Please note 1: Jobs Available are changing all the time. I recommend you come back every one to two weeks and check what is available. Positions listed indicate the kind of jobs one usually finds on each website. Go to the job listings on each website below and check for new opportunities. It's very easy if you add this page to your "Favourites" (IE) or "Bookmarks" (Firefox).

Please note 2: When the crewing agent have an on-line application form, you must use it - if you don't, your application goes straight into the waste basket.

If you find a suitable vacancy with an agent / employer who have an office in your own country - get the address from the "Contact" page and apply in person. This is always the best way, if it's possible for you.

Please note 3: None of the listed recruiting agents on this page asks for any placement fee - neither in advance nor later.

Job seekers should not have to pay to be able to apply for a job. Neither should they have to pay anything to get a job. One should always get a job on merit / experience / skills only, not because one happens to have extra cash available.

Please note 4: Every link on this page opens in a new window. If your "Pop-up killer" is too efficient it can also stop new windows. When this happens, please press "Ctrl" and click on the link you want.

The catering department on regular cargo ships ( general cargo ships, container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers ) is very small - usually just a few persons only. On very big ships there can be a chief steward, who is the department boss. Under him there's is then the Cook ( sometimes also assistant cook ) and one or two messmen plus possibly one or two "cabin stewards", the latter doing general cleaning jobs inside the accommodation.

If you happen on an acronym - like UN for United Nations - and you don't know what it means, put your mouse arrow on top of it and you get an explanation.

MCA Guidance and Regulations - Training and Certification requirements according to STCW-95
- Deck Department
- Engine Department
- Conduct of MCA Oral Examinations [MARINE GUIDANCE NOTE MGN 69 (M)]    [ 87 KB ].

STCW95 amendments were agreed on at the IMO conference in Manila 2010. Therefore the new amended version is called STCW 2010. The new STCW requirements ( amendments ) will begin to apply from January 01, 2012, when they enter into force, including some new certificates::
- New certification requirements for "able seafarers deck" and "able seafarer engine".
- New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers ( ETO ).

Seafarers holding STCW95 certificates - issued before January 01, 2012 - will have to meet the new requirements for their certificates to be revalidated / renewed past year 2017. By January 01, 2012 all seafarers must have STCW 2010 certificates.

From July 01, 2013 all new entrants / newcomers will have to be trained according to new standards ( STCW 2010 ). Up to January 01, 2017, seafarers that commenced training before 1st July 2013 may be issued with certificates in accordance with STCW-95   .

You can download for free Manila Amendment to STCW - A Guide for Seafarers, STCW 2010 guide for Seafarers ( 508 KB). ). For information on ECDIS training and certificates, see What's ECDIS ?.

World wide list of MCA approved Doctors / Medical Practitioners authorised to issue seafarer's medical certificate ( ENG1 ). Medical certificates will be issued in accordance with STCW-95 until 2017   .

Australian requirements and process to renew / revalidate ( AMSA ) seamen's medical certificates changed on June 01, 2011.

Norwegian seafarer's medical certificate form ( Word doc in English ) for use on Norwegian flagged vessels.

Danish seaman's medical certificate form     and Doctor's Guidelines ( 2008 ) for using it  .

Australian certification requirements - World document as ZIP.

USCG mariners' information Home page with links to continuously up-dated detailed information on: Mariners' Credentials, Examinations, Approved Courses ( US ), FAQ, Regulations & Codes, STCW, etc.

Prepare for your USCG License exam with this online testing site.

In April 2009 US Coast Guard issued a final rule on accepted ID for crewmembers on foreign ( non-US ) flagged vessels calling on a US port. A Seaman's Book is not accepted as an ID     , only passport or a SID ( Seamen's ID ) issued in accordance with ILO Convention no. 185. The new ID is a biometric card with the person's fingerprints in a chip. The ruling came into force on May 28,2009.

Flexible learning / e-Learning course for: Engineer Officer of the Watch ( EOOW ). You can study this anywhere in the world, even onboard if you have Internet connection - Apply online. Approved for UK license ( MCA - UK ).

Different countries' CoC ( Certificate of Competence ) are not equal and all are not accepted Internationally. Get advice on your country's certificates' equivalency with UK certificates - Certificate of Equivalent Competency ( CEC ) FAQ by MCA - UK.

Get rules and application forms for UK work permit, look especially at: "For highly skilled workers, ..." and "For skilled workers". This is the only official UK work permit website.

Links to Dynamic Positioning information and training centres are on Offshore Training and Certificates. Dynamic Positioning Operators mostly have previous experience as Deck Officers or Masters.

LNG Cargo calculations training CD. It's not free - alternately you can choose to do the course online, slightly cheaper, USD 375.

During second half of 2010 many container ships dropped their speed from 24 to 18 knots. Main gain for owners is they save just over 40% in fuel by steaming at this lower speed. Of course they can also advertise they are environmentally friendly. The most optimistic forecasts give as one result that all currently laid up container ships would be sailing again in middle of 2011. For every three ships that reduces speed from 24 to 18 knots one laid up ship of same size gets a full cargo. For additional information go to Speed and fuel consumption.

There's been strong rumours Maersk Line - among others - are preparing their high speed diesel engines for slow speed. The intention is to start steaming at only 12 knots - difference between 24 and 12 knots would be a fuel saving of about 75%. The reason for this is that the relationship between speed and required energy is exponential. When you double the speed ( x2 ) you need 4 times ( x2² ) the energy.

For every container vessel dropping the speed from 24 to 12 knots there will be need for one more container ship of same size. Two container ships steaming at 12 knots require only 50% of the fuel of one ( same size ) vessel steaming 24.knots. This should lead to lower freight rates, which would boost word trade. An additional advantage would be less stress for the seafarers which could reduce number of accidents.

In June 2011 Maersk line ordered 20 new container ships ( Type "Triple E" ) from South Korea. Each one will have a capacity of 18.000 TEU ( twenty feet equivalent units ). See to the right.

Most employers listed on this page are big and stable, working with long time contracts. These are the ones that continues hiring experienced personnel even when the shipping sector is in a "downturn". The shipping sector has always been cyclical - going up and down and up again.

Actual salaries paid currently are included in many vacancy lists on this website. ITF hasn't published any salary scales after 2008. I have seen a note that the International Shipmanagement Companies made an agreement to freeze seafarer's salaries for 2009 ( unconfirmed ).

• International Dynamic Positioning Operators Association ( IDPOA ) is an association for professional DPO's with an international forum and DPO job board / vacancy list for Cable Ships, AHT, Survey Vessels, etc. Read also article Who Can be a DPO ?.
  
  
• British Cargo Ship Job placement centre with available jobs posted by agencies and ship owners; jobs like: Chief Engineer - Tug, ETO - AHTS, AB / Crane Driver, etc. To find a suitable vacancy use the job search. If you want more details about a certain job, then you have to register yourself first.
  
  
• British ship crew recruiting agency with a long list of available shipboard jobs, both offshore and regular trading ships ( small and big ), including DPO - from Master to AB, Motorman, and Messman. Some vacancies include salaries offered. All vacant positions available for seamen of any nationality, except if otherwise specified. You can use your own application form, but it's better if you ask for agents form.
  
  
• Cyprus based worldwide ship crew recruiting agent, from Master to AB, offering direct internet ship employment. English / Dutch ( Nederlands ) vacancy list. Click on job title in vacancy list and if you are satisfied apply online.
  Ship types: Tankers, Bulk Carriers, Container Ships, Cargo Ships, RoRo Vessels.
  Offices: Cyprus ( Limassol ), Denmark, Germany ( Hamburg ), Latvia, Myanmar ( Yangoon ), Netherlands, Norway ( Oslo ), Poland ( Szczecin ), Russia ( St. Petersburg ), Singapore, Ukraine ( Odessa ), USA ( Houston ).
  
  
• Maritime Employment com, a Texas based ( Houston ) recruiting agent for cargo vessels. Use job search to find vacant positions on RoRo, Container Ships, Tankers, and Bulk Carriers. Masters, Deck Officers and deck crew, Engineers, Electricians, and engine crews, Cooks, and Messmen. Most jobs require US Green Card. English, Español.
  
  
• US based tanker owner-operator with both US-flagged and Internationally flagged tankers: crude oil carriers, product tankers, and gas carriers, have offices in Athens, Houston, London, Newcastle, Manila, Singapore, and Tampa. No vacancy list available - the online form is treated as an open application and will be kept on active file for one year. Choose online form - it's different for US flagged vessels and Internationally flagged ships.
  
  
• British tanker recruitment specialist agency with employment on Chemical, Product, Crude oil, and LPG / LNG tankers. No vacancy list available. Use online form to apply.
  
  
• "K" Line Shipmanagement in Singapore employs seafarers from India, Bangladesh, Philippines, P.R. China, and Myanmar on their crude oil / product tankers. Enquire by e-mail or apply personally at Singapore Office.
  
  
• British recruiting agency with seagoing vacancies for all ranks ( from Master to AB, Officers, Engineers, Motorman, Cook ), different trading areas ( World-wide or regional: UK, Europe, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, the Gulf etc. ), and different vessel types ( VLCC, cable-laying, ferries ( Ro-Pax, RoRo ), Tankers, Tugs, Fast Craft etc. ). Click on "Skip Intro" and go to "Vacancies", list of vacancies up-dated weekly. Look at bottom of list for most recent jobs. Most job listings include salaries paid in UK £ per year or per day, in some instances you are asked to provide a dayrate.
  
  To apply with this company you must register first by sending copies of your documents.

• Dutch shipowner / operator with different kinds of ships, about 150 vessels: Reefers, Livestock, Offshore Vessels, Car Carriers, Dry Cargo Bulk Carriers, Container Ships, and Product Tankers. Tanker deck officers with a working knowledge of Spanish would have an advantage. Current vacancies are listed: Chief Officers, Chief Engineers, TDPO / Second Officers, Second Engineers and Third Engineers; use e-mail for enquiries.
  
  
• Dutch recruiting agent with employment on different kinds of ships in both European and worldwide trade: Captains, Deck Officers, Engineers, and AB for Ocean Towing Vessels, AHT, Heavy Lift Vessels, Heavy Lift Semi-submersible, Product Tankers, and ASD Tugs. Some positions require knowledge of Dutch language.
  
  Get instructions on how to apply. Branch offices in Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine.  Deutsch,  Nederlands
  
  
• European online maritime crewing agent focusing on following sectors: towage, offshore and dredging. With opportunities for Masters DPO, Tug Masters / Skippers, Chief Officer DPO, Chief Officer-OOW, Second Officer DPO, Chief Engineers, Second Engineer, Crane Operator ( work experience with 50 T and over ) either in European or worldwide trading. Get printable application form.
  
  
• American mariners vacancy listings, mainly tug boat / towboat jobs but also small cruise ships and an assortment of miscellaneous inland waterways and coastal vessels. Hiring captains / masters / skippers, mates, officer of the watch ( OOW ), engineers, second mates, second engineers, chief mates, steerman, deckhands, fitters, able seaman, ordinary seaman, cooks, some chefs and other cruise ship personnel. You apply directly to the employer.
  
  
• A long list of US tugboat Master / Captain / Skipper and crew employers. Job listings for US boat crews, mainly canal, river, and inland water ways vessels. Employers pay, jobseekers enjoy. You must register before you can access all current vacancies. The website includes many other informational links for tug boat officers / engineers and crew.
  
  
• Belgian ( Antwerp ) International logistics services company with over 700 employees in 16 countries: Europe, CIS, and Asia - also operating as a recruiting agent with vacancies for Master ( Captain ), Chief Officers, Deck Officers, Chief Engineers, Ship Engineers, Chief Electrician, DPO, and BCO. Knowledge of French and/or Flamish is an advantage but not necessary. Click on "Info" for job description and on "Apply" to apply online. You can apply by regular mail, see instructions on vacancies page ( online application is preferred ). Pycckий. This company accepts open "speculative" applications.
  
  
• Dutch Shipmanagement company hires for oil and chemical tankers: Masters, Chief Officers, and Chief Engineers. Click on "More" to get application instructions and full job description.
  
  
• International Salvage and Heavylift company based in Holland recruits Marine Engineers, Pilot / Mooring Masters, Salvage Master, Chief Engineers and Deck Officers, Chief Officers, and AB / Able Seamen, Subsea Personnel, ( some positions can require knowledge of Dutch language ). Mostly in the Netherlands but also in Angola and South Africa. [Nederlands]. Click on job title for more information and to apply. This company accepts open applications, you can also get e-mail alerts on new vacancies suitable for you - see information on vacancies page.
  
  
• East European marine recruitment agency with long vacancy list ( mainly for Russian and Ukrainian, etc. seafarers ). Jobs on Container Ships, Bulk Carriers, Tankers [ Chemical Tankers, Product Tankers, LPG Carriers, Crude ( VLCC, ULCC )], General Cargo / Heavy Lift, Ro-Ro, Reefers, etc. under UK, German, Cyprus, or Singaporean Management. Salaries offered are given for each position in € ( EURO ) or USD ( $ ).
  
  
• Dutch recruiting agent with jobs mainly on European ships employs Captains, Deck Officers, Chief Engineers, Junior Engineers, Cooks, Crane Operators, etc. Vacancy list in Nederlands. Same agency also handles temporary short term contracts with vessel deliveries ( both cargo vessels and yachts ).
  
  
• German recruiting agent with English / German vacancy list. Jobs mostly on European tugboats and Passenger / Cruise ships: Captain, Chief Mate, Second Officer, Chief Engineer, Second Engineer and Safety Officers. Use online application/registration form.
  
  
• Employment for Master ( Captain ), Chief Officer, Junior Deck Officers, Chief Engineer, Junior Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Electricians, AB, OS, Motorman, Fitter, Motorman / Fitter ( welder ), Cook. Salaries given with every open vacancy. You can either download printable application or use online application [ online application is preferable ].

• German recruiting agent acting as an agent for seafarers registered in their database. Some of listed jobs are for German nationals only. The service is free of charge. Use online application / registration form to apply online by pressing the "apply now" button at the end and send your documents by e-mail or mail to our address.
  
  
• International UK based shipmanagement company employs new crew mainly from Eastern Europe, Korea, Philippines, and Turkey in addition to UK for Cape-size, Panamax, and Handy-size Bulk carriers, Chemical tankers, LPG vessels, Container ships and pure Car / Truck carriers. No vacancy list available online. Choose your country first and then use online application.
  
  
• BP ( British Petroleum ) marine department recruits officers from India and through Singapore [ citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Republic of Ireland or the UK ] to crude oil and product tankers; liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers.
  
  
• South African marine crew recruiting agent based in Cape Town. Hires Deck Officers and Engineers [ Master, Chief Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer, Cadets, and Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer ] with full STCW certification to rank applied for, as well as deck and engine crews / ratings [ Bosun, AB, OS / Ordinary Seaman, ( trainee ) Deckhand, Oiler / Motorman / Welder, Wiper, ( trainee ) Engine Hand, and Cooks ]. All applicants must have full STCW certification. Use online form to apply.
  
  
• Dutch ship management company with more than 100 multipurpose cargo vessels in world wide trade accepts applicants of most nationalities ( Nederlands ). Some knowledge of Dutch is necessary . You must use online form - click on link to application form on company webpage. First you select your country of residence and then you get the correct application form.
  
  
• British ship management company, with vacancies for Deck and Engine officers and crew mostly for container ships ranging between 2.500 and 8.000 TEU. Junior officer positions are available most of the time. The company manages over 50 vessels. Have representative offices in China, Croatia, Poland, and Sri Lanka. Generally British-European senior officers and Filipino crew ( have office in Manila ).
  
  
• German shipmanagement company with over 700 ships have offices in Germany, Australia, Bermuda, P.R. China, Cyprus, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Isle of Man, Japan, Poland, Singapore, and UK. The management company is an equal opportunity and anti-discrimination employer accepting personnel of all nationalities. Employment for Masters, Chief Engineers, Deck and Engine Officers. To enquire contact nearest crew service centre. To apply use online application form.
  
  
• Netherlands ( Holland ) based ship and crew management company of ocean-going ships. Owns and manages ships both under Netherlands and Belgian flags. Vacancies ( English ), Vacatures ( Nederlands ) for Tanker and Container Ship Captains, Tow Masters, Deck Officers, Engineers ( also OOW licence holders ), and Deck Crew ( AB ). Also Deck Officers and Engineers with experience from Bitumen or LPG tankers.
  Professional crew from Baltic States / Russian Federation should contact the Latvia office.
  
  
• Chevron US is hiring American seafarers for their US flagged tankers: Third Mate, AB, Third Assistant Engineer, Steward, Messperson ( Messman ), Machinist, etc. Click on position name in the vacancy list.
  
  
• UK recruitment agent continuously looking for Masters, Captains, Chief Officers, Second and Third Officers, First and Second Engineers with minimum 2 years previous tanker experience to Product Tankers, Aframax, and VLCC in worldwide trading. Latest job postings in upper right corner on Home page. Click on "Click for Details ..." to apply, use online application form.
  
  
• Norwegian shipmanagement company, with manning offices in: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Thailand, and Ukraine; handling many types of ships: LNG / LPG, VLCC; Chemical, Product, Crude, and Oil tankers, Bulk vessels, Car carriers, Container vessels, Hydrographic and Seismic Survey vessels, FPSO, FSO, MOPU, etc. Vacancy list contains only latest vacancies. Click on country name in list of offices to get address where and how to register your CV / resume with the Regional HR Manager, by e-mail or by contacting regional manning office personally.
  
  
• European online manning agency, based in Latvia, covering all of Europe and all of Russia - including the Far East part - used by European Union shipowners / operators /ship management companies. Vacancy list includes a salary range for every vacant position, either in USD ($) or Euro (€) per month. The vacancy list starts with Deck Department, click on either Engine Department or Catering Department if you are interested in either one. When I last checked vacancies, there were no catering jobs available, but may there is now or next week ? Some positions are available only for EU citizens or permanent residents. Pycckий
  You must register with the agency first before you can apply for an open vacancy.
  
  Vacancies:
  Deck Department: Chief Officers, Second Officers, and AB on Container vessels, Tankers, and General Cargo ships
  Engine Department: Chief Engineers, Second Engineers, and Electrical Engineers on Container vessels and Multipurpose ships
  
  
• British ship crew management company based on Isle of Man [ offices in Liverpool, India, Philippines, Singapore, and Ukraine ] with crude carriers, LNG / LPG, Product tankers, and Ro-Ro. Last when I checked all listed vacancies were together under "Deck Officers": Second Engineer Ro-Ro ( £ 41.142 per year ), DPO on DSV DP 2 vessel, Experienced LPG Chief Officers, Second Officers, and Third Officers. This ship management company doesn't list all current vacancies but vacancy list is up-dated weekly. You can use either your own or online Application / CV form. Use Contact form for enquiries.
  
  
• Norwegian recruiting agent, job listings in Norwegian ( Norsk ), several different kinds of ships. Information also in English.
  
  
• British-Swedish ship management company with over 90 vessels, based in Glasgow, employing crew ( including Masters ) for VLCC, ULCC, RoRo, Shuttle Tankers, Product and Product Chemical Tankers, Aframax Tankers, Suezmax and "fast craft"; occasionally also technical superintendents. For Master, Second Officers, Third Officers, Gas Engineers, Second Engineers, Third Engineers, and Fourth Engineers. To apply click "Apply with CV" in the right hand column.