USCG Certificates of Registry)

·  Junior Assistant Purser

·  Senior Assistant Purser

·  Purser

·  Chief Purser

·  Medical Doctor

·  Professional Nurse

·  Marine Physician Assistant

·  Hospital Corpsman

·  Pilot

·  Radio /Electro-Technical Officer (FCC license)

 

Professional Certifications and Credentials

·  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

 

Shipyard Jobs

·  AutoCAD Operator

·  Draftsman

·  Designer

·  Estimator

·  Marine Engineer

·  Naval Architect

·  Scheduler

·  Secretary

·  Technical Writer

·  Training Instructor

·  Painters

·  Crane Operators

·  Electrician

·  Machinist

·  Mechanic

·  Pipe Fitter

·  Purchasing Clerk

·  Safety Officer

·  Environmental Officer

·  Tool Room Clerk

·  Quality Assurance Engineer

·  Drivers

Tags: Shipboard Positions Maritime Careers

Odegaard Fields (c) Crowley

Maine Maritime Cadets win Crowley Scholarships

Cadets Anna LaDue and Odegaard Fields from Maine Maritime Academy have been awarded the Thomas B.

A Modest Proposal for a Museum on the History of Containerization

The SL-7 was a class of high-speed steam containerships built for SeaLand in the early 1970s…

© angeldibilio / Adobe Stock

MARAD Designates More Centers of Excellence for Maritime Training

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced…

The BMCC's 2023 Nassau graduates. (Photo: The Bahamas Maritime Authority)

More Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps Grads Are Opting for Shipping Careers

The Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps (BMCC), which was first established by The Bahamas…

Lungiswa Nyembezi is Servest Marine’s branch manager, a division of the facilities management company Servest.

More Needs to Be Done to Improve Gender Equality in the Maritime Sector

Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and the global economy.

Ky Robillard, 6th grader. Louisiana Key Academy, Baton Rouge; Jamaree Washington, 9th grader, Franklin Senior High School, Franklin, Jordan Savoy, 9th grader, Lafayette High School, Lafayette, Joseph Mitchell, 8th grader, Iberia Middle School, New Iberia, Gabrielle Adams, 8th grader, Louisiana Key Academy, Baton Rouge. (Photo: Jonathan Lopez)

Louisiana Students Take Mississippi River Tour Field Trip

Dozens of South Louisiana middle and high school students eager to learn about careers…

Ashish Anilan (left) - Sustainability Leader, in BV’s Southeast Asia Zone; David Barrow (standing) - Vice President, Marine & Offshore, South Asia Zone; Koh Shu Yong (right) - Director of iCARE (Photo: Bureau Veritas)

BV Opens Innovation and Sustainability Hub in Singapore

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Singapore (BV) has launched a new Center of Excellence…

UK Invests in ‘Maritime and Me’ Diversity Program

UK Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani has pledged £730,000 (about $910,000) in Government…

Marad Administrator Buzby

Marad Seeks Input on Domestic Maritime CoE Policy

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced…

Europe to Fund ‘SkillSea’ Project in Maritime Sector

The European Commission  said it will co-finance the project ‘Futureproof Skills…

Shipowners Welcome EU Maritime Transport Policy

European Transport Ministers have adopted conclusions on the priorities for the EU’s…

© Bill Perry / Adobe Stock

Washington Maritime Economy Grows Stronger -Study

A new report from the Washington Maritime Federation shows strong health of industry…

Related Articles

Offshore Oil

"Offshore" refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Usually the term refers to ocean-based oil extraction , though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas. The remote locations…

Pipelines

Modern pipelines are installed with and other control devices (pumps and valves) to efficiently move liquids, gases, slurries (solid particulates in liquid suspension) and even solids. Pipelines usually consist of welded sections of metal pipe…

The Future of Shipping: Autonomous and Unmanned Marine Vehicles

The maritime industry is on the brink of a revolution, with autonomous and unmanned marine vehicles poised to redefine the future of shipping. These innovative vessels, powered by advanced technologies and cutting-edge propulsion systems, offer numerous advantages, including increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced safety. In this article, we'll explore the current state of autonomous marine vehicles, their propulsion systems, and the potential impact they may have on the global shipping industry.

Winch

A winch is a mechanism used to reel in, to let out, or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope, wire, or cable. Boats and ships make use of multiple winches to handle halyards, sheets, as well as anchor or mooring lines. The basic mechanism consists…

Autonomous Ships: Charting the Course for the Future of Maritime Navigation

The maritime industry is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation with the advent of autonomous ships. These vessels, capable of operating without human intervention, represent a significant leap forward in technology, promising to reshape the future of global shipping. Autonomous ships, also known as unmanned vessels, are designed to navigate and perform various operational tasks using advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and communication systems. This innovation is set to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the maritime sector.

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week