SeaJobs.pro
23d ago
"Should I go to a bulk carrier or a tanker?" — many people ask themselves this question at the beginning of their career. And there's no one right answer. It all depends on what matters more to you: money, working conditions, professional growth, or simply what you prefer.
Let's go through the main types of vessels — without ads and without being boring.
These are the workhorses of the world fleet. They transport dry bulk cargo: grain, coal, iron ore, cement, fertilizers. There are a lot of them — bulk carriers make up a significant share of the entire commercial fleet.
Pros for a seafarer: Relatively straightforward work from the perspective of cargo operations. A good foundation for obtaining a certificate — these ships work constantly, finding a contract is easier than on specialized types. For beginners — one of the best options to gain initial experience.
Cons: Salaries are below market average. Ships are often old, technical condition can be so-so. Ports of call are not the most attractive in the world. Work is not physically the easiest.
Who it suits: Those starting their career and wanting to build experience. Those who value predictability and stability. A good stepping stone before moving to higher-paying types.
They transport containers — much of what we buy in stores arrives 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: Generally modern ships with good technical equipment. Regular routes — meaning predictable schedules. At major liner companies (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) there are 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 classic sense — there's almost no time to go ashore. Working pace is intense.
Who it suits: Those who love dynamics and clear rhythm. Those who value company stability. An excellent choice for career growth in major international companies.
They transport crude oil and petroleum products. Divided by size: from small product tankers to huge VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carrier).
Pros: Salaries are higher than on bulk carriers. Specialized work with tanker operations — valuable experience in the job market. Serious shipowners pay a lot of attention to safety and technical condition of vessels.
Cons: Increased document requirements — you need tanker certificates. Responsibility for cargo operations is high — mistakes are costly. Specific working conditions with petroleum products.
Who it suits: Those who want to earn more and are ready to specialize. Those who already have basic experience and want 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. Professionals on gas carriers are in high demand — they are valued and retained. Technically very interesting work, constant development.
Cons: Extremely high requirements for documents and qualifications. Getting on a gas carrier without tanker experience is practically impossible — it's the next step after an oil tanker. Very serious responsibility.
Who it suits: Experienced officers with tanker background who are ready for additional training and want maximum income. This is the peak in terms of salary in the commercial fleet.
They transport chemicals — often several different cargoes simultaneously in different tanks.
Pros: Technically very interesting work. Good salary. High demand for specialists.
Cons: Increased 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 often 4 weeks work / 4 weeks home — better than standard 4-6 months.
Cons: DP certification — a lengthy and expensive process. Work in harsh conditions (North Sea, Arctic). Market is more volatile — depends on oil prices.
Who it suits: Those who value shorter rotations and are ready to invest in DP certification. A good option for work-life balance.
A separate world. Huge ships, thousands of passengers, strict service standards.
Pros: Interesting experience. Visiting beautiful ports. Some companies (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises) pay quite well.
Cons: Working with passengers adds stress. Standards for appearance and behavior are stricter than on regular commercial vessels. Cruise ships often have large mixed crews — with their own specifics.
Short routes, regular lines, vessels return to port every day or every few days.
Pros: Home more often. Predictable and clear schedule. Suits family people or those who want to be closer to home.
Cons: Salaries are lower than on international fleet. Work is more monotonous.
Found a suitable type of vessel? Look for current vacancies by fleet type and specialty on seajobs.pro — you'll find offers for every segment.
Log in to join the conversation.
Login