Questions seafarers ask before, during and after a contract.

Entry-level deck and engine ratings — Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, Messman — accept candidates with STCW Basic Training and no prior sea time. Officer and senior engineer roles require documented sea service and a Certificate of Competency.

STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) is the international convention governing maritime training. The basic "STCW Basic Safety Training" course — covering survival, fire, first aid and personal safety — is the universal entry requirement for any seagoing role. It's a short course (typically 5 days) available at maritime training colleges worldwide.

Deck careers focus on navigation, cargo and ship handling — progressing from OS to AB, through Officer ranks to Master. Engine careers focus on propulsion, machinery and technical systems — progressing from Wiper to Motorman, through Engineer ranks to Chief Engineer. Both require similar sea time to reach officer level, but the day-to-day work and certifications are completely different.

Entry ratings typically earn $1,200–2,500/month. Mid-level officers and engineers range $3,000–7,000. Senior officers, Chief Engineers and Masters commonly earn $7,000–14,000+. Accommodation, meals and return travel are usually included on top of the salary figure.

Day-rate roles (common in offshore support) can pay more per day worked, but income stops between assignments. Monthly salary contracts (typical of deep-sea cargo and tankers) pay a fixed amount for the contract duration regardless of port delays. Which is better depends on how reliably you can secure back-to-back contracts.

Deep-sea cargo and tanker contracts usually run 4–9 months. Offshore support roles (AHTS, PSV) often use shorter rotations of 4–8 weeks on and equal time off. The joining date and contract length should always be confirmed in writing before you travel to join.

At minimum: a valid passport, STCW Basic Safety Training certificates, a seafarer medical fitness certificate, and a seaman's discharge book. Officer positions additionally require a Certificate of Competency for the relevant rank. Tanker roles need tanker endorsements; offshore roles may need DP certification.

Typically 3–4 years from starting a maritime college programme — combining shore-based study with the required sea time (usually 12 months) and passing the CoC examination. Some cadetship programmes are sponsored by shipping companies.

Yes — MLC 2006 (Maritime Labour Convention) requires employers to cover medical treatment for seafarers on contract, including evacuation if necessary. Confirm what's covered exactly with your employer before signing.

Use established job boards and crewing agencies that list named ship management companies. Legitimate agencies never charge seafarers a placement fee. Be cautious of unsolicited offers through social media or messaging apps.