Advantages of pursuing a seafarer’s career

If seafaring sounds appealing to you, it’s probably because you have heard that it is one of the world’s most advantageous career paths. It’s known to have a variety of perks that cannot be found in other professions, and it is usually regarded as one of the best career paths out there.

But before listing the perks of a seafarer’s job, let’s briefly go over what being a seafarer entails.

So, what does a seafarer do?

Seafaring is a long-standing tradition that encompasses a variety of professions and ranks within the maritime industry. Each of these roles carries unique and pivotal responsibilities that are integral to the successful operation of a seafaring vessel.

A ship’s crew can be divided into four main categories: the deck department, the engineering department, the steward’s department, and the general ship crew. The reasoning behind this is that a ship’s bridge, filled with sophisticated navigational equipment, requires skills differing from those used on deck operations – such as berthing, cargo and/or military devices – which in turn requires skills different from those used in a ship’s engine room and propulsion, and so on.

Thus, there are a plethora of jobs related to the maritime industry, both out on the sea or ashore. Your perfect match will depend on your skills, your ambitions and your personal preferences.

Advantages of being a seafarer.

There is a reason why seafaring is known to be a very rewarding career path. It offers a special array of perks that no other jobs bring together. Let us take a look at the advantages of working in the maritime industry:

1. It’s (very) good money

Being a seafarer pays better money as compared to similar occupations ashore. Even entry-level jobs offer an above-average salary, and there are many chances for promotion.

2. It’s an exciting lifestyle

Life on board the ship is never boring, and there are no two days that end up being the same. It’s truly a life of daily adventure.

3. It offers travel opportunities

Although it’s not easy for seafarers working on a ship to spend long periods of time at sea, there are still many opportunities for them to go ashore and explore new countries and cities.

4. It’s a disciplined lifestyle

Life at sea is tough, and discipline is the way to make it easier. Punctuality and a healthy respect of authority are two of many important qualities that a seafarer acquires through a sailing career.

5. You get long holidays

Seafarers might be away from home for extended periods of time, but they enjoy the benefits of long vacations when they are on home leave. You can get up to two months leave at a time, which is a wonderful perk.

6. Developing a strong character

Being a seafarer requires people to be strong, tough and resilient. The sea is a fickle world and through experience, you will learn a lot about yourself and your character.

7. It’s a job like no other

A ship is a unique and fascinating working environment, one that is not necessarily the same every time. You might get assigned to different ships and will meet different crews.

8. Tax-free earnings

People who receive big salaries often end up spending a great deal on taxes, but not seafarers! For them, this is not the case as they usually earn in foreign currency and do not need to pay taxes.

9. Learned Transferrable Skills

The experiences and qualifications that a seafarer gains can be very helpful in many places on shore as well. Career opportunities extend to thousands of shore-based management jobs, which require people with seagoing experience.

10. International recognition and impact

Seafarers do not just affect their vessel and its crew by running it smoothly, but also, on a larger scale in the form of global trade.

So, does the seafarer life sound good to you? What advantages did you find most appealing? We hope this list helps you make an informed decision about your career in the maritime industry.