Introduction

Some jobs can make you feel like you’re not making a difference in the world. In order to be happy with your career path, you have to have a passion for it. Working in the international maritime or offshore industry can be a very rewarding career choice. Here with an overview of our top 10 most exciting maritime and offshore jobs.

1. Captain

The most exciting maritime job is of course being a captain. It is a job that speaks to people’s imagination, since it is a popular fictional character, ranging from captain Haddock to Captain Hook.

A captain is in charge of a vessel and is responsible for navigation, cargo and safety. The captain navigates and steers the ship, has contact with other passing ships and supervises all operations on board. He is a high-grade licensed mariner who holds the ultimate command of the vessel. On international voyages it is the captain’s responsibility to satisfy the requirements of customs officials.

2. Diver 

What could be more exciting than to dive in the ocean and discover the world below the surface? As an offshore diver, you will work on the maintenance of oil platforms and contribute to the building of underwater structures. An offshore diver has a wide range of tasks, such as drilling rig support, production platform support and pipeline work. Mostly you will dive from a moored or anchored vessel with your diving team.

3. Crane driver

A crane driver or crane operator is the person operating a lifting crane. As a offshore crane operator you will move offshore installations on or off supplyboats. You will be responsible for the machines safety checks, monitor stability and load weights, set up cranes and operate them. This is very exciting and responsible work onshore, let alone offshore.

4. Installation manager

The offshore installation manager (OIM) is the most senior manager of an offshore platform. As an installation manager you are responsible for the health, welfare and safety of the staff on board the installation, such as a drilling rig, a production platform or a support vessel. This is a very challenging and responsible job which requires an official registration with the Offshore Safety Division.

5. Rigger foreman

A rigger foreman or rigging supervisor coordinates, supervises and operates machinery, for example a crane. As a rigger foreman, you supervise the riggers and other specialists during rigging and lifting activities and make sure everything is in accordance with safety procedures. It is your duty to inspect the machinery and erect the rigging cables and other equipment.

6. Rigger

A rigger ensures that loads are being moved from vessels to platforms and the other way around. As a rigger you will manage all moving materials and ensure that the safety rules are applied correctly. For every project you will come up with a smart approach for complex lifting tasks. You will work closely together with the rigger foreman and the crane operator.

7. Engineer

An offshore engineer will conduct fundamental research valuable for offshore engineering. You will develop new tools and equipment for offshore challenges. You will start with a concept and test this in order to develop new systems and fix existing problems. For this job you need to be creative and have the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. You will manage projects and provide training to colleagues. An exciting and challenging job!

8. Mates

A mate is a deck naval officer aboard a vessel. We distinguish between a chief mate (first mate), a second mate and a third mate. One of the mates is always the watch keeping officer, but the mates are also responsible for overseeing loading and unloading and passage planning. Mates supervise the crew on board of a vessel, optimize the production and are responsible for the administration, like the ship’s log.

9. Able seaman

An able seaman (AB) is a member of the crew of a ship or vessel with more than two years of experience. His duties are standing watch, performing general maintenance and repairing & upkeeping of material and equipment. This may include cleaning, priming and painting parts of the vessel. With courses and examinations the able seaman can become certified as an officer.

10. Lifting supervisor

The lifting supervisor will work together with the riggers and crane operator. The supervisor will prepare the lifting operations, check the presence of all lifting equipment and personnel.The lifting supervisor is in charge of the lifting plan. He will check the securing of loads and transport the load in a safe manner. He will manage a small team and give instructions for safe lifting.