It is quite possible to start a career as a sailor without work experience in just six months. Jobs for seafarers attract young people not only because of their romance and the opportunity to travel. If we talk about the wages of an ordinary handyman, then at sea it is still somewhat higher than on land. And if you are lucky enough to pass the competition for an international long-distance vessel, then upon arrival the sailor even has the opportunity to buy himself a car or provide his relatives with everything they need.
Specifics of the profession
So, what is work like at sea for the vacancy “sailor”? Essentially, he is a deck crew handyman on a ship. A number of requirements are put forward to sailors, which are much easier than those of other sailors:
physical endurance;
attentiveness, diligence;
discipline;
competence regarding their duties;
stress resistance and communication skills;
readiness to learn.
The importance of hierarchy on a ship
Naturally, at the head of any ship is a captain. On deck under his direct subordination are:
senior, first and second mates;
boatswain;
sailor;
junior sailor;
cadets.
The lowest level in the naval hierarchy is considered to be a sailor. Only the cadet is below. However, cadets are students, trainees whose task is only to study. Although practice shows that cadets often do the work of sailors. The boatswain is the same sailor, but one rank higher. He does essentially the same job. However, he has much more responsibility.
Categories and responsibilities of sailors at work
In total, there are two categories of sailors in the fleet - senior and junior. Senior sailor, or sailor of the first category - Able Bodied Seaman according to the international classification. Junior sailor - Ordinary Seaman. It is worth clarifying that in practice there are practically no differences between them. The only difference is their pay.
As for your job responsibilities as a sailor, it is better to familiarize yourself with this in the special magazine of the shipowning company that offers you a contract. Such a magazine will be located on the bridge of the ship. The fact is that each shipping company interprets them somewhat differently. If we talk about general rules and responsibilities, they are as follows:
Watch on the ship's bridge. This includes maintaining the ship’s course (if this is an order from the watch officer or even the captain), and monitoring the situation using observation windows, monitoring navigation instruments, etc.
Radio watch, which consists of monitoring the radio broadcast at two frequencies.
Deck watch directly at the gangway when the ship is moored in the port. The sailor must monitor the mooring lines and gangway, and also record the details of everyone who comes on board the ship, etc.
Assistance in operations related to cargo (unloading or loading).
Ability to handle an anchor, as well as tying sea knots.
Demand for work as a sailor on domestic and international ships
Sailors on ships are in demand for a fairly wide qualification – up to 60 years of age. However, health must be very good and this must be confirmed by passing a special commission. In addition, you need to undergo special training. Speaking of coastal cities, there are quite a lot of such centers everywhere.
Maritime vacancies for the position of sailor are provided by crewing agencies. There are quite a few such companies in any port city. If you definitely want to get a contract with an international company, you need to be prepared for the fact that, one way or another, you will need to work on domestic ships for less pay for the first few voyages. But to participate in competitions for international flights you need:
Know “maritime” English and successfully pass the exam.
Get vaccinated against yellow fever.
Obtain a seafarer’s passport and have an international seafarer’s working diploma (crewing companies help with paperwork).
Availability of international certificates for completing various courses, in particular safety courses and boat courses.
Certificate from a specialized medical commission.
