04/11/2016
Careers at Sea
The maritime industry is growing, providing opportunities for a rewarding career at sea working on deck, in the engine room, or in the steward’s department for motivated individuals.
Sailor-club will help you to sort one of the most difficult tasks an individual face i.e. getting started in this industry.
The first step that you can take is learning about the different requirements for various operations and career paths. From there, it is easier to make an educated decision regarding where you wish to go.
No decision is incorrect but depends upon what you enjoy and what you are hoping to achieve from your career at sea. Below is a short listing of ratings and a description of what they do on a ship or boat.
1· Ordinary Seaman (OS) – The entry level deck position aboard any vessel. Mainly a training position to learn basic seamanship.
2· Wiper – The entry level engine position.
3· Able Bodied Seaman (AB) – A deckhand, responsible for lookout watches and security rounds while underway, an AB also handles lines and assists with all operations on deck including docking/undocking, making and breaking of tows, and deck maintenance.
4· Qualified Man of the Engine Department (QMED) – An unlicensed position in the engine room, the responsibilities of a QMED vary greatly from one job to another and often vary depending on the abilities of the individual. Will assist engineers on ships with making rounds and engine maintenance, a QMED may also be the sole engineer on some towing vessels.
5· Steward-Utility, Cook, and Steward – Galley ratings, on ships individuals, will work their way up from a utility position, responsible for dishwashing, cleaning of the house, etc. to cook and then to the steward who needs to order food and supervise the rest of the galley department. On towing vessels, the cook will often assist as a deckhand if capable.
5· Mate – A deck officer who is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel. Responsibilities increase from 3rd Mate up to Chief Mate.
6· Engineer – An engine officer who is responsible for the safe operation of the ships propulsion and auxiliary systems. Responsibilities increase from 3rd Assistant Engineer up to First Assistant engineer aboard ships. Aboard tugboats, often there is only one engineer.
7· Chief Engineer – The head of the engine department aboard ships.
8· Master/Captain – The leader of the entire ship/tugboat who holds ultimate responsibility for all of the vessels people and its operations.
Knowing what each position does, you can tailor your decision based upon your career goals. If you like working in a kitchen environment, the steward's department is for you.
If you desire to become a Captain or Mate, you would best be suited going into the deck department. If you are a “gearhead” or enjoy the aspects of working in an engine room, you should take an engine route.
Posted by AdminSailor on Saturday, 29 October 2016 in Maritime Blog