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.

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

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
  
  
• International maritime black list forum.
  
  
• e-Learning courses for: Engineer Officer of the Watch ( EOOW ) or Deck Officer of the Watch ( OOW ).
  You can study these anywhere in the world, even onboard if you have Internet connection. For more information enquire by e-mail. 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• World wide list of approved Doctors / Medical Practitioners authorised to issue seafarer's medical certificate ( ENG1 ).
  
  
• 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.

Currently ( 2009 ) there's a worldwide shortage of about 30.000 ship officers. This is expected to grow to about 85.000 by 2012 [ source "Gangway" May/2009 ]. End of December 2008 I heard a rumour some cargo ships ( Ro-Ro ?) that used to get "pick and carry" cargoes in Northern Europe were getting short of cargoes. Some of these ships already going as far as East Africa to get some trade. Starting from March 2009 there has been an increasing number of ships laid up, although not nearly enough to close all open vacancies.

At end of third quarter of 2008 low crude oil prices pushed tanker charter rates down, which had as consequence several VLCC and ULCC new-building contracts were changed ( not cancelled ) to LNG tankers instead. In April 2009 there were a total of 140 LNG tankers on order. If you have experience as chief mate on a crude tankers and currently looking for work, it could be a good idea to add training / proficiency in LNG cargo calculations.

We should, however be aware, that all the time / every day writing, reading, hearing about the Economic Crisis can create a self-fulfilling prognosis. As long as nobody comes forward with stories about those companies that still are running full speed with no problems the situation of course looks gloomy. But all companies all over the world do not have economical problems.

Moore Stephen's Shipping Confidence Survey reports there is apparent confidence that there will be "good business opportunities ahead" and that the upturn will come not later that the third quarter of 2009. [ Source: Maritime Reporter, April 03, 2009 ]

The "Gangway" [ Shiptalk Newsletter ] in June 2009 quotes Lloyd's list stating charter rates for bulk carriers were on the rise. Some other sources mentioning oil prices also rising while gas prices in US were tumbling down. Although almost all of increased power generation in US comes from burning LNG.

Something must be going on ! I think it was Shakespeare who said: "Something is smelling in 'Denmark'". Anyway, I'm an optimist.

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.

Get ITF's Standard Collective Agreement with salary scales for 2008. Actual salaries paid are included in many vacancy lists. ITF hasn't published any salary scales for 2009, may be the salaries have been "frozen" for one year ?

• British Cargo Ship Job placement agency with available jobs posted by agencies and ship owners. 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.
  
  
• Spanish recruiting agent - recruits also from South America - ( Español, English, Italiano ), with cargo ship employment opportunities on all kinds of ships: Tankers ( crude, product, chemical, LNG, LPG, OBO ), Dry Cargo Ships, Reefers, AHT-Supply, Offshore supply-service vessels. Ask for agent's application form by email: sp-crewdept"at"sea-service.net (instead of "at" you type: @ ).
  
  
• Cyprus based worldwide ship crew recruiting agent, from Master to AB, offering direct internet ship employment. English / Dutch ( Nederlands ) vacancy list.
  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 ). To contact use on-line form.
  
  
• 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 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.
  
  To this recruitment agency you can send an open application with certificate copies attached, see instructions at top of vacancy list. You can use either your own or Don Pedro's Application Form.
  
  
• Dutch shipowner / operator with different kinds of ships, about 100 vessels: Livestock and 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, use e-mail for enquiries.
  
  
• Dutch recruiting agent with employment on different kinds of cargo ships in both European and worldwide trade: Captains, Deck Officers, Engineers, AB. Some positions require knowledge of Dutch language. Click on "more >>" for more details about each vacant position and how to apply. English, Deutsch, Nederlands
  
  
• Jobs for towing-tug Masters ( requires good ship handling skills ), Deck Officers, and Engineers. Those jobs immediately available require mostly US Coast Guard endorsement or licence.
  
  
• European crewing agents 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. The page includes many other informational links for tug boat officers / engineers and crew.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• US recruitment site for Mates and Engineers on US flagged ships, occasionally also land based vacancies. Click on job title for more information and to apply.
  
  
• Crew Placement agency ( US ) with vacancies for OUTV 100 Ton Captains, Experienced Mates, Engineers, Cargo Ship AB, Q-Med, Tankermen, Offshore O/S and Wipers, experienced / inexperienced Deckhands ( Inland / River ). All applicants must have current applicable USCG / STCW documentation / licenses. Use online application form.
  
  
• 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.
  
  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 ].

• UK marine recruiting agent. You can view vacant jobs by department:
  Deck Positions: Captains and Deck Officers, including DPO ),
  Engineering Positions: Engineers, Electricians, and Electronic Engineers ),
  Rating Positions: Cooks, Stewards, AB, and Motormen ).
  Different kinds of ships: Fast Craft, Tankers, LNG, Aframax, RoRo, and Chemical Tankers.
  Full STCW documentation required. You must use online application form. Follow instructions on company webpage.
  For information on DPO certificates go to Offshore Training and Certificates.
  
  
• Norwegian Car Carrier ship owner-operator with offices also in Manila and Quangzhou ( P.R. China ) employs Deck and Engine Officers, deck, engine, and catering crew ( Messmen ). Click in square to extreme left for more information about each vacant position. Apply by email together with your C.V. - can use Don Pedro's Application form.
  
  
• Danish crew manager, different kinds of ships and trades. Handling over 5.300 seafarers on over 230 ships (2008). This employer accepts "open" ( unsolicited ) job applications
  
  
• For American seamen there are not so many American recruitment agencies available. Many American seafarers get their jobs through the Seafarers International Union of North America ( SIU ). You have to enrol as member before you are assigned a ship and, of course, you have to have US Coast Guard crew certification as well. Get nationwide list of offices / "Halls". No vacancy lists available at Union website. More information about the Union.
  
  
• Possibly the largest seamen recruiting ship management company in the world, managing over 900 ships and over 16.000 seafarers in 2008 - based in Glasgow (UK). In March 2009 there were 60 open vacancies in the job listing - some vacancies include current salary. Scroll down on the page past the row of small icons to get to the next page of the vacancy list.
  
  This employer continuously requires Masters / Captains, Chief Officers, 2^nd and 3^rd Officers, Chief Engineers, Electrical Engineers, 2^nd and 3^rd Engineers on different kinds of ships: General cargo ( break bulk ), Container Vessels, Bulk Carriers, Chemical Tankers, Heavy Lift Vessels, Lo-Ro, LPG, Ro-Ro, etc. Click on "View/Apply" for more details and/or to apply.
  
  
• British global container shipping line hires only through their office in Sorrento, Italy - UK office acting as ship's agent only. No vacancy list available for onboard vacancies. No e-mail applications - use regular mail only to send application and CV. Read employment page carefully and follow employer's instructions.
  
  
• Middle East ship management company employing mainly Filipino and Indian seafarers. Use job search function to find the seagoing job you are looking for.
  
  
• British recruiter with employment for Deck Officers and Engineers on Container vessels, Car Carriers, LPG / LNG vessels, and VLCC. Applicants must have previous experience from the type of ship they apply for. Each vacant position have an e-mail link and instruction how to apply.
  
  
• Cyprus based recruiting agent, most officers from Europe. In April 2005 the company was handling over 4.500 Filipino seamen and some 3.500 seamen ( including Officers ) of other nationalities.
  Head office in Hamburg with more offices in Oslo, Australia, Hamburg, Cyprus, India, Latvia, Manila, Rijeka, Rotterdam, Shanghai, Singapore, St. Petersburg, and Tokyo. Download application form (Excel) and return it by email to: seajobs"at"csmcy.com (instead of "at" you type @).
  
  
• Norwegian worldwide shipmanagement company with offices in: Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, P.R. China, Singapore, UK, and USA.
  
  
• Norwegian Maritime recruitment portal / centre with world wide sea-going maritime job vacancies: Masters, Chief Officers, Junior Deck Officers, Chief Engineers, Second Engineers, Third Engineers, Fourth Engineers; on tankers, LPG, LNG, Ferries, and Ro-Ro. Click on Position name for more information and to apply.
  
  
• Danish-British ship-owner and operator hires Officers and Crew: Senior and Junior Deck Officers, Deck Crew, Galley and mess crew, and Engine Crew.
  
  
• Croatian ship crewing portal with positions for Captains ( AHT ), Chief Officer ( RoRo ), Second Officer ( ROV Support, Cruise, RoRo ) Chief Engineer ( Product Tanker ), Second Engineer ( AHT ) Electrical Engineer ( RoRo ), Motormen, etc. Go to "Seafarers". To apply click on name of position you are interested in. Hrvatski
  
  
• German ship management company based in Cyprus. Mainly for Philippine and Polish seamen, although also other nationalities can apply. Use online application form, look for "Opportunities". No job listings available.

• 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.
  
  
• Middle East ship management company employs West European and Filipino seafarers: Masters, Deck Officers, Engineers ( including Electrical Engineers ), deck and engine crew ( AB, Motormen, and Oilers ) on Crude Carriers and Chemical tankers. Use online application [which is preferred], or forward your CV with copies of certificates to the following email address: employment"at"msml.com (instead of "at" you type: @).
  
  
• 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. 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 55 multipurpose cargo vessels in world wide trade accepts applicants of most nationalities ( Nederlands ). 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 40 vessels. Have representative offices in China, Croatia, Poland, and Sri Lanka. Generally British-European senior officers and Filipino crew.
  
  
• German shipmanagement company with over 600 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.
  
  
• UK recruiting agent with employment for Deck Officers and ratings on Coastal Dry Cargo Vessels, Coastal Product Tankers, LNG, and Dredgers for Masters, Chief Officers, 2^nd Officers, Coxswains, and AB. For Engineer Officers and ratings mainly on LNG and RoRo Vessels for Chief Engineers, 2^nd Engineers, 3^rd Engineers, Gas Engineers, OOW Engineers, and Motormen.
  
  Some positions are for UK passport holders only. Most vacancies have salary indication. Register your interest, by contacting the recruiter, or downloading the application form as a PDF and mail / fax your details, along with copies of certificates, to the agency. Please quote Vacancy Number when applying.
  
  
• Netherlands 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, Deck Officers, Engineers, and Deck Crew ( AB ).
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Global database of Maritime jobs indicating also current basic salaries. Use job search function - do not select any agent, select only rank or job title. You must register before you can get contact information for a certain employer or job.
  
  
• 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
  
  
• Middle East tanker fleet operator with VLCC, Product Tankers, and LPG carriers. Generally officers are European and crew Asian. Use on-line application form.
  
  
• 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, and "fast craft"; occasionally also technical superintendents. Use your own or Don Pedro's Ship Job Application Form.
  
  
• Holland based manning agency with offices also in Zadar, ( Hrvatska ) Croatia; Bijela, Montenegro; and in Manila [ Go to "Contact" for addresses & telephone numbers ]. Recruits mainly for Mitsui Line. List of current vacancies is not available. Have continuous employment for Senior and Junior Officers of all ranks both on deck and in the engine room on VLCC, LNG & LPG carriers, chemical and product tankers, container vessels and car carriers. Use online application form. You can also enquire by e-mail, telephone, or fax (address & numbers on "Contact" page).