The maritime field is one of the most important and developed sectors, and it is responsible for transporting over 90% of goods all over the world. Here, you can find a wide range of job opportunities, each with its strengths and weaknesses, so you should check out what each one of them has to offer and whether that is the perfect job for you. Let’s check out some of the maritime careers and all the important information about them.

Ship captain

If you want to become a ship captain or a ship master, you should know that this is one of the most prestigious, but at the same time most responsible and challenging positions you can take. The captain is responsible for many things onboard, including operation, navigation, monitoring weather conditions, compliance with maritime laws, dealing with emergencies, and many others. It is one of the most high-demand maritime jobs that you can take, but at the same time it is very rewarding, as you will feel the responsibility for the whole crew and be able to manage every operation there. Of course, you will need a maritime license, which means you will have to pass through rigorous training and excel at your problem-solving skills. At the same time, you will be able to travel the world, enjoy the wonders that the ocean has to give you, and play a critical role in global transportation and trade.

Marine engineer

Marine engineering is another maritime career you can take, and your duties will include everything from designing, operating, and repairing a ship’s mechanical and electrical systems. You will have to make sure that everything functions properly and safely, which minimizes the risks of accidents and downtime, and at the same time, makes the ship more efficient for trading and traveling. Marine engineers must work closely with the rest of the crew to check out whether there are any issues and find possible solutions as soon as possible. Also, you will need to have extensive technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills, and be able to work under pressure, especially in some critical situations.

Navigational officer

The navigational officer is a great career choice for someone who loves the sea and everything that it brings with it. This job offers great salaries for those who are willing to study to become one. It is a quite stable position and it is essential for global trade. Your main job is steering big vessels and managing the deck crew. This is one of the most important positions there are on a vessel, so you will need good leadership skills and you will need to know how to handle pressure. Of course, you are also one of the most responsible if anything happens, so you need to be on your A-game all the time.

Maritime lawyer

A maritime lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in maritime industry deals, like shipping contracts, cargo disputes, insurance, personal injury claims, and many others. As a maritime attorney, you will represent many people, all from shipowners, cargo companies, port authorities, and many others who have any legal issues. First of all, you must have a law degree and then specialize in this field through advanced courses and other certifications. If you want to be successful here, you must have high critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills so that you can work closely with a wide range of people who will require your services. Many times, you will represent your clients in court, so you must be well-prepared and educated to solve their claims successfully and protect their rights.

Electro-Technical officer

Another very vital role that there is on a sea vessel is called an electro-technical officer or ETO. This person has the job of maintaining all the electric and electronic systems that are on the ship. This is a vital role because when you are hundreds of miles from civilization and you do not have electricity, then you do not have a great voyage. Also, modern ships rely on digital technology, which needs to be powered somehow, so having an ETO on board is vital for making sure that everyone will get to the destination safely. To become an ETO, you will have to get a degree in electrical engineering.

Offshore worker

Offshore workers are professionals who usually work on rigs, platforms, and vessels which are located in open waters. They can be anything from drill operators, safety officers, and subsea engineers, which are all responsible tasks and must be done with great care and seriousness. Working offshore can be very physically demanding and people are sometimes away from home for weeks and months, which can be both physically and mentally draining, which is why this job is not for everyone, and if you are thinking about taking it, you must accept all the risks and responsibilities that come with it.

Shipbroker

Shipbrokers play a vital role in shipping. These people are the middlemen between the ship owners and charterers or ship sellers. Also, they arrange cargo transportation and other things so that people can work properly. Of course, a person that wants to have this job needs to have a lot of experience in business and various economic positions in the shipping business so that they can properly do this job. 

Port manager

Every ship has to come to a port if they want to do business and there needs to be a person who will have to oversee every ship and shipment that comes to a particular port. This job belongs to a port manager who has to make sure everything is done by the book and that everything is as safe as possible. To become a port manager, one has to have experience in logistics, port management, or some other related field.

As you can see, the maritime industry offers so many opportunities, which can be rather fulfilling and rewarding, but at the same time risky and responsible. You must think carefully about which one you are willing to take and which one you can bear the best way so that you won’t regret it later on.