Working as a mariner on a vessel is a challenging but rewarding job for adventurous people who like to travel, spend time outdoors on the open waters of the Great Lakes, and have ample free time when home on shore. Maritime jobs offer good wages and benefits and an exciting and fulfilling work environment.
Table of Contents
How do I get a job with an ocean freighter?
First, you need to have maritime certification to gain employment on a cargo ship. Certification includes age requirements, demonstrated sea skills, and competency in various areas of ship protocol and maintenance. Typically, you begin as an able seaman to learn the trade and study for exams.
How do you become a deckhand on a freighter?
The easiest way to become a deckhand is by applying for maritime positions that don’t require specialized licensing and training. Most unskilled professionals in the marine industry are assigned roles aboard inland vessels.
Is maritime a good career?
Career Security Even though it has been wounded during the pandemic, the maritime industry has been in existence for thousands of years, and a good sailor is always needed in every part of the world. This makes maritime a secure career choice.
How much do deckhands make on the Great Lakes?
Deckhands average about $55,000 to $65,000 a season, which usually equates to six or seven months of work. Officers start around $90,000. Captains make $160,000 to $200,000, according to Glenn Kolke, marine personnel manager for Interlake.
Where Does the crew sleep on a cargo ship?
It is extremely important that crew members are provided with proper accommodation facilities to enhance their overall safety, productivity, well-being and morale. The accommodation area is usually in the stern part of the ship. It is close to the steering and navigation areas and also has access to the engine room.
How do I get a job on a cargo ship with no experience?
There are two good ways for the complete novice to get a job on a freighter. One is by going from ship to ship and asking each captain if he needs (a) a deckboy or (b) a workaway. A deckboy is part of the crew and gets paid (although very little) and a workaway gets no wages at all but swaps labor for his passage.
How much do people make unloading cargo ships?
Full-time West Coast dockworkers who load and unload ships make on average nearly $100,000 a year, while clerks who keep track of cargo movements average $120,000. Not only does the medical coverage for active longshoremen require no out-of-pocket expenses, but the same holds true for retirees.
How do I become a deckhand with no experience?
How do you get started with no experience? The answer is you can: apply for entry-level, unqualified Deckhand positions or. attend a maritime training school.
How many hours does a deckhand work?
May work eight- or 12-hour shifts and go home every day, especially if they work on rivers. May work steadily for a week or month and then have an extended time off.
Is being a deckhand hard work?
The bad part of the job is being gone for weeks at a time but if you need to get home they will get you home. It’s hard work but when your home from the boat you home while everyone else works. They offer trip work with extra pay and the benefits are great.
Why seafarers quit their job?
Erratic sleeping schedule, excessive working stress, unfriendly environment, unavailability of fresh food, and inadequate medical facilities drastically affect seafarers’ health.
What is the age limit for Seaman?
Article 12 stipulates that no person under 16 years of age may work on a ship.
What is the lowest position on a ship?
Ordinary seaman The lowest ranking personnel in the deck department. An ordinary seaman (OS) generally helps out with work that able seamen do.
Do deckhands make good money?
Deckhand Salary Deckhands make $56,163 per year on average, or $27.0 per hour, in the United States. Deckhands on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $21,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $145,000.
How many 1000 foot freighters are on the Great Lakes?
While there are thousands of small freighters in the Great Lakes there are only 13 1,000 footers!
Which ship captains make the most money?
Industry and Salaries Inland water captains receive the highest mean wage of $88,530, while deep-sea captains earn a mean income of $84,150.
What do they eat on cargo ships?

Do cargo ships have WiFi?
Does the ship have WiFi? Many ships do now have access to internet and email. Where available this is likely to be charged for, subject to ships business taking priority. Where no internet is available there will be a facility for you to send/receive emails or telephone via satellite.
Do container ships have swimming pools?
However, the captain will often allow passengers to visit these places provided they are discreet and do not get in the way of the crew working. Commercial ships generally have an indoor seawater pool, and a fully-fitted gym with weight machines and a table tennis table.
Is working on a cargo ship hard?
When you’re working on a container ship, there’s no doubt that the stakes are high. Tasked with navigating the safe passage of the ship and its high-value cargo, seafarers face daily challenges with heavy weather and hectic schedules in port โ not to mention intensive training periods โ for months at a time.
What is an entry-level position on a ship?
Entry-level position no with experience required. Duties. Responsible for different tasks on deck areas, such as giving directions to parts of the ship, running errands for the passengers, keeping chairs and deckchairs in good condition and cleanness, and general cleaning on deck areas. Salary.
How do I get a job in the vessel?
- Get an Entry-Level Maritime Job.
- Go to Maritime Training School.
- General Crew.
- Marine Engineer.
- Deck Officer.
- Marine Cook.
- Steward.
- Land-Based Maritime Careers.
How many container ships sink a year?
The World Shipping Council commissioned a nine-year research study to come up with reliable figures for container loss. Between 2008 and 2016, an average of 568 containers were lost per year.
How much do NYC dock workers make?
The average salary for a dock worker is $22.68 per hour in New York, NY and $4,844 overtime per year.