How To Become a Seafarer: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a seafarer, including education, skills, salary and more.
Seafarers are people who work on ships and other vessels that travel on the sea. They may be responsible for navigation, cargo, maintenance or other shipboard duties. Seafarers typically have a passion for the ocean and a desire to travel. If you are interested in a career at sea, there are several things you need to know, including the different types of seafarer jobs and the steps you need to take to become one. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about becoming a seafarer.
What Does a Seafarer Do?
Seafarers are people who work on board ships and other vessels that travel across oceans and bodies of water. They typically have a specific job or trade that they specialize in, such as working as a deckhand, engineer, chef, doctor, electrician, mechanic or navigator. Seafarers usually spend months at a time away from land, so they must be able to live and work in close quarters with others for extended periods of time.
Some common duties of a seafarer include:
- Maintaining the vessel and keeping it clean
- Operating the vessel’s machinery and equipment
- Navigating the vessel using maps, compasses and other tools
- Monitoring the vessel’s radio communications
- Supervising the loading and unloading of cargo
- Inspecting the vessel regularly for any damage or repairs that need to be made
- Keeping track of the vessel’s supplies and ordering more when necessary
- Cooking meals for the crew
- Providing medical care to the crew
Seafarer Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a seafarer is $54,075. This figure can vary based on the level of experience, education, industry and geographical location of the seafarer.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for seafarers to increase at a below average rate over the next decade. This is due to many factors such as the increasing automation of maritime jobs and the declining popularity of maritime careers.
How to Become a Seafarer
Here are several steps you should take to become a seafarer.
1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent
Seafarers must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some merchant marine academies and training programs offer classes to earn a high school equivalency diploma. If you don’t want to enroll in one of these programs, consider taking college courses that will help you prepare for a career as a seafarer. Courses in math, science and English can all be helpful when it comes to studying navigation and understanding maritime law.
2. Join the Merchant Marine and complete basic training
Once you have a high school diploma or equivalent, you can apply to the United States Merchant Marine. You must be between the ages of 18 and 62 to join this branch of the military. Candidates must pass a physical exam and background check before they are accepted into the program.
Once you are accepted into the Merchant Marine, you will attend basic training at the U.S. Maritime Academy in New York City. This training lasts for eight weeks and covers topics such as maritime law, navigation and shipboard procedures.
3. Obtain a license from the United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard issues licenses to seafarers who meet the necessary requirements. To obtain a license, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed basic training with the Merchant Marine. You must also pass an exam that tests your knowledge of maritime law, navigation, first aid and other relevant topics.
The exact licensing requirements vary depending on the type of vessel you want to work on. For example, if you want to work as a deck officer on a container ship, you need a third mate unlimited tonnage license. If you want to work as a deck officer on a bulk carrier, you need a master unlimited tonnage license.
4. Serve as an apprentice under a more experienced seafarer
After completing basic training, you can serve as an apprentice under a more experienced seafarer. Apprenticeships last three years and provide hands-on experience in all aspects of maritime life. Seafarers who work as apprentices often earn between 50 and 75 percent of the standard wage depending on their level of experience.
5. Work your way up through the ranks of the Merchant Marine
As you gain experience as a seafarer, you can work your way up through the ranks of the Merchant Marine. As a deck officer, you may be in charge of loading and unloading cargo, navigating the ship and communicating with other vessels. You might also serve as a watch officer, which involves monitoring the ship’s instruments to ensure it stays on course.
As an engineer or engine officer, you are responsible for maintaining the vessel’s engines and ensuring they operate safely. As you advance in rank, you may become a master or captain. This role is similar to that of a deck officer but has more responsibility. A master or captain must not only navigate the ship but also make sure all maritime laws are followed.
6. Become a member of a union such as the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots
Seafarers who work on U.S.-flagged vessels are eligible to join the Seafarer’s International Union (SIU), which is a labor union that represents seafarers and other maritime workers around the world. Membership in the SIU provides access to training, legal assistance and health insurance for you and your family. Joining the SIU also allows you to apply for jobs with shipping companies through the union.
7. Stay up to date on changes in maritime law and regulations
Seafarers must be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations that govern their industry. The United States Coast Guard regularly updates its rules and guidelines, so it’s important for seafarers to stay informed of any changes. Seafarers should also keep up with international maritime law as well as the labor laws in the countries where they work.
