Introduction
A maritime job can be very exciting and adventurous. But there are more cons to offshore jobs, such as job opportunities and career advancement. However, it can also be hard to be away from friends and family and to be on call 24/7. Read more about the pros and cons of maritime and offshore jobs.
Pro: Loads of job opportunities
One of the massive advantages of a career in the maritime industry is that there are loads of job opportunities available. There are careers in naval, marine, and ocean engineering, along with naval architecture, and so many other ocean-related jobs as well. The maritime sector offers high-skilled jobs, such as engineers, but there are also a lot of opportunities for mates and able seamen. The opportunities are endless, so you’ve got plenty to choose from.
Pro: High wages and good benefits
Maritime workers get paid more than onshore workers. During work they get free room and board and other expenses are covered by their employer.This means that you will have little to no costs of living on board. To work safely with heavy equipment you will get ongoing training, which will be covered by your employer or crewing agency as well.
Pro: Quick career advancement
The offshore sector offers rapid career advancement opportunities. Workers often have the opportunity to move up ranks quickly as long as they are motivated, dedicated to their work and willing to learn. If you enter at an early age you will be able to have reached the higher ranks by the age of 30. Since the industry is understaffed, you will also have job security.
Pro: Travel and adventure
You can work all over the world and can travel all seven continents and all seven seas. This is not only adventurous, but will also give you the opportunity to have a lot of international contacts, both on board and onshore. On a vessel of platform you will work closely with an (international) group of people, who you will get to know rather quickly. Living onshore will never be the same again.
Con: Dangerous and hard work
Working offshore means working hard and often under high pressure. You will be more exposed to danger and have a career with higher risks than people onshore. Spending most of your time out on the ocean means you’re going to be at risk. There are loads of things that can happen to maritime workers that wouldn’t happen to ones in other industries. So, if you want a career that’s nice and steady without many risks, then this might not be the place for you.
Con: Work far from home
Travelling a lot and seeing the world has a downside. You will be far away from friends and family. This means that you might miss important moments of relatives and loved-ones, such as birthdays and weddings. Remember that you will have limited access to the internet on board, so keeping in touch with friends and family will be different from other long-term relationships.
Con: Long days
Offshore you will make long days (up to twelve hours) and in case of an emergency you need to be on call 24/7. Moreover, on board there are no weekends and holidays don’t exist. This means you will hardly have a day off. On the other hand however, you will have long vacations between contracts with a minimum of 6 weeks. So, when you do have time off, it will be measured in weeks, not hours.
Helder Maritiem makes maritime jobs accessible
If this sounds like a suited job for you, we are here to help you. We can give you information about all the different areas within the maritime industry. We can help you with more information and which education is needed for the different kinds of functions on board.
