How to Start Your Career in the Marine Industry
Jamie Callaghan, Lead Dispatcher and HR Administrator for TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale reflected recently “As an H.R. Professional in the Marine Industry, I often field questions from people that think they might want to start working on a boat but they just don’t know how to get their foot in the door. I have done my best to create a roadmap for those that want to get a leg up on the competition for key positions within the industry.”
The Marine Industry has many different facets, from shipping and yachting to marine manufacturing and engineering. Marine towing and salvage even has a wide range of opportunities from large commercial tugs moving cruise ships in the port and big salvage companies like the one that salvaged the Costa Concordia, to smaller commercial assistance towing companies that assist private boaters. In South Florida alone, the Marine Industry has an 11.5 Billion dollar economic impact.
What types of jobs are there?
If you are looking for a career on board a vessel, there are opportunities in many areas of the industry. You can travel the world, whether it be on a cruise ship, luxury yacht or a commercial container ship. You can stay local and work on fishing boats, dinner cruise vessels or passenger vessels. When you live near the coast, the opportunities are endless.
Don’t forget that there are many land based careers in the Marine Industry. If you don’t want to work on board a vessel, there are numerous opportunities available for land lubbers. Management, Administration, Sales and Mechanical careers are just a few examples of the people behind the scenes that keep the industry running.
Where do you start?
- Do some research online: What do you want to do? Take time to look at a few company websites or look at jobs boards for the types of careers that might be available in your area. Many companies use social media to show what they do and what it is like to work for them. Check out TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale for more.
- Talk to your local schools: In Broward County, we have numerous marine related schools offering Captain’s classes, STCW courses, and many other courses that are required before working on board a vessel. These schools are very knowledgeable when it comes to what you will need for the type of career you want to start. Talk to our local maritime schools for guidance with credentialing.
- Don’t forget the trade schools: There are many local schools offering programs for students interested in working in trades. This could be a marine engineering program, electronics training, or even a culinary program.
- Talk to people in the industry: Everyone has a story and many in the industry ended up there by accident. Ask how a Sports Management graduate became the face of jobs in the industry, or how a music student became a fast ferry Captain. Check out Salty Jobs for more.
- Start out with a company that spans many areas of the industry: If you just got your Captain’s license and you’re not sure where you want to go with it, apply with a company that can give you the exposure to more than one sector of the industry. Working as a Captain for a company like TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale will give you an opportunity to refine your boat handling skills while you perform towing operations for local boaters and yachts, launch operations for coastal and international vessels, charter operations for the military, and containment boom operations for ships in the local commercial ports. Any time spent in the marine salvage industry will give you a wealth of knowledge you can use in any Marine Industry career.
- Start out with a company that invests in you: Whether it be on the job training, tuition assistance, or a paid credential benefit; what better benefit can a company offer than investing in their employee’s development. TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale is one of many South Florida company’s that offers extensive in-house training and paid certification training for selected credentials.
- Work Hard: While we all want to start out making millions and running a company, it’s highly unlikely. Know that you may begin your career sweeping the floor of a shop, scrubbing the hull of a boat, or answering phones in an office. Do your absolute best work no matter what you are tasked with and keep in mind that this hard work along with a positive attitude are what will separate you from the rest.
- Think Big: In the Marine Industry, there are many career ladders for you to climb. Ask questions on day one and find out the path from Deckhand to Director. Have patience as it may take more than two or three years to get there, but never stop thinking about the big picture.
Starting a new career in any industry takes some work, but if you take the time to narrow down what you want to do, learn how to get there, and work hard; you can find immense success in the Marine Industry.
If you would like more information on career opportunities offered by TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale, please visit our Career Page.
"Sometimes we are lucky enough to know that our lives have been changed, to discard the old, embrace the new, and run headlong down an immutable course. It happened to me... on that summer’s day, when my eyes were opened to the sea."
- Jacques Yves Cousteau, Oceanographer
