Seaman CV: how to write a maritime resume that actually gets you the contract (with example)

A crewing manager spends less than a minute on the first look at your CV. In that minute they decide whether to call you or close the file. A good seaman CV is not a creative essay — it is a clear data sheet that instantly shows whether you fit the vacancy.

What a seaman CV must contain

Personal details. Full name as in your passport, date of birth, nationality, city, phone, email, Skype/WhatsApp. A photo in uniform or business dress is a must.

Rank / position. The rank you are applying for (Master, Chief Officer, AB, 2nd Engineer, etc.), written the way it is used internationally.

Documents. CoC, flag endorsements, seaman's book, US C1/D visa, and the expiry date of each. This is the first thing a manager reads.

Sea service. A table, most recent first: vessel name, vessel type, flag, GT/DWT, engine type (for engineers), owner/manager, your rank, sign-on and sign-off dates. Explain gaps between contracts in one line.

STCW certificates. Basic Safety, Advanced Fire Fighting, tanker courses, GMDSS, DP — with dates.

Education and languages. Maritime academy, English level (Marlins score if taken).

Common mistakes

• A three-page CV full of filler. Crewing wants facts, not prose.
• No vessel type or GT — the manager cannot match you to the job.
• Expired documents that the CV does not reveal.
• One CV for every rank. Tanker and bulker emphasis differ.
• A holiday photo in a T-shirt and sunglasses.

Format and sending

PDF, file name `Surname_Rank_CV.pdf`. In the email body, one or two lines: rank, availability, key documents. Do not attach 20 scans at once — they will be requested later.

CV ready? Upload it to your profile on seajobs.pro and apply in one click — it goes straight to the crewing manager.