The crewing interview in English: typical questions and how to answer (with examples)

The interview with an owner or crewing agency is often in English — by phone, Skype or Zoom. It is not a language exam, but a check that you understand the questions and can answer clearly. Here are the frequent questions by topic, with ready-made answer templates. Learn them and half the stress disappears.

About yourself

- "Tell me about yourself."
> "My name is Ivan Petrov. I am an Able Seaman with four years of experience, mostly on bulk carriers and general cargo vessels. My last contract finished two weeks ago."

- "What is your rank / position?"
> "I am applying as Able Seaman, and I also have lashing experience on RoRo vessels."

Experience

- "What was your last vessel?"
> "A 25,000 DWT bulk carrier under Panama flag. I worked as AB for four months, deck watch and maintenance."

- "What types of vessels have you worked on?"
> "Mainly bulk carriers and general cargo, and one contract on a container ship."

- "How many years in rank do you have?"
> "About three years in rank as AB."

Documents

- "Are all your documents valid?"
> "Yes. My CoC, STCW certificates and medical are valid. My US C1/D visa is valid until 2028."

- "When can you join / when are you available?"
> "I am available immediately / I can join within two weeks."

Technical / situational

- "What would you do in case of fire on board?"
> "I would raise the alarm, report to the bridge, and act according to the muster list and the vessel's procedures."

- "What would you do if you saw a man overboard?"
> "I would shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy, keep pointing at the person and inform the bridge immediately."

- "What is your experience with mooring / lashing / watchkeeping?"
> "I have handled mooring lines fore and aft, and I have lashing experience on RoRo cargo."

Personal / HR

- "Why did you leave your last company?"
> "My contract simply finished, and I was looking for a different vessel type." (never criticise a former captain or company!)

- "What are your strengths / weaknesses?"
> "I am reliable and I work well in a team. I am still improving my technical English, and I study it every contract."

- "Why do you want to work for us?"
> "I know your company operates modern bulk carriers with good conditions, and I want stable, long-term cooperation."

If you don't understand (it's fine!)

• "Could you repeat that, please?"
• "Sorry, could you speak a bit slower?"
• "Do you mean...?"

Questions to ask them

• "What is the rotation / contract length?"
• "What is the salary and is overtime included?"
• "Which flag is the vessel and what is the trading area?"

Three golden rules

1. Speak slowly and clearly, not fast and fancy.
2. Answer specifically: vessel type, duration, rank, numbers.
3. Never lie on technical questions — it is checked on board on day one.

Ready to interview? Current owner vacancies are on seajobs.pro.