The type of vessel you work on shapes your pay, your certificates and your daily work. Many seafarers build a whole career in one segment. This guide compares the main fleets so you can choose where to specialise.
Dry cargo: bulk carriers and general cargo
Bulk carriers move commodities like grain, coal and ore; general cargo and MPP ships carry mixed loads. The work is cargo-focused with long ocean passages. Entry requirements are the most accessible, which makes dry cargo a common starting point. See bulk carrier vacancies.
Tankers: oil, chemical, product
Tankers carry liquid cargo and demand extra tanker endorsements and strict safety discipline. In return, they pay a premium over dry cargo for the same rank. If you are ready to invest in tanker courses, this is a reliable step up in earnings. See tanker vacancies.
Gas carriers: LNG and LPG
Gas carriers are the specialist end of the tanker world — high standards, high responsibility and among the highest salaries afloat for senior officers.
Offshore: AHTS, PSV and DP vessels
Offshore supply and construction vessels support oil, gas and wind projects. Work is often on equal rotations (for example 4 weeks on / 4 off) and pay is frequently quoted per day. DP (dynamic positioning) certification opens the best-paid offshore roles. See offshore vacancies.
How to decide
- Earnings: gas and offshore sit at the top, then tankers, then dry cargo. Compare on our salary page.
- Certificates: tankers, gas and DP require extra courses — an investment that pays back.
- Lifestyle: offshore rotations are shorter and more predictable; deep-sea trades mean longer trips.
Pick the segment that matches your goals, add the certificates it needs, and build your sea time there.