Over the last decade, marine transportation has become a booming career. Demand for these services continues to grow due to the increase in world trade (importation and exportation).
You should consider some important factors if you intend to pursue a career in this field. Maritime transport involves the movement of goods or passengers from one place to another by water.
This transportation means here includes ships, barges, ferries, tugboats, cargo ships, cruise ships, and passenger steamers. There are two main types of shipping including commercial and military.
Commercial shipping refers to the movement of goods and passengers between countries. On the other hand, military sea transport involves the movement of troops and equipment across oceans and seas.
Being a marine professional has several advantages. First, for a novice, you get paid well for your skills and experience.
In addition, you will enjoy working in various environments such as ports, harbors, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Finally, you will have access to amazing opportunities for development and growth.
What Is Maritime Transportation?
Maritime transport includes pre-shipment and post-shipment activities. For many decades man has used waterways to transport people and goods.
The marine industry owes its current state to the development of international trade and the never-ending exchange of goods worldwide.
It is the primary mode of transportation used to transport raw materials, such as oil, grain, and more over long distances.
As a result, shipping gives you an exciting career, as there are many job opportunities and career paths in this industry.
Marine Transportation Job Description
Having a career in marine opens up many opportunities in the industry. The job description will depend on your skills and level of maritime training.
In general, sailors have several stereotypes; they are said to be independent, have a lone wolf mentality, and have tough skin.
A lot of jobs in this sector fit the descriptions you can think of, but skills not typically associated with this line of work are required, such as leadership, observational skills, communication skills, and transferable skills.
If you dread working in a typical nine-to-five job, this could be a career path as it offers flexible working hours, and you don’t have to wear ‘standard’ office clothes.
What Jobs Can I Find In Maritime Transport?
As said earlier, many career opportunities exist in the marine transportation industry. But first, let’s look at the traditional maritime profession.
- Sailors
Sailors play a key role in maintaining the vessel, operating onboard equipment, loading and unloading goods, and maintaining security patrols at sea.
- Marine Oilers
Marine oilers are responsible for maintaining the engine room as their workplace. They lubricate moving engine parts, monitor gauges, make repairs, and schedule maintenance under the close supervision of a technician. Shipbuilders and shipwrights are also responsible for the actual construction, repair, and fitting of ships.
- Importer, Exporter, And Wholesaler.
They are responsible for organizing, managing, and controlling the operations of export, import, and wholesale facilities.
You may be expected to identify local and international business opportunities in the area, create and implement business plans and communicate with distributors and suppliers regarding products and orders.
- Marine Transport Professional
Here, you will be responsible for managing and controlling the operation of boats, navigational equipment, and ships. There are many other options, such as;
- Transport Commissioners
- Shipping agents
- Sea brokers
- Ship suppliers
- Marine welders
- Deep sea divers
- Ferry Workers/Port Manager
- Ship captains
- Marine Engineers
Demands And Average Salary Of Maritime Transport Workers
One of the factors that drag people into the marine transportation industry is its high wages. Another notable factor is that many jobs in this sector have no formal educational requirements.
These entry-level career opportunities allow you to learn on the job with minimal industry experience. So you can learn the job as a skill.
In jobs where you officially work in marine transportation, you may be required to have a certificate, such as a transportation worker identification credential issued by the Transportation Security Administration. If you attend business school, it is beneficial and can give you an edge in certain careers.
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Is Marine Transportation A Good Career Path?
Of course, working in shipping can be very rewarding as it offers a good salary, various opportunities to choose from, and most importantly, the added benefit of traveling around the world.
You can travel around the world and explore the high seas, which can bring a lot of excitement to your life.
You will also meet people of different ethnicities and cultures, not to mention all the delicious cuisines around the world. Working here will give you opportunities such as:
- Possibility of accelerated career progression
- Ability to work with a small group of people
- Travel options
- Adventure
- Flexibility in your career
- Outdoor living
Future Job Prospects In Marine Transportation
The job outlook in the maritime industry is vital as we approach 2030, and some estimates even suggest that the sector will grow in opportunities. Marine captain is one of the occupations that show great potential for growth in the maritime industry.
The Average Salary For Marine Transportation Jobs
Working in mar guarantees you a higher salary compared to other industries. For example, in America, the median wage in shipping is set at $89,113 per year, while entry-level positions typically pay a starting salary of $75,000 per year. The most experienced employees can expect to take home a yearly salary of $118,000.
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What It Takes To Work In Maritime Transportation
When looking out for a job in the maritime industry, it is important to remember that the job is very physically and emotionally demanding. Also, consider the fact that you may have to work in a cold, dirty, and dangerous work environment.
With this at the back of your mind, you will need to be physically fit and have a very high level of endurance to work long hours in adverse weather conditions.
It will help if you have sharp eyesight and hearing, as this can help in bad weather and identify potential threats such as pirates and icebergs.
Decision-making and problem-solving skills are also an advantage, especially in stressful conditions. These qualities are very necessary even if they seem demanding due to the precarious nature of offshore work.
The maritime industry is male-dominated, which may be a factor to consider if you find it uncomfortable whether you are male or female.
Do You Need To Acquire A Degree Or Certificate To Work In Maritime Transportation?
Many jobs in the marine industry can be learned and do not need you to possess any type of degree. With this, you can say that the job does not necessarily need a degree. However, if you are aiming for a higher-paying position, a degree from an accredited institution would benefit you.
Employers may prefer workers who have obtained degrees from the Merchant Marine Academy. These academic programs offer a bachelor’s degree and a merchant mariner credential.
Graduates may also earn the opportunity for a commission as a midshipman in the Merchant Marine Reserve, US Coast Guard Reserve, and US Naval Reserve. Entry-level sailors typically train for a job for six months to a year.
The number of months of training depends on the type of vessel, the size of the ship, and the waterway on which it will work.
For instance, a worker who wants to work on a deep-sea vessel will need more training than those who will work on ships that move on a river.
What Types Of Degree Programs Are There For Marine Transportation
The degree program is helpful if you want to advance your career or start working at a high level in the field. There are many options to choose from depending on the educational requirements of your career choice.
Marine Transportation, B.S
This program teaches the navigation, cargo storage, handling, and operation of offshore vessels such as cargo ships, container ships, and cruise ships.
It is typically developed to emphasize maritime disciplines and basic engineering lessons while teaching apprentices how to behave and survive on the open sea.
These maritime degree programs are typically developed to emphasize and teach marine disciplines and basic engineering lessons while teaching apprentices how to behave and survive on the open sea.
What Skills Are Needed To Be Successful In Marine Transportation?
As you know, most of the jobs available are demanding, and the work environment is unpredictable. Therefore, mariners must have many practical skills to perform their duties even in adverse conditions and hostile environments.
- People And Communication Skills
This is a very important factor as you must have good people skills. In addition, working in the maritime industry entails traveling and interacting with people from different backgrounds.
As a result, you will need to cultivate good speaking skills to interact in a friendly and professional manner with anyone you may meet.
Also, try to learn to be a good listener, as it is an effective way to understand what people want and respond accordingly.
You may need to also learn to control your emotions, especially during confrontations between your colleagues or other strangers.
- Coordination
Coordination is another key skill for anyone wanting to get into marine transportation needs. Officers and pilots steer the ships while constantly watching the horizon on the dashboard screens while operating various controls.
This skill is useful when working in adverse weather conditions that can cause the vessel to rock in rough seas. Crew members may verbally instruct each other on board merchant vessels or fishing boats.
For example, a fishing line may be caught on a fishing boat, and the crew will need to communicate to ensure they get their catch.
Therefore, listening skill is important in this line of work, so much so that one must pass a hearing test before being accepted to work.
- Mechanical Skills
There is always a possibility of facing situations that require you to use tools to perform simple repairs.
All members on board must have some level of mechanical skill, especially those working in the vessel’s key areas, such as the engine compartment.
The mechanical ability works with the physical strength required to load and unload a vessel and move equipment and supplies within the vessel.
- Great Vision
Good sight or visuals is important if you want to join a career in marine transportation. You will need excellent eyesight to perform your daily duties aboard the vessel.
For example, good pilot vision allows you to effectively scan the horizon and carefully anchor the ship, especially in busy ports. Good vision is the industry’s paramount, so a visual test is performed before certification.
How To Get A Job In The Marine Transportation Industry
If you are considering getting involved in this industry, then getting an internship or summer job would be the best starting point for you to witness what employment in the shipping industry is like.
You can start by working as a boatman on a fishing boat or ferry. While you are here, you should make the most of the opportunity by learning from people in the marine trade and communicating with people in the field you want to pursue.
If you are looking forward to a more advanced career path, a sailing course is a good idea, but you should make sure you are up to date in maths and science to pass the entrance exam.
When preparing to enroll in a course, you should ask yourself whether the course is in line with your interests and whether you want to commit to it long-term.
An apprenticeship program can equip you with the skills required for an entry-level position. Depending on your shipping career, you may only be required to attend vocational school or receive on-the-job training.
Drug tests will also be conducted as part of your career entry requirements. Whether you choose the education route or on-the-job training, a career in marine is still one of the best available in today’s job market.
Benefits Of A Career In Marine Transportation
Being away from loved ones has its drawbacks, going to the sea offers sailors lucrative benefits that may not be available in other career paths.
- Long Vacation
Working in the marine industry means spending a lot of time away from your family. This may not be a disadvantage, as the long vacation period balances it out.
Mariners can take up to four months of leave each year. Therefore, extended time off can be used to reconnect and bond with loved ones.
- Extraordinary Wages
Maritime workers earn higher wages compared to many other career paths. These wages can be tax-free, allowing you to save and meet your financial goals.
When you go to the sea, you will also save on food and accommodation costs because these are already taken care of, allowing you to use your finances for other, more important things.
- Good Long-Term Prospects
Working in the marine industry prepares you for life after work by equipping you with leadership and organizational skills that can be in high demand in other work areas.
In addition, the experience you gain from working at sea will also give you a competitive edge when you look for work inland because they know the strength and mental strength it takes to work at sea.
- Your Work Makes An Impact.
Maritime transport is vital to the world economy, as more than 90% of global goods are transported by sea. Therefore, the impact on world trade rests in the hands of the seafarers tasked with transporting these goods between countries.
- It Gives You A Unique Work Experience.
Many jobs today involve long hours sitting in an office all day. The maritime industry breaks this monotony and provides a unique work experience in an ever-changing environment.
It also means that you will work with people of different nationalities and enjoy experiences that no other careers share.
- It Allows You To Travel The World.
Although modern ships have busy schedules and spend less time in port, working in the maritime industry allows you to travel to many places worldwide.
This is one of the main reasons to work in this industry because it exposes you to the real world and allows you to taste different cultures and delicious foods worldwide.
Disadvantages Of A Career In Shipping
Inasmuch as there are many benefits to be gained from working in this industry, it also comes with its challenges.
- It Can Be Dangerous
There are many ways for a crew member to be injured while working aboard a vessel. This can happen, for example, if a member slips and falls on a wet surface, is injured while carrying heavy materials, or even gets seasick.
The threat of pirates is also very real for maritime workers traveling on the high seas. They are prone to pirates who can board the ships, take the crew hostage, and make demands, as is usually the case.
- Limited Access To Friends And Family
When working at sea, hectic working hours can leave you with very little window to communicate with friends and family at home. Since you will be away for some time, it can put a strain on families and relationships.
- High-Pressure Environment
Although some people thrive in these types of environments, they can be very challenging for most because there is no room for error. Mistakes at sea can result in injury or even death.
- Increased Risk Of Disease
You can be prone to it, and it can spread quickly among crew members, which can be a dire situation if they cannot get treatment.
For example, if the water system becomes contaminated, the entire crew risks becoming sick and too weak to operate the vessel.
- Exhaustion
Being at sea presents many stressful situations for the crew to deal with, such as bad weather and other unpredictable circumstances. For you to survive in this environment, one has to be very tough both physically and mentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Bachelor’s Degree In Maritime Transport Take?
It takes over four years. The Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation is a four-year program with a curriculum structure of 3 years of academics and one year of onboard training.
Does The Maritime Industry Pay Well?
ZipRecruiter sees yearly salaries as high as $174,500 and $20,500, whereas, most wages in the maritime industry currently range between $37,000 (25th percentile) to $60,500 (75th percentile), with the highest earners (90th percentile) they earn $100.50 a year in the US.
Is There A Demand For Marine Transport
Demand for shipping services continues to grow due to increased world trade. If you want to pursue a career in this field, you should consider some important questions before starting. June 14, 2022
Does Shipping Have Math?
Our subjects are complex, but you need to know everything, health, environment, laws, physics, chemistry, maths, similes, social responsibility, etc.
Does Marine Transportation Have An Onboard Exam?
The Marine Deck Officers Board Exam, also known as the Marine Deck Officers Licensure Exams, is a board examination facilitated by the Board of Marine Deck Officers under the Professional Regulatory Commission to assess the competency of BS Marine Transportation graduates.
How Many Units Does Sea Shipping Have?
One year of sea service documented in a CHED approved training record book shall be awarded forty (40) credit units.
Should I Study Marine Engineering?
Your role as a marine engineer determines whether the industry can function. You can also help ensure that imports and exports run smoothly by keeping ships and machinery in working order.
You are helping to keep the business going, but you’re also helping to protect the lives of the ship’s workers. February 8, 2018.
Is Marine Engineering Good For Girls?
Their main job is to design, build and maintain vehicles/structures used on or around water. This includes ships, aircraft carriers, submarines, sailing ships, tankers etc. Marine engineering is safe for girls. June 10, 2020
Is Bs Marine Transportation Challenging?
The BS in Maritime Transportation is of average difficulty. Although this course covers technical concepts and procedures related to various aspects of the Navy, it is still not as difficult as science, engineering, or IT courses.
What Field Is Maritime Transport?
The Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transport (BSMT) is a four-year degree program in the Philippines that will train you to perform and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a marine deck officer, including navigation, radio communication, and basic safety.
Conclusion
There you have it, marine transportation is a good career part so if you already have it as a thought, then try bringing it to reality.
The benefit of traveling around the world and meeting new people should be an encouragement to you. Do well to tell us what you think in the comment section below.
