CAREERS AT SEA
The maritime industry includes all enterprises engaged in the business of designing, constructing, manufacturing, acquiring, operating, supplying, repairing and/or maintaining ships, or component parts thereof: of managing and/or operating shipping lines, stevedoring , customs brokerage services, shipyards, dry docks, marine railways, marine repair shops, shipping and freight forwarding services and similar enterprises.
The following information is aimed particularly at individuals interested in a Career at Sea and more particularly as part of the Merchant Navy serving onboard merchant vessels, such as Container ships or Tankers.
If you are interested in a career as a seafarer on a ship, which is commonly referred to as the Merchant Navy, a number of requirements have to be met before you can start your career. There are also a number of disciplines or departments on every ship , the most significant ones being Navigation and Engineering and you need to decide which you prefer before you start. There are also different levels of employment within each department the most significant being the role of Officers (who mainly manage and are the decision makers) and Ratings (who are semi skilled and whose work is more labour intensive)
Seafaring is a demanding occupation that, like many careers , has advantages and disadvantages and you must be sure that these are acceptable to you otherwise you will not find the career fulfilling.
Here are some that you should consider;
Advantages
- Long leave (can be as much as 183 days per year worked)
- Travel the world (Ships trading routes are global)
- Internationally Recognised Qualification (global employment market)
- Ample work and promotional prospects (Global shortages in many ranks)
Disadvantages
- Long leave (can be as much as 183 days per year worked)
- Travel the world (Ships trading routes are global)
- Internationally Recognised Qualification (global employment market)
- Ample work and promotional prospects (Global shortages in many ranks)
A career at sea is a tough career but it also holds many positive experiences, it does however require certain characteristics such as;
- Willingness to obey orders
- Strong sense of responsibility
- Integrity and initiative
- Reliability – able to work without supervision
- Ability to work in a group / team
- Ability to interact with others (different cultures)
- Ability to work long hours
- Ability to work under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Good leadership capabilities
The following are the most common career paths followed:
NAVIGATION
- Navigating Officer (that leads to the Rank of Captain of the ship, commonly known as the Master)
- Deck Rating
MARINE ENGINEER
- Engineer Officer (that leads to the Rank of Chief Engineer of the ship)
- Engine Rating
There is a specific course of study and career path for each of these which have been set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) whose regulations have been set out in the Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). All countries that adopt these regulations, like South Africa, can recognise and accept qualifications of seafarers from these countries which makes this career a global one.
IMO also requires that seafarers do a number of safety related training and courses before they can work on a ship, which includes the following;
- First Aid at Sea Certificate (FAAS)
- Marine Fire Fighting Certificate
- Basic Security Awareness Certificate
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility Certificate (PSSR)
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Medical Clearance Certificate – obtained from a SAMSA approved medical practitioner
- Letter of Employment from Shipping Company
- Apply to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) for a Seaman’s Book
CRUISE SHIP PASSENGER SERVICE PERSONNEL
In order to work on a cruise ship, be it in passenger hospitality and entertainment, health and wellness or security applicants need to be over 21 years of age, the relevant qualifications and at least 1 year’s working experience in their chosen discipline.
School Learners
Do I have to complete Grade 12?
If I do not have matric can I still get a job ‘at sea’?
Which Matric subjects do I have to take so that I can enroll at a maritime college?
What can I do to get a head start in my career at sea?
It is also good to always know what is next for example: What are the steps to qualify as an Officer?
I have a physical disability or medical condition. Can I pursue a career at sea?
School Leavers
Where can I apply for maritime studies?
After school you should apply to a maritime college.
What does OOW mean?
How long is does it take to obtain an OOW qualification?
What other careers at sea are there besides following Officer of the Watch National Diploma Level studies?
What are the requirements for Navigation Officer?
- Matric with 60% pass mark achieved for maths & physical science
- S1 & S2 in maritime National Diploma Level Studies
- Medically fit for seagoing duties and pass SAMSA eyesight test
What are the requirements for Engineer officer?
- Matric with 60% pass mark achieved for maths & physical science
- S1 & S2 in maritime National Dimploma Level Studies – Marine Engineering
- Medically fit for seagoing duties and pass SAMSA eyesight test