Working at sea demands discipline, awareness and the ability to handle changing conditions. People who take up this profession play an important role in keeping global trade, transport and offshore industries running smoothly. Ships across the world rely on trained professionals who can manage machinery, handle cargo, ensure safety and support navigation. Understanding who they are, what they do and what skills they need helps anyone exploring maritime careers.
What is a seafarer?
A seafarer is a trained professional who works on a ship and helps keep it running safely during voyages. They handle tasks such as navigation, engine operation, cargo checks, and help with daily maintenance. Seafarers can work in a variety of roles, from deck crew to engineers.
Roles and responsibilities of a seafarer
Here are some key responsibilities of a seafarer:
- Watch duty: They stand watch at assigned hours, observe the surroundings, and report movements, alarms, or irregular ship behaviour.
- Machinery oversight: They monitor running machinery, detect early faults and take action to maintain smooth performance throughout the voyage.
- Emergency response: Seafarers react quickly during fires, floods or medical situations and help bring the ship back to a stable condition.
- Cargo handling: They secure, load, inspect and monitor cargo so it remains safe and undamaged throughout transport.
- Communication assistance: They help pass messages, relay updates between departments and support smooth communication during routine or critical operations.
Key skills required to become a seafarer
To become a seafarer, one must have the following skill set:
- Physical fitness: A seafarer works in tough sea conditions, so good stamina and strength help manage long hours, heavy tasks, and vessel movement safely.
- Technical knowledge: A seafarer must have a thorough understanding of machinery, navigation tools, and onboard systems. This will help them handle equipment without causing operational risks.
- Weather understanding: Knowing how to read weather patterns and sea conditions supports safer navigation and timely action during difficult maritime environments.
- Fire control: They should be able to use fire detection systems, extinguishers, and suppression tools while understanding fire types to quickly reduce onboard fire risks.
- Stability control: Seafarers should be able to calculate weight distribution, make ballast adjustments and balance vessels to maintain safe stability in varying sea states and cargo conditions.
- Mooring operations: They should be able to handle ropes, winches, and tension loads carefully to secure the ship at ports while avoiding hazards associated with snapped lines.
Types of seafarers and their duties
Here are some common types of seafarers:
Deck officers
Deck officers handle navigation, voyage planning, and the safe movement of the ship. They monitor weather, steer routes, track positions, and manage bridge equipment. They also oversee deck operations, such as anchoring and cargo securing.
Engine officers
Engine officers maintain and operate all machinery. They monitor fuel systems, generators, propulsion units, and cooling lines. They also plan maintenance schedules and diagnose faults before they grow.
Catering crew
Catering crew prepare meals, manages food stores, maintains hygiene, and supports crew well-being. They plan menus based on voyage length, handle provisioning, and maintain clean dining areas. Their services help keep the morale of the maritime staff, especially during long weeks at sea.
Able seaman
An able seaman performs lookout duty, handles ropes, steers the ship when directed, and manages deck upkeep. They assist during drills, operate small-deck equipment, and assist officers during port operations.
Fitter welder
The fitter performs metal repairs, fabricates brackets, and fixes worn components. Their welding skills support emergency repairs in the engine room and deck.
Master captain
The master holds complete charge of the ship, crew, cargo, and compliance. They make navigation decisions, approve safety plans, interact with ports, and handle emergencies.
How to become a seafarer: Eligibility and training
Indian aspirants can join the Merchant Navy through courses like GP Rating, Deck Cadet, Engine Cadet, or Steward programmes offered by DG-approved institutes. To become eligible for this profile, one must have passed Class 10 or 12 with science and English, be between 17–25 years of age, and be medically fit as per DGS standards.
Candidates must pass eye and hearing tests, as navigation and engineering duties require high physical fitness.
Training involves pre-sea courses (6–12 months) covering navigation, marine engineering, safety drills, firefighting, and STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) modules. After successful completion, cadets are placed on ships through sponsorship or recruitment agencies licensed under RPSL.
Challenges faced by seafarers at sea
Seafarers face the following threats and challenges:
- Harsh weather: Seafarers face sudden storms, rough swells, and unpredictable winds that demand constant alertness and rapid decisions to maintain safety.
- Long isolation: Being on a vessel for months keeps seafarers away from family, friends, and normal routines. This can cause emotional strain and reduced social connections during months at sea.
- Fatigue cycles: Irregular shifts, night watches, and continuous duties create sleep disruption that reduces alertness and increases risks during critical operations.
- Supply shortage: Extended routes or weather delays can disrupt supply plans, limiting access to essentials and creating discomfort until the next port call.
- Piracy threat: Certain sea regions expose ships to armed attacks, requiring increased vigilance and strict security practices to protect the crew and cargo.
Importance of safety and compliance in maritime jobs
Safety and compliance are vital in maritime jobs because life at sea comes with real risks, from rough weather to machinery failures. Following safety rules helps prevent accidents, protects the crew, and keeps the ship running smoothly. Proper training, regular drills, and strict checks ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Compliance with global standards also avoids legal trouble and keeps ships welcome in international ports.
Why seafarers need marine insurance coverage
Seafarers need marine insurance because their work exposes them to many risks at sea. Long voyages, rough weather, machinery issues, and accidents can lead to injuries or loss of personal belongings. Marine insurance helps cover medical costs, emergency evacuation, disability, or even loss of income if a seafarer cannot work for some time. It also protects families by providing financial support in the event of serious incidents.
Note: This is an indicative list. Please read the policy wordings for the complete list of inclusions/exclusions.
Conclusion
A seafarer plays an important role in keeping ships, trade and offshore industries functioning smoothly. Their responsibilities range from navigation and machinery handling to safety and teamwork. Single transit insurance also supports them by protecting valuable cargo during one-time journeys. With the right skills, training and discipline, a career at sea offers strong growth, good income and international exposure.
FAQs
1. How long do seafarers stay at sea?
Contracts vary from a few weeks to several months. The duration depends on the company, rank, ship type and voyage route planned by the shipping operator.
2. Do seafarers have good career growth?
Yes, seafarers can rise from trainee roles to senior officer positions with experience and exams. They can also later shift to shore-based maritime jobs.
3. What skills does a seafarer need?
A seafarer needs technical knowledge, quick decision-making, teamwork, physical strength, problem-solving and strong safety awareness to handle work on moving ships in changing sea conditions.
4. What are the main responsibilities of a seafarer?
They manage ship operations, maintain equipment, follow safety rules, handle emergencies, support cargo handling and ensure smooth navigation from one port to another throughout the voyage.
5. What departments can seafarers work in?
They work in the deck, engine or catering departments. Each area has different duties, such as navigation, machinery maintenance, or food preparation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.