Becoming a merchant seaman may seem like an unusual way to make a living, but it’s not as uncommon as you might think.
A merchant seaman, also called an ocean mariner, sails on ships contracted by companies to transport goods and materials across large bodies of water (most commonly the Atlantic Ocean).
To become one of these mariners, you need at least six months of training or experience aboard a U.S.-flagged ship over 200 gross tons.
This guide breaks down the job description of both merchant seaman types. It explains how their compensation packages compare to those of other professionals in similar industries.
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What Does a Merchant Seaman Do?
A merchant seaman is a member of the deck department on a merchant’s vessel.
The primary responsibility of a merchant seaman is to maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.
Merchant seamen also watch for other vessels and perform safety checks.
They may also be responsible for handling cargo and operating the vessel’s communication equipment.
They also handle emergencies at seas, such as fires, explosions, flooding, or any other event that could threaten the ship or crew.
For example, if they see someone fall overboard, they must immediately stop the ship and go back to rescue them; there are many stories about people who have survived after being lost at sea, thanks to this measure.
There are two types of merchant seamen – able seaman and ordinary seaman.
Able seamen take care of more skilled jobs such as navigating the ship or working with complicated machinery, whereas ordinary seamen do more menial tasks like cooking or cleaning up around the ship.
Merchant Seaman Job Requirements
Educational Requirement
Merchant seaman jobs require no specific educational background.
Previous work experience in the maritime industry is highly beneficial.
Age Requirement
Merchant seaman jobs do not have an age requirement. However, some countries require that merchant seamen be 18 years of age to work on vessels navigating international waters.
Merchant seamen must have a U.S. Coast Guard Card or a US Merchant Mariner’s Document when operating in U.S. waters.
Training & Experience
While there are no educational requirements for this job, previous work experience in the maritime industry can come in handy.
Most companies hire merchant seaman with at least one year of sailing experience before they are given any responsibilities.
Merchant seamen need to undergo training once they start working with a company.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all merchant seamen complete an introductory safety course before they are allowed to go out on their first voyage; other companies may require different courses depending on their needs.
Getting hired as a merchant seaman can take anywhere from six months to three years, depending on how much time you spend looking for a job and how much relevant work experience you have beforehand.
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Merchant Seaman Skills
Navigation
One of the essential skills a merchant seaman needs is navigation.
A captain must know how to find their way in the open ocean.
The ships need maps or charts of the area to tell which direction they are heading.
Other navigation tools, such as compasses, gyroscopes, and radio direction finders, may be used.
It is also essential for them to be able to read latitude and longitude on a map or chart (or in a compass).
Mechanical Aptitude
Merchant seamen often have to do some mechanical work. They might have to fix or operate any machinery aboard a ship like engines, pumps, generators, refrigeration equipment, winches and capstans, steering gear, and other mechanisms related to cargo handling.
Some merchant seamen will specialize in one type of mechanical work, but others will do it all.
Communication Skills
A merchant seaman’s ability to communicate well with people from different cultures is an essential skill because, many times, these people speak different languages than each other.
In addition, the person will have various literacy levels, so speaking clearly and using simple words when needed are essential communication skills.
Merchant Seaman Salary & Outlook
A merchant seaman’s salary varies by type of ship, experience level, and geographical location.
For example, the average base pay for a junior officer on a tanker vessel is $62,000 per year, while a senior officer on a cargo ship can earn as much as $100,000.
The following factors can also impact the wages: length of the voyage (longer voyages pay more), rank (a captain earns more than an ordinary sailor), cost of living in the region where they are employed (the higher it is, the higher their wage will be).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate is projected to remain steady through 2022.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, a merchant seaman is a person who sails on a merchant ship. Merchant seamen generally have better chances of being in the top 10% of their salary bracket.
They also work in an environment where they constantly travel to new locations worldwide.
If you are interested in becoming a merchant seaman, the best place to start is by looking at different positions that may be available.