Questions people ask before going to sea

Entry-level deck and engine ratings — Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, Deckhand — generally accept candidates with STCW Basic Training and no prior sea time. Officer and senior engineering roles require documented sea service first.

Deck careers center on navigation, cargo operations and ship handling, progressing from Ordinary Seaman through Able Seaman, Officer ranks, to Master. Engine careers center on propulsion, machinery and technical systems, progressing from Wiper through Engineer ranks to Chief Engineer.

Yes — port operations, marine surveying, ship management, and crewing agency roles are land-based but typically require maritime background or prior sea experience to be competitive.

STCW Basic Safety Training (personal survival techniques, fire prevention, first aid, personal safety) plus a valid seafarer medical fitness certificate is the baseline for almost every onboard position.

Entry-level ratings often start around $1,500-$2,500/month. Mid-level officers and engineers range $3,000-$7,000, while senior officers, Chief Engineers and Masters commonly earn $7,000-$14,000+ depending on vessel size and sector.

Tanker and offshore support roles generally pay more than general cargo or bulk carrier roles for an equivalent rank, reflecting stricter certification and higher operational risk.

No — most rank advancement requires a fixed amount of documented sea time in addition to passing the relevant exam or assessment. Time at sea can't be substituted with classroom training alone.

Deep-sea cargo and tanker contracts usually run 4-9 months. Offshore support and some coastal roles run shorter rotational schedules, often several weeks on and equal time off.

Use established crewing agencies and job boards listing named ship management companies. Legitimate agencies never charge jobseekers a placement fee — be cautious of unsolicited offers through social media.