What Are Virtual Maritime Career Fairs & Open Days?

The maritime industry has long been a cornerstone of global trade and transportation and traditionally, finding a job in the shipping or logistics sectors meant attending in-person career fairs, visiting company booths, and networking at industry events. 

However, with the rapid advancement of technology and the growing demand for remote interactions, virtual career fairs and open days have emerged as a valuable alternative. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore what these virtual events are and how they can help you if you’re looking for a maritime job to find your next position or career move. We’ll also highlight some examples of organizations hosting these types of events across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

Virtual maritime career fairs and open days: an explanation

Virtual maritime job fairs and open days are online events specifically designed for job seekers and employers within the maritime industry. These events use digital platforms to bring together potential candidates - both those looking for offshore and seafarer jobs and those looking for shore-based maritime jobs - and hiring organizations.

As the name suggests, a virtual career fair or open day replicates the experience of traditional in-person events but without those tricky geographical or physical constraints.

Still a bit perplexed at how a virtual career fair works? Keep reading. 

Virtual career fairs

Virtual career fairs are organized events where maritime companies, manning agencies, and other industry associations set up online “booths” or virtual rooms. Job seekers can browse these booths, interact via chat or video conferencing, and attend webinars or presentations hosted by industry professionals. 

Virtual career fairs often include features such as:

• Virtual booths: Interactive spaces where companies share information about their services, culture, and current job openings.
• Live chat and video calls: Tools that allow attendees to speak directly with marine recruiters, manning agents, hiring managers and recruitment officers.
• Webinars and presentations: Scheduled sessions that offer insights into the maritime sector, career development tips, and details about specific job roles.
• Resume submission: Opportunities to upload your seafarer resume and apply for positions directly through the event platform.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Seafarer Resume

Virtual open days

Virtual open days are similar to virtual career fairs but often have a more focused objective: to showcase a specific company or institution’s work environment, culture, and career opportunities. These events usually provide a more in-depth look at what it’s like to work at a particular organization. 

Features of virtual open days include:

• Interactive tours: Virtual tours of the workplace, offices, facilities or vessels, often including video presentations and interactive Q&A sessions.
• Employee testimonials: Live or recorded sessions where current employees share their experiences and answer questions.
• In-depth sessions: Detailed discussions about career paths, training programs, and future opportunities within the company.
• Networking opportunities: Smaller, more focused networking sessions that allow for deeper conversations between potential candidates and current employees.

How do virtual career fairs and open days benefit maritime job seekers?

Virtual career fairs and open days offer a number of advantages for anyone looking to break into or advance within the maritime industry:

1. Accessibility and convenience

One of the greatest benefits is the accessibility of these events. Maritime career opportunities can be found all over the world, but geographical distance or travel constraints can sometimes prevent job seekers from attending traditional career fairs. 

Virtual events break down these barriers by allowing you to participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This convenience makes it easier to explore opportunities without having to incur travel costs or take time off work - something that will be crucial if you’re currently onboard a vessel!

2. Broadening your network

Virtual career fairs enable you to connect with a wide range of maritime employers and manning agencies that might otherwise be out of reach. With digital tools, you can quickly switch between virtual booths, join breakout sessions, and participate in networking lounges. 

This exposure to diverse organizations - ranging from shipping companies and port authorities to maritime technology firms and regulatory bodies - can significantly expand your professional network.

3. Learning about the industry

Virtual events are not just about maritime job listings; they are also educational opportunities. Many events feature webinars, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with industry experts. 

These sessions provide insights into the latest trends, challenges, and technological advancements in the maritime sector. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, learning from industry leaders can help you better understand the field and position yourself for success.

4. Real-time interaction

Despite being online, virtual career fairs and open days facilitate real-time interaction with recruiters and company representatives. This live engagement means you can ask questions on the spot, get immediate feedback on your seafarer resume, and schedule follow-up interviews. 

This immediacy can accelerate your job search process and help you gain clarity on the onshore and seafarer job vacancies that best match your skills, training and aspirations.

5. Cost-effective job searching

Attending a traditional career fair might involve registration fees, travel expenses, and accommodation costs. Virtual events typically require little to no financial investment. This cost-effective approach means you can explore more opportunities without worrying about the expense associated with in-person events.

6. Tailored experiences

Many virtual events allow you to create a personalized schedule or “itinerary” based on your interests. You might choose to attend sessions related to maritime logistics, maritime law, or offshore engineering, ensuring that your experience is relevant and valuable. This level of customization can help you focus your efforts on areas that align with your career goals.

Examples of virtual maritime job fairs and open days by region

Maritime companies and organizations around the world have recognized the benefits of virtual career events and are increasingly hosting them. Here are some notable examples across different regions:

Europe

1. SeaTech Europe Virtual Career Fair

SeaTech Europe is known for hosting events that bring together maritime technology innovators, shipping companies, and logistics experts. Their virtual career fairs provide a platform for job seekers to interact with cutting-edge maritime firms and learn about innovations driving the industry.

2. European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) Open Days

The EMSA periodically hosts virtual events and open days, offering insights into maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. These events are ideal for individuals interested in regulatory and safety roles within the maritime sector.

The Americas

1. American Maritime Institute Virtual Expo

In North America, the American Maritime Institute organizes virtual expos that connect job seekers with major shipping lines, port authorities, and maritime service providers. These events feature virtual booths, live presentations, and interactive Q&A sessions.

2. Caribbean Virtual Maritime Open Day

In the Caribbean region, virtual open days hosted by maritime organizations, maritime universities and cruise lines offer a deep dive into opportunities in ship operations, hospitality on cruise ships, and maritime logistics. These events are particularly useful for those looking to start a career in a region known for its rich maritime heritage.

Asia

1. Asia-Pacific Virtual Maritime Fair

Asia, with its bustling ports and major shipping hubs, is a key region for maritime career events. The Asia-Pacific Maritime Virtual Fair attracts leading companies from across the region, offering opportunities in shipping, maritime law, port management, and more.

2. Singapore Maritime Academy Virtual Open Day

Singapore is a global maritime hub, and its maritime academies frequently host virtual open days. These events allow prospective students and professionals to learn more about academic programs, training opportunities, and career prospects in one of the world’s most dynamic maritime environments.

Africa

1. African Maritime Academy Virtual Career Day

As Africa continues to develop its maritime infrastructure, organizations like the African Maritime Academy have started hosting virtual career days. These events are designed to introduce local talent to international opportunities and promote sustainable maritime development across the continent.

2. West African Shipping Virtual Fair

In West Africa, virtual career fairs organized by regional maritime organizations focus on shipping, logistics, and port operations. These events are tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the region, helping job seekers connect with employers who understand the local maritime landscape.

Please note that all of the above is meant as general information and examples. There are numerous other maritime companies and organizations offering virtual events across the globe and a quick Google should help you find up-to-date and relevant information. 

Tips for making the most of virtual maritime career events

Prepare ahead of time

Before attending a virtual career fair or open day, research the participating companies and organizations. Identify which ones align with your maritime career interests and note down any questions you might want to ask. Prepare an updated seafarer resume and, if possible, a digital profile showcasing your skills and experience.

Test your technology

Since these events are online, ensure that your internet connection, webcam, and microphone are working properly. Familiarize yourself with the event platform beforehand to avoid any technical hiccups on the day.

Dress professionally

Even though you’re attending from the comfort of your home (or vessel!), dressing professionally can help set the right tone for virtual interviews and video calls. It’s also a good way to get into a professional mindset and make a positive impression.

Read more:How to Prepare for a Skype or Zoom Seafarer Job Interview

Engage actively

Don’t hesitate to participate in live chats, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. Engaging actively can help you stand out to crew managers and manning agents and build connections that may lead to job opportunities.

Follow up

After the event, follow up with any maritime recruiters or company representatives you interacted with. Send a thank-you email, reiterate your interest in their organization, and attach your seafarer resume for further consideration. This proactive approach can leave a lasting impression and keep you on their radar.

Conclusion

Virtual maritime career fairs and open days are transforming the way job seekers connect with employers in the shipping industry. By offering accessible, cost-effective, and highly interactive platforms, these virtual events break down geographical barriers and provide unparalleled networking and learning opportunities. 

Whether you’re interested in offshore or seafarer jobs, maritime law, port management, or maritime technology, these events can help you find your next position or career move.

Organizations across the globe are increasingly adopting virtual formats to showcase their opportunities and connect with seafarers and shore-based staff. Proof that the global maritime industry is embracing digital innovation to meet the demands of today’s job market.

By preparing thoroughly, engaging actively, and following up with potential employers, you can leverage these virtual events to advance or jumpstart your career in the maritime sector. 

With technology reshaping the landscape of job searching and networking, virtual maritime career fairs and open days offer an exciting new pathway to your future in the shipping industry.

Find your next maritime job with Martide

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for your next career move or seafarer job, have you taken a look at Martide’s maritime job vacancies?

Just like a virtual career fair, we make it easy for you to find and apply for jobs in the maritime industry wherever you are in the world, and whether you’re on land or currently working at sea.

All you need to do is to create your free seafarer account, fill in your work experience and other information in your personal profile, and then you’ll be ready to apply online for any of our maritime jobs that you think you’d be a good fit for.

Create your Martide account now and we hope to see you onboard - in real life - soon!