We all love going to the sandy beach during summer. For some people, visiting, living, or working near the sea is a soothing experience whether or not the climate is conducive. The sandy beach and endless sea leave us breathless every single time. Here is the title- What are some examples of Maritime Jobs?
The maritime sector of the economy deals with the manufacture, operations, maintenance, and disposal of water vessels for both commercial and government purposes. This sector is composed of several industries which are discussed in this article. We shall also look at possible career options that can be pursued in each industry.
Maritime Industries and Related Jobs
Oil and Gas
This refers to offshore oil and gas exploration and production at sea. It involves the extraction of oil and gas below sea level and its storage. This is done by the use of advanced technology and equipment such as oil rigs carried by ships to the sea. Care is always taken to ensure environmental, safety, and health concerns are addressed.
Some of the jobs that are found in the oil and gas industry include the following:
- Drilling Engineer- this is a professional in charge of planning, designing, and executing well-drilling procedures for the extraction of oil and gas from a specified location. These well drilling procedures have to be safe, efficient, and cost-effective. The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $84,000 per annum.
- Driller – this professional supervises drilling exercises at a given site using the plans and procedures issued by the drilling engineer. The salary range for this position is $40,000 – $80,000 per annum.
- Derrick Man – this worker operates the crane used for drilling oil and gas wells. The crane is called a ‘derrick’ which is mounted on a mast to facilitate movement and depth across the ship and floor surfaces. The salary range for this position is $58,000 – $98,000 per annum.
- Rough Neck – this worker assists in the manual operation of the oil rig as a member of the drilling crew. The oil rig is a piece of equipment for extracting oil from underground. The salary range for this position is $31,000 – $69,000 per annum.
- Roustabout – this is a manual laborer who ensures that the rig is in good working condition for oil and gas well drilling exercises. This is an entry-level position in the oil and gas industry. The salary range for this position is $19,000 – $25,000 per annum.
Commercial Fishing
This is catching fish and seafood for trading purposes and it is done in the wild fisheries found at sea. The trained fishermen must acquire formal permission to access these fishing sites since most of them are protected natural reserves by the government to avoid the endangering of certain marine life species. There are several methods of commercial fishing such as using fishing nets, fishing lines, fishing traps, fishing pots, and trawling, just to mention a few.
Some of the jobs that are found in the commercial fishing industry include the following:
- Sea Captain – this is a licensed professional in charge of a ship. He determines the course of action to be taken in order to fulfill the ship’s mission. He also manages all the resources, operations, and employees on the ship. The salary range for this position is $155,000 – $185,000 per annum.
- Able Seaman (AB) – this is a trained professional with two years of experience at sea. He performs routine activities under the deck department on the vessel such as sanitation, repairs, and cleaning, just to mention a few. The salary range for this position is $30,000 – $40,000 per annum
- Ordinary Seaman (OS) – this is an apprenticeship role on the vessel to attain the title of an ‘able seaman’. He performs routine activities similar to the able seaman on the vessel in a learning capacity. The salary range for this position is $27,000 – $32,000 per annum.
- Navigation Officer – this is a senior member of the crew charged with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the vessel, cargo, and all its occupants while at the port or at sea. The salary range for this position is $80,000 – $125,000 per annum.
- Marine Engineer – this is a licensed professional who designs and ensures proper operation of the vessel’s pieces of equipment and machines. He also detects any malfunction and initiates maintenance of the vessel’s equipment and machines. Marine engineers have different specialization areas such as nuclear energy, navigation, networks, and information technology, among others. The salary range for this position is $40,000 – $57,000 per annum.
Ports Authority
This refers to the operations and management of port resources and activities such as monitoring entries and exits, securing the borders, and providing assistance to agents, just to mention a few.
Some of the jobs that are found in the ports industry include the following:
- Port Manager – this professional is in charge of the administrative and operational activities at the seaport. He oversees and controls activities related to the water vessels, people, and cargo. He also ensures legislation is followed. The salary range for this position is $45,000 – $65,000 per annum.
- Yard Manager – this professional oversees the activities at the shipyard. This is where ships are built and repaired. He plans, organizes, and manages operations, resources, and people at the premises. The salary range for this position is $42,000 – $72,000 per annum.
- Harbor Master – this person enforces rules and regulations at the harbor or port that preserve the security and safety of the facility. The salary range for this position is $45,000 – $65,000 per annum.
- Stevedore – this worker is responsible for the loading and offloading of cargo from the vessels that are received or dispatched from the port. The salary range for this position is $45,000 – $55,000 per annum.
- Vessel Traffic Operator – the role of this professional is to guide and control the direction of the vessels as they move in and out of the port to minimize accidents and create order at the docking bay. The salary range for this position is $40,000 – $67,000 per annum.
Cargo Shipping
This is the transportation of goods using water vessels. It is done at the local, regional, or international levels via designated sea routes and ports. It involves exporting and importing cargo from one port to another. The various cargo is packed into the shipping containers and the containers are loaded on the vessel for its destination. The cargo area of different types such as perishable and non-perishable goods. Relevant “paperwork” must be prepared and approved by freight departments before the ship is released from the port.
Some of the jobs that are found in the cargo shipping industry include the following:
- Logistics Professionals – these include senior officers in the company who oversee its management and operations such as the chief executive officer, chief operations officer, and chief financial officer, among others. The salary range for these positions is $148,000 – $271,000 per annum.
- Sales and Marketing Professionals – they are concerned with business acquisition or expansion. They create awareness of products and services in the market. They also follow customer leads and convert them to company revenue. These professionals include a business development manager, a research officer, and a contract manager, among others. The salary range for these positions is $81,000 – $143,000 per annum.
- Order Management Professionals – they handle customer queries and orders in the company. They include customer service managers, accounts receivables, and order processing officers, among others. The salary range for these positions is $64,000 – $114,000 per annum.
- Data Management Professionals – they specialize in information technology with a focus on the collection and storage of data securely. They include database managers, data analysts, system administrators, and information architects, among others. The salary range for these positions is $55,000 – $100,000 per annum.
- Distribution Management Professionals – they oversee and coordinate the storage and movement of cargo from one location to another. They include warehouse manager, inventory control, receiving supervisor, dispatcher, fleet manager, compliance officer, shipping coordinator, and delivery driver, among others. The salary range for these positions is $30,000 – $90,000 per annum.
Ship Building
This refers to the manufacture of floating vessels including ships, boats, and ferries, among others. The construction of these water vessels is done in a specialized facility called a shipyard.
Some of the jobs that are found in the shipbuilding industry include the following:
- Ship Yard Laborer – this worker performs less skilled tasks at the shipyard to mainly assist the other professionals to conduct their duties. Some of his duties include cleaning, loading, and making deliveries, just to mention a few. The salary range for this position is $30,000 – $40,000 per annum.
- Ship Fitter – this job entails joining different parts of the ship’s structure under construction at the shipyard. The fitter uses different joinery methods such as riveting, soldering, and welding. The salary range for this position is $44,000 – $64,000 per annum.
- Pipe Fitter – the plumbing system in a ship or water vessel is complex and covers numerous square feet on these massive floating structures. The pipes carry different substances such as waste, gas, oil, water, chemicals, and acids. Pipefitters install and repair these piping connections on the vessels. The salary range for this position is $33,000 – $56,000 per annum.
- Assembly Specialist – this job entails the design, fabrication, installation, and repair of different structural components on the vessels. Technical instructions found in manuals are used to guide the professional in order to ensure that the process is flawless and the end product meets accepted standards. The salary range for this position is $33,000 – $60,000 per annum.
- Structural Welder – this job entails the creation of the metal framework which supports the body of the vessel. There are many parts and pieces needed in the construction of these vessels; the metal framework holds most of them in place. The salary range for this position is $33,000 – $54,000 per annum.
Shipping Line
This is mainly a transportation business. The companies own a fleet of ships that operate similar to a commercial courier service. They generate income by moving cargo for paying clients from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ on water bodies.
Some of the jobs that are found in the shipping line industry include the following:
- Agency Manager – this professional is in charge of all operations in the company including resources, people, and associated activities. This is an administrative role in the company. The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $108,000 per annum.
- Ship Broker – this is an intermediary between ship owners and charter companies. Their main role is to provide financial services to the clients by facilitating the sale of goods and services. They negotiate trading terms with the clients. The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $100,000 per annum.
- Radio Officer – this professional coordinates and monitors communication onboard the ship to help avert danger or request assistance from the harbor and/or nearby vessels. The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $118,000 per annum.
- Motorman – this role entails the repair and maintenance of technical equipment on the ship under the engineering department. The motorman monitors the operation of the equipment and inspects them for damages. The salary range for this position is $45,000 – $55,000 per annum.
- Oiler – this worker lubricates parts, machines, and equipment so that they remain in good working condition. This prevents rusting, friction, wear and tear since the vessels are normally in salty water, humid climate, and extremely wet environments. The salary range for this position is $19,000 – $25,000 per annum.
Ship Breaking
This refers to the disposal of ships due to aging or damage. Some companies specialize in this dismantling process. They must ensure that their demolition activities do not pollute the environment or injure people. Environmental, safety and health standards are keenly observed in this industry.
Some of the jobs that are found in the ship breaking industry include the following:
- Naval Architects – they design water vessels that can perform the intended operation on water bodies. It requires knowledge of different specialization areas such as mechanics, hydraulics, and electronics, among others. The designs have to be aesthetically and functionally sound. These professionals are needed during demolition exercises to guide the workers on which areas are more sensitive than others. The salary range for these positions is $65,000 – $147,000 per annum.
- Marine Surveyors – they undertake research and inspection of water vessels to ensure they are in proper working condition. They submit reports to relevant departments for action. They help declare vessels redundant if they are aged or damaged. The salary range for these positions is $61,000 – $94,000 per annum.
- Structural Fabricators- they create or adjust parts and pieces needed in the construction of the water vessels. They have to be creative and use a variety of tools and equipment to achieve a given status of the product. They advise on vessel parts that can be recycled before demolition. The salary range for these positions is $43,000 – $53,000 per annum.
- Inspectors – they are responsible for quality control and regulatory compliance of the water vessels. They establish whether or not physical, functional, operational, and legal standards are being met by various departments on the ship. This is aimed at ensuring the security and safety of the vessel, cargo, and its occupants. Similar to marine surveyors, they also help declare vessels redundant if they are aged or damaged. The salary range for these positions is $49,000 – $74,000 per annum.
Ship Management
This is the coordination and administration of activities related to a particular vessel while on transit or in operation. These vessels are purchased by their owners to perform specific tasks such as ecological studies, marine life research, importing and exporting cargo, and commercial fishing, among others. These operations are managed by an independent person or entity due to the complexity of the industry. Some companies specialize in this kind of work to reduce the workload of the shipowner.
Some of the jobs that are found in the ship management industry include the following:
- The ship Superintendent – this professional oversees and inspects repair works on the ship. It involves developing a checklist for areas that need attention, compiling the budget, identifying the contractor or maintenance team, and initiating the repair process. The salary range for this position is $105,000 – $158,000 per annum.
- Cargo Handler – this role entails loading and offloading cargo from the water vessels or between water vessels. The handler ensures that none of them is misplaced, damaged, or taken to the wrong docking point. The salary range for this position is $43,000 – $60,000 per annum.
- Materials Controller – this professional ensures materials are adequate in all departments. This involves transferring materials from one department to another and also checking the inventory in each department. The controller also supervises and coordinates all aspects of this process to establish its current status periodically. The salary range for this position is $31,000 – $64,000 per annum.
- Container Crane Operator – this professional is in charge of moving cargo containers within the port to ensure they are properly stacked in the appropriate loading or storage zones using cranes. The containers are arranged according to their serial numbers or codes so that they are easily accessible after storage. There are large quantities of containers at the port at any given time, without proper arrangement, they can be misplaced, and finding one may take a very long time. The salary range for this position is $40,000 – $68,000 per annum.
Naval Ships
These are used for military and defense purposes. They are often armored with weapons to assist the occupants in combat when the need arises. They also conduct some level of navigation or patrol on national and international waters. They are owned by the government or armed forces. There are several classifications of naval ships such as aircraft carrier, surface combatant, patrol combatant, combat logistics, submarines, amphibious warfare, mine warfare, coastal defense, service craft, and support.
Some of the jobs that are found in the naval ship industry include the following:
- Master at Arms – this professional is in charge of law enforcement and security on the naval base. The salary range for this position is $30,000 – $50,000 per annum.
- Engineer – this professional designs, operates and carries out maintenance of the relevant specialized equipment, machines, and software on the naval ship. A naval engineer has a specific specialization area such as nuclear energy, networking, and information technology, among others. The salary range for this position is $40,000 – $57,000 per annum.
- Navy Aviator – this is a professional pilot responsible for flying naval planes. The aviator ensures that the plane is in proper working condition in collaboration with the aviation engineers. He also participates in rescue missions, enemy combat, and surveillance in a bid to safeguard the interests of the state and the safety of the people. The salary range for this position is $71,000 – $121,000 per annum.
- Navy Seal – the term “seal” refers to sea-air-land forces. This is a member of the elite fighting forces. In order to be part of this special team, the individual has to participate in special operations and rescue missions by sea, air, or land. This personnel undergoes intense specialized training in order to be accepted into the program. The salary range for this position is $53,000 – $104,000 per annum.
- Navy Diver – this personnel is specialized in underwater operations and related activities such as rescue missions of lost ships, research, and surveillance that are several meters below sea level. This personnel is special since ordinary divers cannot perform some of these missions due to the health risks associated with them. This personnel undergoes intense specialized training to acquire these unique abilities underwater. The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $98,000 per annum.
Merchant Navy
These are a fleet of registered merchant vessels and they have nothing to do with the military. It is the commercialization of maritime transport. The focus is on transporting cargo and people across sea routes for profit. The vessels used for this purpose may include ferry services, ship liners, and cruise liners.
Some of the jobs that are found in the merchant navy industry include the following:
- Deck Department – this team is responsible for managing cargo in their custody from receiving to eventually dispatching them to the appropriate authorities at the next harbor or port. This department is composed of the captain, marines, and cadets. The salary range for these positions is $27,000 – $185,000 per annum.
- Engine Department – this team is responsible for managing and operating the engine room on the ship. This is where the ship is propelled to its destination with several machines and calibrated equipment that ensure its stability and movement on the water. This department is mostly composed of engineers with varying specialization areas. The salary range for these positions is $40,000 – $57,000 per annum.
- Service Department – this team is responsible for the accommodation and catering of the ship’s occupants. It is composed of stewards, cooks, and medical personnel, among others. The salary range for these positions is $33,000 – $125,000 per annum.
Marine Navigation
This refers to monitoring and controlling the movement of water vessels on national and international waters. Similar to land or air, crafts or vessels have restricted water space to avoid infringing international treaties and agreements. They use specialized technology and equipment to undertake surveillance such as radar, submarines, and satellite, among others
Some of the jobs that are found in the marine navigation industry include the following:
- Navigation Officer – this personnel is also referred to as the deck officer and is in charge of safely steering the ship to its destination. To accomplish this he must have effective communication systems with the headquarters or port on land. He also needs all the ship’s departments to be synchronized with each other for a successful voyage. The ship should also be in proper working condition especially the engine room, for him to fulfill his role. The salary range for this position is $62,000 – $90,000 per annum.
- Marine – this personnel is also referred to as a mate or mariner. He is responsible for managing cargo and occupants on the ship. He also supervises the workers in the deck department and ensures the ship is safe and secure. The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $120,000 per annum.
- Harbor Supervisor – this personnel oversees the loading and offloading of cargo at the port. This involves planning the order and procedure in which the loading and offloading will be done. The salary range for this position is $26,000 – $55,000 per annum.
- Hydrographic Specialist – this professional measures and describes the physical features of the water bodies above and below the water surface. This helps identify risks and hazards associated with certain regions or locations that may affect the navigation system and processes. The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $96,000 per annum.
- Watch-keeping Officer – this is a deck worker whose role is to maintain surveillance at the bridge of the ship to ensure the ship sails securely and safely. The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $70,000 per annum.
- Marine Patrol Officer – this personnel is part of the maritime law enforcement team that maintains surveillance along the coastal lines using a patrol boat. The patrol officer monitors whether or not maritime stakeholders are following rules and regulations while conducting their activities. Legal action is taken on any defaulters and criminals detected during patrols. The salary range for this position is $38,000 – $57,000 per annum.
Marine Insurance
This refers to the development and implementation of policy frameworks for financial protection and reimbursement against damages or losses in the maritime industry. The maritime industry is a high-risk environment and historically it has been responsible for massive deaths and injuries of passengers and workers on board these vessels. This may be due to mechanical faults or climatic changes that were not anticipated by the owners and managers of these vessels. Hence the need for insurance programs and covers.
Some of the jobs that are found in the marine insurance industry include the following:
- Investigator – this is a trained professional whose job is to make inquiries into problems or accidents that have occurred in a certain location. An investigator collects evidence and makes analyses to correlate them to the phenomenon. The salary range for this position is $35,000 – $54,000 per annum.
- Insurance Policy Analyst – this trained professional evaluates existing policies to establish whether or not they are meeting the current needs and standards in the industry. The salary range for this position is $42,000 – $70,000 per annum.
- Insurance Risk Analyst – this professional identifies and evaluates potential dangers existing in a certain environment and the impact they have on vessels, people, equipment, and the environment. The salary range for this position is $58,000 – $83,000 per annum.
- Renewal Underwriter – this professional conduct audits on clients with insurance policies that are about to expire. This helps determine a client’s risk levels before the renewal of their insurance policy. The salary range for this position is $40,000 – $109,000 per annum.
- Claims Officer – this professional is a link between the company and the client. His role entails processing settlements that have been approved. The salary range for this position is $95,000 – $197,000 per annum.
Conclusion
The maritime sector is a vast area of the economy with high risks and complex operations. Despite this, it is a very lucrative sector and generates massive revenue for the stakeholders, including the government, when properly established and managed. There are many career opportunities for anyone wishing to change professions or students selecting career choices. Due to the high-risk nature of the sector, most of these jobs are well-paying with good compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What other titles are given to a Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy is also referred to as a Merchant Marine and/or a Mercantile Marine
- What is the difference between Merchant Marines and Military Marines?
The Merchant Marines are civilian personnel that work on Merchant Ships which is a maritime industry, while the Military Marines are military personnel that work in the Marine Corps which is a unit of the Armed Forces
