A merchant seaman is a person who works on a ship that transports goods across oceans and lakes. While the majority of merchant mariners transport cargo, some also transport people and animals. Captain, deck officer, and engineer are just a few of the different types of merchant seamen jobs available. Detailed job descriptions for these types of seamen vary, but they all work together to ensure safe and reliable transportation.
Some merchant mariners are able to work close enough to a port to live onshore. When not on duty, a ferry captain, for example, may live on the mainland. However, the majority of seamen spend a significant amount of time at sea. Seaman jobs are known to be particularly dangerous at times due to severe storms and other hazards such as fire, slips, and collisions for those living onboard a water vessel for an extended period of time. Seaman jobs are subject to stringent safety regulations, and individuals must receive basic training in boat handling and safety procedures before working as a merchant seaman.
Various types of seamen jobs exist within the industry, and they are also known as merchant marines or merchant navy positions. A captain, also known as a ship master, is in charge of the vessel’s overall operation. Among the many responsibilities expected of someone in this position is ensuring that the vessel stays on course, operates safely, and that all records of events onboard the vessel or pertaining to cargo shipment are accurate.
A sailor or deckhand, also known as an ordinary seaman or an able seaman, is another type of merchant seaman who performs manual labor. An able-bodied seaman might be assigned to maintain a vessel’s gear, raise or lower smaller vessels from a main deck, or clean the deck of a vessel. Higher-ranking able seamen also oversee the performance of various manual labor duties by other deckhands to ensure that the vessel runs smoothly.
Before being hired as an employee on a vessel, a merchant seaman usually goes through formal training and an apprenticeship. These people are frequently military-trained, but they may also receive specialized private training. A merchant seaman may be required to obtain licensing before being able to work, depending on the jurisdiction and specialty in which they work. On-the-job training is used by only a small percentage of merchant seamen.