Explore Maritime Industry Careers and Pathways
MPSEC can be your portal to an exciting and successful future in one of the most important industries on the planet (why we call it “Planet Earth” is a mystery! Covered 70% by water, it should be called “Planet Ocean”!). See below for just some of the options available to YOU!!
Where to begin?
When people think about maritime careers, they typically think that most of the jobs are on ships and require going to sea. Certainly, ships are the mainstay of the maritime industry, but the industry involves a vast network of sectors that support the ships and their crews while at sea and in port. The maritime industry is a global industry and is fundamental to the world’s economy. Consider this…90% of all goods (from clothing to food, cars to mobile phones) and energy are delivered by ships!
Technical Training
There are dozens of technical schools that enable you to enter the maritime industry. Some of them are apprentice programs and provide pay while you learn a new trade. If you are not interested in college, or don’t have the money for college, check out these programs that lead to well-paying jobs within the maritime industry.
Maritime Academies
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the six State Maritime Academies produce over 95% of all the entry level open ocean licensed maritime officers in the U.S. These four-year colleges award a Bachelor’s Degree and students also can earn their U.S. Coast Guard License either as Deck or Engineering Officers.
Community Colleges
Across the U.S. there are an increasing number of community colleges that offer vocational maritime training and degrees and the necessary credentials to work in the maritime Industry. Most of these colleges also offer continuing education for professional mariners thereby affording you opportunity to learn side-by-side with professionals.
Maritime Industry Careers
Industry careers are broken down based on their primary location of operation. Shipboard careers refer to the day-to-day operations abroad a ship at sea. With the distinguished title of Mariners, the crew is responsible for the cargo they are transporting. Shoreside careers refer to functions on land that involve the maritime industry. They can be port-based, or even located in business offices. The maritime industry has many sectors, each of which, plays an intricate role. What role will you fill?
Shipboard Careers
There are exciting careers onboard ships. These include licensed officers and crew onboard a variety of ships from entry-level positions to Master and Chief Engineer! All you need is a desire to be part of a global industry that is a critical part of keeping the world going!
Shore side Careers
Find out more about maritime careers ashore. These include job opportunities in ship building and repair, port and terminal operators, and the business end of shipping.
Training & Education
There are many paths to enter the Maritime Industry depending on the type of job and career that interests you. Education and training can lead to high-paying jobs ashore and afloat!
MPSEC Sectors
Check out the MPSEC Sectors to browse MPSEC resources.