SeaJobs.pro
23d ago
"Should I go for a bulk carrier or a tanker?" — many ask themselves at the start of their career. And there's no single right answer. It all depends on what matters more to you: money, work schedule, professional growth, or simply what you find appealing.
Let's go through the main types of vessels — without hype and without boring details.
These are the workhorses of the global fleet. They transport dry bulk cargo: grain, coal, iron ore, cement, fertilizers. There are plenty of them — bulk carriers make up a significant share of all commercial vessels.
Pros for seafarers: Relatively straightforward work from a cargo operations perspective. A solid foundation for obtaining a rating — these vessels operate constantly, finding a contract is easier than on specialized types. For beginners — one of the best options to build initial experience.
Cons: Salaries are below market average. Vessels are often old, with mediocre technical condition. Ports of call aren't the world's most attractive. The work is physically demanding.
Best for: Those starting their career and wanting to build experience. Those who value predictability and stability. A good launching pad before moving to higher-paying vessel types.
They transport containers — much of what we buy in stores has arrived on container ships. The fleet is very diverse: from small feeder vessels to giant Ultra Large Container Vessels with capacity of 20,000+ TEU.
Pros: Usually modern vessels with good technical equipment. Regular lines — meaning a predictable schedule. Major liner companies (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) offer good working conditions and decent salaries. Interesting ports of call.
Cons: On large container ships, port stays are very short — 12-24 hours, sometimes less. You won't "see the world" in the classical sense — there's almost no time to go ashore. Working pace is intense.
Best for: Those who enjoy dynamics and clear rhythm. Those for whom company stability matters. An excellent choice for career growth in major international companies.
They transport crude oil and petroleum products. Classified by size: from small product tankers to enormous VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier).
Pros: Salaries are higher than on bulk carriers. Specialized tanker operations experience — valuable on the job market. Serious shipowners pay significant attention to safety and technical condition of vessels.
Cons: Elevated document requirements — tanker certificates are necessary. Responsibility for cargo operations is high — mistakes are costly. Specific working conditions with petroleum products.
Best for: Those wanting higher earnings and ready to specialize. Those with basic experience already and wanting to move to a higher-paying segment.
They transport liquefied gas — LPG (propane, butane) or LNG (natural gas). The highest-paying segment of the commercial fleet.
Pros: Salaries are the highest in the commercial fleet. Gas tanker professionals are in high demand — they're valued and retained. Technically very interesting work with continuous development opportunities.
Cons: Extremely high document and qualification requirements. Getting onto a gas carrier without tanker experience is practically impossible — it's the next step after oil tankers. Very serious responsibility.
Best for: Experienced officers with tanker experience, ready for additional training and wanting maximum income. This is the peak in terms of commercial fleet salaries.
They transport chemicals — often several different cargoes simultaneously in different tanks.
Pros: Technically very interesting work. Good salary. High demand for specialists.
Cons: Elevated safety requirements. Special certificates are mandatory. Specific working conditions.
These are vessels that service oil and gas platforms: PSV (Platform Supply Vessels), AHTS (Anchor Handling), MPSV (Multi-Purpose Support Vessels), drilling semi-submersible platforms.
Pros: Very good salaries, especially with a DP certificate. Interesting work, often in technically complex conditions. Rotation is frequently 4 weeks work / 4 weeks home — better than standard 4-6 months.
Cons: DP certification is a lengthy and expensive process. Work in harsh conditions (North Sea, Arctic). The market is more volatile — depends on oil prices.
Best for: Those who value shorter rotations and are ready to invest in DP certification. A good option for work-life balance.
A separate world. Enormous vessels, thousands of passengers, strict service standards.
Pros: Interesting experience. Visits to beautiful ports. Some companies (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises) pay quite well.
Cons: Passenger interactions add stress. Standards for appearance and behavior are stricter than on regular commercial vessels. Cruise ships often have large mixed crews — their own specifics.
Short routes, regular lines, vessels return to port daily or every few days.
Pros: More time at home. Schedule is clear and predictable. Suits family people or those wanting to stay closer to home.
Cons: Salaries are lower than international fleet. Work is more monotonous.
Found the right vessel type? Look for current vacancies by fleet type and position on seajobs.pro — you'll find offers for every segment.
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