If you are presently asking the question, ‘is marine transportation a good career path,’ then you are not alone. This is another common question we receive from our readers from time to time. If you have an interest in sea life and would love to pick a career in the marine transportation industry, you might be concerned about whether it is actually a good path to follow.
But really, the industry is a lucrative one with lots of perks available for workers to enjoy. You will have the amazing benefits of traveling around the world while enjoying good pay at the end of the month. Even though jobs in this field are not as easy as many people often think, it is full of excitement and opportunities for sea lovers.
In this post, we will be providing our opinion about the marine transportation industry as we answer the question, ‘is marine transportation a good career path.’ If this sounds like what you would like to hear, then you should keep reading.
Table of Contents
What Do Marine Transportation Workers Do?
Before considering picking a career in the marine transportation industry, it is best to first know what workers in the industry do. If you are the type that loves buying products made in other countries, you might have once wondered how those products do get to you in your country. That is the responsibility of the marine transportation industry.
Marine transportation workers are not only in charge of maintaining and operating vessels that ship cargo across the waterways; they are also in charge of the ones that move people. Whether you are traveling through narrow waterways or in the oceans, the marine transportation workers are the people who work together to make sure you and your goods get to your destination without any issues.
There are lots of job opportunities on every ship. From entry-level jobs to those with experience and education, you can be sure of having access to a wide range of job opportunities if you follow the path.
Is Marine Transportation A Good Career Path?
Now, let’s answer the question of the day, ‘is marine transportation a good career path?’ short answer, we will say yes. The marine transportation industry is presently enjoying a boom globally. A large part of international trade and logistics are done over the water. If you are considering taking advantage of this and picking a career in the industry, here are some reasons we think it could be a good place to choose a career path.
- Lots of job opportunities: The industry is growing, so more hands will be needed on deck to get cargo across countries. Because of that, there are many job opportunities available for anyone who would love to pick a career in the industry.
- Good pay: If you are concerned about the pay, you will be glad to know that marine transportation workers are paid handsomely for their duties. Since the jobs here are considered to be tougher, they are paid more than similar designations offshore. In the next section of this post, we will discuss the average salary of a marine transportation worker per year.
- Opportunities to travel: There is probably no other job that could give you the opportunity to travel the world like a career in marine transportation. The job allows you to experience unusual and interesting places instead of just the regular business or holiday destinations visited by most people.
- Enough flexibility and job security: Because of the recent boom in the industry, a job in the marine transportation industry provides a reasonable amount of security. At the same time, most roles in the industry allow you to enjoy great job flexibility – allowing you to choose your own hours.
- Amazing perks and benefits: There are lots of perks to enjoy in this industry. Imagine having a job that allows you to sum up all your holidays at once while also giving you extra benefits such as gifts and freebies. With a job in marine transportation, you also get to enjoy long holidays.
- Transferable skills: While working onboard, you will develop and improve on various skills, such as great observation skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and many more. Most of these skills can come in really handy in other careers in case you decide to make a switch in the future.
Is Marine Transportation a Good Career Path; Average Salary of a Marine Transportation Worker
Salary is one of the major factors to consider when many people are asking about a particular career. So, if you are also asking, ‘Is marine transportation a good career path,’ we believe you will be interested in the pay too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a worker in the industry is $59,250 per year.
However, payment in the industry varies by level of experience and educational qualification. Some positions earn up to $100,000 per year, with captains and engineers making the most while entry-level positions like oilers and sailors earn the lowest.
Is Marine Transportation a Good Career Path: Some Career Opportunities Available In the Industry
There are many job opportunities in the industry. Common among them are:
- Port manager
- Merchant officer
- Shipping manager
- Yard manager
- Marine engineer
- Mate
- Oilers
- Marine surveyor
- Sailors
- Wiper
- Cook
- Marine underwriter
What Is The Educational Requirement For A Job In Marine Transportation?
An important subject when discussing ‘is marine transportation a good career path’ is the educational requirement. While there are no formal degree requirements to get a job in the marine transportation industry, having some education can help you secure a good position and better pay. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in a program like marine engineering, marine transportation, marine science, and maritime logistics can help you pursue a real career with more opportunity and growth.
Is Marine Transportation a Good Career Path: Some Skills to Needed For a Successful Career
As we earlier said, jobs in the industry are tougher than similar jobs onshore. So, they are not jobs for the faint-hearted. You will need some unique skills to build a successful career in the industry. Some of such skills include:
- Being physically strong
- Problem-solving skills
- Good observation skills
- Sharp vision
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Customer service skills
Final Note
The shifting global trade industry has opened up many career opportunities in marine transportation. With ample room for experience and certifications and great employment prospects, marine transportation careers are often rewarding and stable.
However, it’s not the right career path for everyone. While the ships offer a lucrative source of jobs, and there are many other jobs, they are generally dangerous and unappealing to many people. But if you’re an adventurous person and want a job that isn’t like the normal nine-to-five, then this industry is one worth checking out.