A Guide to Different Seafarer Jobs at Sea

There are so many different seafarer jobs that a list of all of them might just stretch the length of a container ship’s deck and back.

Okay, that might not be a strictly scientific fact and we may have just made that up, but the truth is maritime jobs are so varied that it’s almost impossible to create a comprehensive guide to all of them in one place.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a marine college or academy and undertaking maritime training and wondering which jobs at sea you could study for, to really understand the direction your career should take, you’ll need to narrow seafarer jobs down into broader categories.

And then delve deeper into the subject before you even start thinking about how to get a job at sea.

What are some different types of maritime jobs?

For example, at its very broadest the maritime job sector can be divided into offshore jobs at sea and shore based maritime jobs in the shipping industry.

Within those two divisions you could further divide offshore jobs into seafarer jobs - i.e. working on a ship, and offshore jobs working on oil rigs or in drilling.

And of course, shore based maritime jobs can encompass anything from working as a ship broker or a lecturer in a maritime training school, to a port operative or stevedore.

And that’s not even touching upon ocean adjacent jobs such as a marine biologist, marine conservationist, or ocean meteorologist.

For the purposes of this article, we’re going to take a closer look at just some of the most popular jobs at sea on vessels, including entry level cargo ship jobs, as well as some of the more well known shore based maritime jobs.

Examples of shore based maritime jobs

Like we said, it would be almost impossible to list every single one of the shore based maritime jobs that you could consider, but we hope this guide to some of the most popular jobs in seaports will give you a good starting point and help you to decide whether a career in shipping is for you.

We’ll start our list off with some of the maritime jobs in ports you might want to consider.

What does a Marine Pilot do?

AMarine Pilot is a person who has an in-depth knowledge of a particular port’s entry and exit and any unique or difficult to navigate features it might have. The Pilot will board a vessel that is approaching or departing the port and navigate her safely in or out to ensure a trouble-free passage.

What is a Vessel Traffic Services Operative?

Unlike the Marine Pilot, a VTSO won’t board a ship but will be found in the port’s control center. Their task is to control the safe and efficient movement of vessels in and around the port by using marine radar and communicating with the ship by radio telephone or VHF radio.

What does a Port Manager’s job involve?

A job for those who like being in charge! The majority of port-related operations and activity fall under the jurisdiction of the Port Manager. This can typically include the development of the seaport, health and safety, the port’s operations, and liaising with all of the different companies and organizations who use the port, such as shipowners and freight forwarders.

a woman working in an office in a shore based maritime job

What does a Dockworker do?

A Dockworker, Longshoreman, Stevedore, or Docker is one of the entry level maritime jobs that doesn’t need formal maritime training. It involves loading and unloading a ship’s containers and can include deciding how those containers should be stacked. Operating heavy machinery, forklift trucks and goods lorries are a big part of this job.

What is a Port Operator’s job?

When the dockworkers have finished unloading the containers, the Port Operators will make sure that the cargo is safely transported from the ship to either a holding zone or a depot, or onto a truck or train for onward transportation. This is another shore based marine job that will likely require workers be qualified to operate a mobile crane and/or forklift truck.

What does a Shipfitter do?

A shipfitter, or ship fitter job is pretty much what it sounds like: fitting the parts of a vessel together. However it can be broken down into two different jobs: engine fitter and deck fitter. Generally speaking, a shipfitter will follow blueprints to cut out, fabricate, assemble and erect metal sheets to create the vessel’s main structure. The job also covers maintaining and repairing the same.

Now let’s take a look at some of the seafarer jobs that actually entail spending time at sea.

From entry level cargo ship jobs to Able Seaman jobs and Oiler jobs, right through to jobs for ship’s Masters and Chief Engineer jobs, this by no means exhaustive list will hopefully give you a clearer picture of just a handful of options for the vacancies for seamen that could be available to you.

Maritime jobs and seafarer ranks

Working on a container ship is unlike going to work in the vast majority of environments. If you’re thinking of working in a shore based maritime job, you know that you’ll probably be working, for the most part, in an office or at a port.

If you’re looking into seafarer jobs on ships then you’re going to need to break your workplace down even further and decide what type of vessel and which part of the vessel you want to work in or on.

For example, do you want to spend your time in the engine room? Or on the bridge or in the pilothouse? Perhaps you’d prefer to be working up on deck, or maybe you’d like to put your chef skills to good use and work in the galley preparing meals? Depending on your skills and interests, the choice is yours.

We’re going to list the following commercial vessel jobs by department and in (rough) order of ranking from lowest to highest, to make it a bit easier to find what you’re looking for.

Jobs on ships in the Engine Department

The crew members in the Engine Department on a ship are responsible for the maintenance and functioning of all mechanical and electrical systems onboard. This is a brief outline of the main jobs in a ship’s Engine Department.

What does a Wiper on a ship do?

The position of Wiper on a ship is an entry level maritime job that anyone starting out on their career at sea could consider applying for. Wipers work in the engine room and are tasked with assisting the engineers, and cleaning the machinery and engine spaces. Some Wipers go on to work in Oiler jobs after they have served their apprenticeship.

Fitter jobs on cargo ships

A Fitter in the Engine Department of a ship plays a role in the routine maintenance and emergency repairs of the mechanical aspects of the ship's machinery. This includes engines, pumps, compressors, and other mechanical systems.

What does a Motorman on a ship do?

A Motorman will stand watch with the engine officer on duty and will help with repair and maintenance as well as carry out more basic tasks in the engine room and around the vessel such as cleaning or painting.

a man working in a ship's engine room in a Motorman job

What do Junior Electrician jobs involve on a ship?

Ship Junior Electricians are entry level cargo ship jobs but the remit still includes tasks such as installing and replacing electrical components and wiring, the repair and maintenance of faulty electrics, and reading (and understanding) technical diagrams and blueprints.

Electro-Technical Officer jobs

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) focuses on monitoring and maintaining the ship’s electrical equipment. The tasks involved include ensuring maintenance schedules are planned and followed, troubleshooting problems with the equipment or systems under their care, diagnosing faults and potential problems and repairing where necessary. They assist the Chief Engineer.

Marine Electrician jobs on cargo ships

The ship’s Electrician will be installing, inspecting, repairing and replacing electrical components and wiring. They will also be responsible for the repair and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment on board the vessel. This equipment could be anything from pumps and motors to radios and navigation systems.

Second/Third/Fourth/Fifth Engineers and Engine Cadet jobs

Tasked with performing duties that enable the efficient operation of the engine room, lower ranking engineers are involved in everything from the correct operation, maintenance, upkeep, and condition of the boilers, and auxiliary equipment and machinery to work with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, depending on their job title. The Second Engineer, also known as the First Assistant Engineer, supervises the daily operations of the department and assumes responsibility if the Chief Engineer is sick or incapacitated.

What do Chief Engineer jobs involve?

The Chief Engineer or CE is the head of the Engine / Technical Department, and operations. They ensure the engine room machinery is running correctly and are responsible for repair and maintenance being carried out. They also ascertain the amount of fuel, oil and lube needed for a voyage and ensure the correct quantities are on board.

a female seafarer working in a marine engineer job

Jobs on ships in the Deck Department

In the merchant navy / merchant marines, the the Deck Department is managed by deck officers who oversee navigation, communications, crew management, cargo handling, and the general operation of the ship. These are the crew members who, generally speaking, work in the Deck Department.

Deck Cadet duties and responsibilities

Deck Cadet duties and responsibilities include manual tasks such as cleaning and maintenance on deck, basic paperwork such as taking printouts, being on cargo watch and navigation. Basically their main task involves learning how to work on a ship, both on the bridge where navigating duties take place, and on deck.

What is a Deck Fitter job?

Usually found on bulk carrier vessels, a a Deck Fitter is responsible for fitting, maintaining and repairing any damaged parts on a vessel’s decks. This is an ongoing process and Deck Fitter jobs are crucial in helping to keep a vessel safe and seaworthy while on a voyage.

What is an Ordinary Seaman?

The Ordinary Seaman, or OS, is one of the entry level cargo ship jobs you might want to consider if you’re just starting out on your career at sea and don’t have much experience on your maritime resume just yet. This is basically a position where you’ll learn the ropes of being a seaman.

What are Able Bodied Seaman jobs?

An Able Seaman, Able Bodied Seaman or simply, AB works on a ship’s deck and is a level above an Ordinary Seaman, having more experience on their seafarer resume, and more sea time. The job includes acting as lookout and conducting security rounds while the ship is under way. They also assist with deck operations such as docking, undocking, and line handling, as well as deck maintenance.

Working as a Bosun on a ship

The Bosun will oversee the maintenance of the ship's exterior and equipment, including anchors, cables and small boats onboard, and will report directly to the Chief Officer, keeping them informed about tasks and work in progress. This role also involves coordinating daily work schedules, mooring, anchoring, and ensuring the deck crew performs their tasks efficiently.

a smiling seafarer standing on the deck of a container ship

What does a Deck Officer or Mate do on a ship?

Second, third, fourth and fifth deck officers (also called mates) are responsible for a ship’s safe navigation and maneuvering. This includes communicating with operatives on shore and also making sure cargo is properly handled and delivered. A typical career path would see you working your way up from the lowest ranking officer/mate to Chief Officer/Mate.

What are Chief Officer jobs?

One of the top paying jobs at sea is the rank of Chief Officer/Mate. The Chief Officer is second in command to the ship’s Master and takes control if they should be absent or incapacitated. Their regular responsibilities include safety and security, supervising the deck crew, standing watch, looking after cargo operations and also ensuring the welfare of the crew.

What is a Ship Master’s job?

The Master or the Captain, as they are also known, assumes the ultimate command over a vessel. They are accountable for making sure the ship operates efficiently and within the remit of the various laws and regulations. They also ensure that both crew and cargo are kept safe at all times. This includes marine security and safe navigation down to the vessel’s seaworthiness. The Master is also responsible for keeping the ship’s documents and certificates safe.

Jobs on ships in the Stewards Department

The Stewards Department focuses on the wellbeing and comfort of both crew and passengers (if there are any). The department is especially vital on cruise ships, where the quality of life and sustenance onboard directly impacts the overall voyage experience. Needless to say, the Stewards Department on a cargo or container ship is a lot smaller than that on a super yacht, ferry or cruise ship. The list below covers just a handful of the maritime careers in this department.

Utility Worker / Dishwasher / Messman / Messboy jobs on ships

What this seafarer job is called really depends on the company that owns or operates the ship as well as the type of ship. On passenger ships, utility workers or dishwashers, as they are often referred to, and as the name suggests, handle the cleaning of the galley and dining areas. On a cargo ship or similar vessel, the role is usually referred to as Messman, with Messboy being a junior role. Whatever the title, the primary function is to maintain standards of cleanliness onboard.

Steward and Stewardess jobs on cruise ships and yachts

Often seen as one of the more glamorous jobs at sea, Stewards and Stewardesses directly interact with passengers and crew. A team of them will be found onboard cruise ships and other passenger vessels. Their duties include serving meals, cleaning cabins and public areas, and attending to passengers' needs.

a man working in a stewards job on a yacht handing a guest a towel

Working as a Chief Cook, Cook, Chef or Baker on a commercial ship

You will find a ship’s Cook preparing meals for the crew on cargo vessels but a full team of Chefs, Cooks, Sous-Chefs, Bakers and more will be manning the galley on a cruise ship. A Cook or Second Cook supports the Chief Cook and assists in meal preparation. They may specialize in certain types of dishes or cuisines. The Baker, often a separate role, focuses on making bread, pastries, and other baked goods.

What are Chief Steward jobs on yachts and cruise ships?

Found on cruise and other leisure ships, the the Chief Steward leads the Stewards Department, overseeing all catering, housekeeping, and hospitality services on the vessel. This role involves menu planning, inventory management, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with health and hygiene standards. The Chief Steward or Stewardess also coordinates with other departments to ensure the crew and passengers' needs are met efficiently.

How to get a job at sea

We hope that these brief summaries have given you a little more insight into the types of jobs at sea you might hope to eventually include on your maritime resume.

But of course, once you’ve finished your maritime training, you’re going to need to know exactly how to find maritime job vacancies.

That will include everything from knowing where to search for seafarer jobs to understanding how to organize that job search so you’re lining up contracts one after the other.

And if you’re starting out in your career and applying for entry level cargo ship jobs, you’re also going to need to know how to impress a potential employer, both with your maritime resume and at an interview to win that job!

Meanwhile, if you’re reading this and you’re already a qualified seaman, take a look at our online seafarer jobs board. Seen something you’re interested in? If you already have an account with Martide, simply click the Apply button in the job advert.

Martide's seafarer jobs online on a computer monitor

No account yet? Not a problem - register here for free, create your profile, and apply. It doesn’t take long and it’s simple to do.

You should download our free mobile app too. That way you’ll have your profile, account, and vacancies for seamen at your fingertips no matter where in the world you are! It makes lining up your next contract easier than ever before.

Search for Martide on the Apple App Store or Google Play today!

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This blog post was originally published on March 2nd 2020 and updated on May 20th 2025