Travel Jobs

How To Get A Job As A Sailor

If you love the water and have an interest in all types of vessels a career as a Sailor or able bodied seaman could be the right choice for you.  It can at times be challenging, but it can also be full of variety, and provide opportunities to meet new people and see different parts of the world.

Sailors must be physically fit, healthy and strong.  Their work may often be mostly physical and their work days very long. If you get a job as a sailor, you will be required to work in all types of weather, both night and day.  Schedules may be flexible.   Nevertheless, it is the life that many choose, a life of freedom and adventure.  To get a job as a professional sailor, you must have good manual dexterity, quick responses, and the ability to work as part of a team.  You must be able to say calm in potentially dangerous situations, have good decision making skills, and have excellent communication skills, especially if you wish to advance to a position of command.  Sailors spend many weeks away from home and, even when in port, in some locations, may not be allowed ashore.

If you want to become a sailor, you must decide where you would like to work and do all you can to make sure you are fitted for the  job.  Sailors work on ships and boats of all sizes, including ferries, tug boats, tow boats, barges, dredgers, and in the merchant marines.  They sail oceans, seas and rivers, helping to conduct scientific research projects, guarding our coastlines, supplying off-shore drilling rigs, and carrying passengers and cargo around the world.

Sailors work under the supervision of various ship’s officers or captains. The duties of sailors may vary depending on the vessel on which they are employed.

Sailors may be assisting in the daily operation of the vessel, caring for deck equipment such as lifesaving equipment, ropes and anchors, and maintaining all non-engineering areas of the vessel.  They may assist with the loading and unloading of the vessel, and, when underway, they may watch for obstructions, other vessels and landmarks, measure water depth, help plot the course, assist in resolving mechanical problems, and even steering the ship.

There are good employment opportunities for qualified sailors or able bodied seamen.

Education

If you would like to get a job as a sailor, it is never to early to start training.  Learning to sail small boats is an excellent hobby for young people, a hobby that could turn into a career.

High school students who are interested in becoming sailors should take courses in English and mathematics, especially trigonometry.  Take some formal training, which will teach you boat handling, navigation, and water safety.

To get a job as a professional sailor, you must have a high school diploma.

A good first step, to becoming a sailor, would be to get your instructor certification which will, incidentally, improve you skills and gain you experience both in sailing, and in teaching.  To become a certified instructor, you must be at least eighteen years of age, have first aid and CPR training.  You will also need to pass an exam and become licensed.

If you wish to get a job as a professional sailor, you may wish to join the merchant marines.  The merchant marine training programs provide professional training in all aspects of the marine transportation system.  Many successful mariners find their careers in the armed forces.