Careers at sea
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Careers at Sea

General Information
Deck Officer
Marine Engineer
Integrated Rating
Marine Cook
Marine Steward


General Information

Would you like to…
·  Embark on a challenging career that gives responsibility within a dynamic industry?
·  Hold internationally recognisable qualifications that provide global opportunities?
·  Work within a unique environment that is challenging, rewarding and
   gives you the opportunity to travel?

 If you have, then maybe a career as a highly trained professional working aboard
 a ship is for you!

The Shipping Industry – an integral part of Australian Surface Transport
Being a nation surrounded by water, ships have always been part of Australia’s culture
and heritage, from Captain Cooks Endeavour, which first chartered the east coast
all those years ago, to today’s gigantic state of the art bulk carriers that service
Australia’s shores every day.

Today, the Australian shipping industry represents a vital and significant sector within
Australia’s transport and logistics industry.  Ships alone are responsible
for almost 30% of the nation’s non-urban domestic freight task and almost 10%
of the world’s seaborne task.

As one of the most vital industries in the world, shipping offers ambitious people
the opportunity to pursue highly skilled, professional careers at sea that are
distinctly different from any other job on earth.

Aboard a ship there are five main categories of employment:
·   Deck Officers
·   Marine Engineers
·   Integrated Ratings
·   Cooks
·   Stewards


Deck Officer

Deck officers are primarily responsible for the safe navigational operation of a vessel
while the vessel is at sea.  They enjoy high levels of responsibility and are
required to perform a range of duties.  These include:

   ·   Managing a navigational watch
   ·   Designing and implementing a passage plan
   ·   Monitoring the vessels position, speed and direction using sophisticated
       navigational instruments including electronic charts and RADAR.

While the ship is in port deck officers are also responsible for co-coordinating cargo
operations (loading, stowage and discharge) ensuring that all operations
are carried out safely and effectively.


Marine Engineer

Marine Engineers are primarily responsible for the safe mechanical operation of a vessel. 
Essentially, they are responsible for operating and maintaining a vessel’s structure, machinery
and equipment to make sure the vessel is functioning safely and effectively at all times.

The role of a Marine Engineer requires the individual to possess high-tech skills that enable
them to effectively manage a number of distinct job activities.
Typical functions of a Marine Engineer may include:

  ·   The design, testing and maintenance of machinery and equipment
  ·  Service and maintenance of propulsion machinery, refrigeration systems,
     domestic services equipment.
  ·  Electrical generation and distribution.

Like all roles at sea, Marine Engineers need to demonstrate the ability to identify and
solve problems while working as part of a small team within an isolated environment.


Integrated Rating

The role of an Integrated Rating (IR) is quite unique within the international maritime sector
in that it has evolved to form the combination of two distinct professions.
Traditionally, ratings were divided between the deck and engine departments. 
In Australia, however, the two roles have been integrated with the contemporary,
multi-skilled IR possessing the knowledge and skills to work across both departments.

 IR’s may engage in a number of activities including,

  ·  Assisting with cargo operations
  ·  Engine and navigational watches
  ·  Mooring and anchoring operations
  ·  General servicing and maintenance


Marine Cook

Marine Cooks are responsible for preparing meals for the crew aboard ships.
Obviously, they play an integral role in the operation of ships. It has often been said that
a happy cook makes a happy crew!


Marine Steward

Stewards are responsible for maintaining the accommodation areas aboard ships and
also provide assistance in the galley (kitchen) when required.  They are required to develop
stock plans and must co-ordinate stock operations with shore based staff, ensuring the ship
is adequately stored for the voyage ahead.


Navigating a path… ‘What training is involved?’

International conventions and national regulations require trainees to undergo comprehensive
training programmes and complete periods of seagoing service before they are sufficiently
qualified to go to sea.  This ensures seafarers undergo training of the highest quality.

At present, requirements for the issue of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Certificates,
for the purpose of performing duties as a Deck Officer, Marine Engineer or IR, include
the completion of AMSA approved courses that are delivered in accordance with the industry
endorsed Maritime Training Package (MTP).

These courses involve a combination of extensive theoretical and practical training designed
to give students the knowledge and skills required to go to sea. 
Upon completion of such courses, successful candidates receive nationally recognized
competency based qualifications that range from certificate three to advanced diploma level.


Are you up for the challenge?

Navigating and operating a ship requires a team of highly committed professionals that are able
to apply their knowledge and skills within a challenging work environment.

While a career as a seafarer can offer many exciting opportunities, it is important to recognize
that it may not be for everyone.  There are many factors and lifestyle influences that should
be carefully considered before you make a decision to pursue a career at sea.

ASA encourages those who are interested in a career at sea to gain a greater understanding
of what life at sea might be like by researching your particular field of interest.

As with any career, you should conduct as much research as possible to ensure that the
path you are heading down is the one that is best for you!



What is Sea-Recruit?

Sea-Recruit is an online system that provides information to the general community and
those considering pursuing a career at sea as a seafarer.  Its primary function is to facilitate
the lodgment of applications either for training positions or for full seagoing employment
positions with Members of ASA.

When lodging an application, Sea-Recruit requires you to create an account by registering a
username and password and then requires you to activate this account by following instructions
that are sent to you via the email address you provided.

After activating your account, Sea-Recruit requires you to answer a series of questions
depending on your education/career history.  It then allows you to lodge a copy of your
personal Resume and/or a cover letter.  You can update your details at any time should your
circumstances or information change by logging into the system using
your username and password to access your account.

Before lodging an application through Sea-Recruit, whether you are someone with no maritime
experience or whether you are someone with maritime experience, you should research
careers at sea as much as possible.  Below are links to websites you may find useful
in researching careers at sea.


www.amc.edu.au

www.challengertafe.wa.edu.au/scripts/viewoverview_contact.asp?NID=2783

www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au

www.marisec.org/careers/

www.amsa.gov.au

www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/home/


Click here to go to our frequently asked questions page or;
Click here to create an account through Sea-Recruit and begin lodging an application.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sea-Recruit?

What careers are available at sea?

What happens after I lodge my application?

What happens if I am unable to activate my account?

What should I do if I need to change my details and
I have forgotten my username or password?

Why do I need an email address to lodge an online application?

How can I obtain more information about careers at sea?

Is their a demand for people with seagoing qualifications?

Are there any government incentives if I choose to self fund
my seagoing training?

How old do you have to be to go to sea or begin training?

How long does it take to become a certified Seafarer?

What could I expect to earn as a Seafarer?

What is an AMSA medical & do I need to undergo such a medical?

What is a Maritime Security Identification Card & do I need one?


Disclaimer & Privacy Policy

This section is under construction.


Contact Us

If you are experiencing difficulties with the Sea-Recruit system or would like more information
on careers at sea you can send your query in an email to: admin@asa.com.au