Maritime jobs are way different than traditional jobs in the market. Compared to other conventional occupations, life in the maritime industry can be difficult, but thrilling. You can successfully navigate the ways of the maritime industry and direct your career in the right direction by efficiently mapping your education and training.
I have been associated with the maritime industry for over two decades. I started my career as a seafarer and became a maritime entrepreneur. From every experience that I have gained in this industry, I have understood the importance of training and education for embarking on a successful career in this industry. There are several ways to develop your skill set if you are interested in becoming an expert in any profession.
In this blog post, I will go through the crucial phases of mapping your education and training, guiding you through a variety of maritime programmes to locate the one that best suits your goals.
First, you need to identify your goals.
You need to know about your goals and develop a clear understanding of them.
The maritime industry involves a diverse field with a wide range of career options. It is important to identify what interests you. Therefore, the first question that you need to ask yourself is, “What specific field in this industry interests you?”
The maritime industry has transitioned a lot over the years. There are always new things that will leave you unlearned, and the only way to become successful is through appropriate education and training.
Now, you might think about the career options to which you can map your education and training in an effort to identify the best maritime programmes and institutions.
Here, I have listed the best opportunities in the maritime industry.
Maritime Jobs – In Demand
• Naval Architect
• Marine Engineer
• Shipbuilding Engineer
• Marine Navigation
• Oil Driller
• Tugboat career
• Electro Technical Officer (ETO)
• Ship Superintendent
• Maritime Security Jobs
• Port Operation
• Vessel Traffic Services Operatives
• Chartering Manager
• Fleet Engineer
• Maritime law
There are other options as well where you can develop a successful career in maritime. Each of the fields might seem intriguing, but you have to understand your capabilities and focus on your vision. “Proper education and training will help you achieve your desired goals from beginning to end.”
Maritime Training Programs :
Students interested in a career in the maritime industry can choose from a variety of programmes and courses when it comes to maritime training. The training opportunities will provide you with the expertise and skills necessary to embark on the career path of your choice.
You must enrol in a marine academy. You don’t need a degree to attend the school; however, certain advanced courses demand that applicants first pass more fundamental courses. For instance, the Proficiency in Medical Care (PMC) course requires the completion of the Medical First Aid (MFA) course.
After learning the fundamentals of maritime academies, consider these course examples to have a better picture of what maritime courses are like:
• Deck and Engine Cadet programs: From this program you will get the training for the deck department of the ship. It provides practical and theoretical education regarding navigation and safety.
• Basic Safety Training (BST) Programs: These are the comprehensive training programs that cover effective safety protocols and procedures for a seafarer. These courses cover firefighting, individual survival skills, basic first aid, personal safety, and social duties, giving participants the knowledge and abilities they need to ensure their own safety and the safety of others while at sea.
• Simulated Training Programs: These training programs include simulated experiences in ship handling, navigation, engine operation, and crisis management, allowing participants to hone their abilities in a safe and controlled setting before applying them in the field. Advanced simulation technologies are used in the marine industry’s simulated training programmes to duplicate real-world situations and give seafarers hands-on instruction.
• Apprenticeship Programs: These training initiatives help the aspiring seafarers to get trained in an established maritime company. The practical experience and mentoring provided by these programmes enable students to gain knowledge and abilities in certain maritime disciplines while working under the supervision of seasoned professionals, preparing them for potential future career prospects in the sector.
• Maritime Skills and Training Programs: These programmes provide students with the specialised training they need to perform their tasks successfully and help ensure the safe as well as effective operation of ships or maritime activities.
You may improve your employability and position yourself for a prosperous career in the maritime industry by obtaining the essential skills and certifications through these training alternatives.
Maritime careers for ratings and how they work
In contrast to the military, a career in the merchant navy involves working in commands, stages of instructions, expertise, and experiences. There are officers (those with high education and certification levels) and ratings (those with low education and certification levels).
In conclusion, strong education is required for both officers and ratings, however the degrees vary. With either a higher or lesser level of education, you can work and make money in the maritime industry. For a start, consider the major rating scales below:
Bosun:
A ship’s deck or navigation department is responsible for the duties of this most senior deck rating. The ship’s bosun assists in performing numerous tasks and repairs. He or she oversees the performance of duties delegated to the deck rating crew department by the chief mate or other officers.
Pump man:
Careers as pump operators are primarily found aboard tanker ships and some offshore facilities. A pump man’s profession involves working with pipes aboard ships and offshore boats. It’s a very responsible job that calls for both mental and physical fortitude. He or she directs the deck rating crews to complete the tasks given to them in collaboration with the bosun.
Able Seaman (AB):
AB is a watchkeeping-certified employee with experience. His or her duties include carrying out repairs in the ship’s deck department under the direction of the bosun, aiding navigation officers in ship manoeuvring, and keeping watch from the bridge in ports and during sea journeys.
After 34 months of sea duty, an able seaman’s career can be advanced to become an officer. However, after 34 months of sea service, you will still be required to complete more training, even though in most nations obtaining a higher degree is a prerequisite for earning an officer’s licence (certificate of competence, or COC).
(OS) Ordinary Seaman:
As for a promising career at sea, I believe that becoming an OS is the first step. OS is a very good place to start when getting experience at sea on a rating level in addition to cadetship (trainee student). Working under the direction of the bosun and AB, OS’s duties are carrying out tasks on the ship’s deck department.
Ship Fitter:
A qualified welder with a wide enough range of duties is a ship fitter. Under the direction of the ship’s engine or deck officer, fitters are responsible for fitting, maintaining, and repairing ships. He or she has the skills necessary to run lathe equipment, join metals, and perform other similar tasks. Fitter serves as the ratings crews’ captain in the engine room.
Oiler and Motorman:
Oiler, in contrast to the AB on the deck department, is a certified member of the engine room watchkeeping staff with expertise. His or her duties include carrying out repairs in the ship’s engine room under the supervision of a fitter, assisting engine officers with machinery repairs, cleaning the engine room, and maintaining engine room watch during sea journeys and at ports.
After 34 months of sea duty, an oiler’s career can be advanced to become an officer. However, everything is subject to the nation’s certification laws.
Wiper:
Larger ships may require a wiper position since wipers assist ship officers with numerous operations, cleaning, and painting while also aiding in ship upkeep. There are more opportunities to learn and advance in this career than in OS, which has more stringent educational requirements.
Importance of industry connections and networks:
Focus on alumni network and career services:
While Proceeding with the programs or in the institution, you will get the opportunity to meet with various alumni. I was always advised to connect and network with current students at the university.
Also search for programmes that include career counselling that will help with job placement, and alumni mentoring initiatives. Your chances of finding work in the maritime sector can be greatly improved by the support offered by the university and its alumni.
This blog may serve as a reminder of the significance of mapping appropriate training and education before getting into the maritime industry.
Conclusion
There are other fields as well that are not covered in this article. Overall, there are a lot of associated educational institutions for maritime training that are eager to assist you in receiving the appropriate training and developing your skills.
Once you’ve been accepted into the programme, make an effort to use your contacts in the sector to discover openings there. Keep in mind that it is impossible to become a prosperous maritime entrepreneur soon.
If your need is not stated above, leave a comment on this post or email us, and we would be happy to point you in the right direction. Also, feel free to leave a remark if this guideline has been helpful to you in general or if you have any questions or suggestions. We will reply with further details.