Seafarer job description: what you'll do and what to write on your resume
Applying for seafarer work on a ship? Copy the duties below into your resume, then read what the interview asks.
Duties to write on your resume
Start each line with what you did. Keep the ones you've really done.
Stood watch on deck or in the engine room as assigned by the officer
Handled mooring lines and cargo gear during port arrival and departure
Chipped, painted and maintained decks, hull and equipment to prevent rust
Cleaned and checked cargo holds and tanks before and after loading
Took part in fire, abandon ship and man overboard drills
Reported safety hazards, spills and equipment faults to the officer on duty
Followed ship safety rules, including permits for hot work and enclosed spaces
Kept logs and records of watch duties, work done and equipment checks
No sea time yet? List maritime school training, on-board practice or any hands-on work, and say where.
A resume objective you can adapt
Maritime graduate looking for a seafarer job on a merchant ship, ready to stand watch, follow safety rules and live and work with a multinational crew for long contracts.
Skills employers ask for
Following instructions from officers exactly
Working in a team on a multinational crew
Basic English for ship communication
Staying alert during long watches
Handling rough weather and months away from home
What the interview asks
Why do you want to work at sea? Give a real reason, like career growth or a family goal, and show you understand the lifestyle.
Are you ready to be away from your family for a long contract? Answer honestly and explain how you'll stay in touch and cope.
What would you do if you saw a safety hazard on deck? Say you'd stop, warn others and report it to the officer on duty right away.
How do you get along with crew from other countries? Share an example of working with different people and staying respectful.
Most posts ask for maritime school training or relevant sea-going courses, and often prior experience for higher roles.
Prepare your resume, valid ID, NBI clearance, government numbers (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, TIN) and medical certificate.
Apply through a manning agency, since most ship crews are hired that way.
Masters, officers and GMDSS radio operators need an STCW Certificate of Competency from MARINA to serve at their level.
Expect an interview, and sometimes a medical check and an English test.
Licence or certificate
Masters, officers and GMDSS radio operators need an STCW Certificate of Competency from MARINA to serve at their level. Source
What the work is like
You live and work on the ship for months, in rotating shifts that run day and night. The hardest part is being far from family and working through rough weather.
DayShift lists remote jobs with Singapore and Asia clients, on the same clock as Manila. Applying is free, and we never ask you for money. See today's DayShift jobs