There is no clear-cut path to building a career at sea. Because the industry is so varied, a number of opportunities exist; it just depends on your interests and skill sets. You could pursue catering or hospitality, engineering or management, military or civilian. However, despite the wide pool of jobs for you to choose from, the basic career cycle does follow a certain pattern. Here’s an overview of what to expect when it comes to choosing a seafaring career.

 

A Seafaring Career Cycle

 

Training

 

No matter which position you start in, training comes first. This may include education, an apprenticeship, e-learning courses, certification courses, in-class programs and even on-the-job training. Some jobs require certification or licenses, while others do not.

 

The goal is for you to achieve a level of competency at which you can be trusted to do your job. Your training will likely be job-specific, and each time you pursue a promotion or a new position, you’ll need to undergo a new training process. Training can also be done at any point in our career to boost your skills in your current role.

 

Assessment

 

Whether or not you are seeking a promotion, you’ll probably be assessed at your job. This is where the training pays off – your captain can see if you’ve maintained or improved upon your initial skills after training. An assessment is the chance for you and your bosses to see where you are and where you could potentially go in the future.

 

Appraisal

 

An appraisal happens when you’re actively seeking a promotion. In most cases, you’ll need to interview with the appropriate person (or persons), who will then determine your eligibility for the role. A positive appraisal sets the stage for a career advancement, while a negative one can mean that you need to improve your current skills before moving forward.

 

Promotion

 

Once you have been appraised for a promotion, the decision needs to be made. The person making this decision will consider a number of factors: past assessment reports, performance appraisal, and your existing skills and knowledge. They must determine if you have the potential to build upon your talents and apply them to a position with more responsibility.

 

Repeat

 

Congratulations! You’ve been promoted. Now the cycle starts all over again, but with new skills and challenges to learn and face. And if you weren’t successful? Return to the training phase anyway with a renewed commitment to master your current job. Stay on top of all required licenses and make sure they are current. Continue to improve your skills and you will subsequently improve your chances of success!

 

Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL is proud to be a leader in a 200 year old tradition active in hundreds of ports worldwide – welcoming visiting mariners to our shores and sharing the gifts of hospitality and fellowship. We are open throughout the year as a home away from home – a safe, friendly place where mariners can connect to their families, relax, ask questions about the community, and get emergency help if needed.