OffShore
Ship CaptainNature of the Work
A Ship Captain would have begun his seafaring career as a Third Officer before eventually progressing to become a Captain.
The Ship Captain is in charge of the entire ship. He is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, along with the safety of passengers, crew and cargo onboard through monitoring and maintaining procedures for fire hazard and damage control requirements. He makes sure that national and international codes of conduct are observed in guiding sea transportation, and is responsible for the budgets and expenses pertaining to the ship.
The Chief Officer is second-in-command on board a ship. He oversees the planning involved for smooth cargo operations, assists during navigation and allocates duties for the maintenance and upkeep of the ship. His responsibilities include ensuring that discipline and order are maintained on board a ship.
A Second Officer is responsible for the bridge and navigational equipment such as charts used for the navigation of vessels. He keeps navigational watch at sea and supervises cargo operations while in port. A Third Officer maintains the safety equipment, lifeboats and firefighting equipment on board a ship. He also functions as the Signal Officer, in charge of giving signals to ships, ports and shore personnel.
A Third Officer will also oversee the loading and discharging of cargo when the ship calls at a port.
Typical employers include:
• Shipping companies
• Cruise companies
• Port authorities
• Ship agencies
Working Conditions
A Ship Captain may travel onboard a ship for about 24 weeks at a stretch, with paid rest periods of about 12 weeks between sea voyages.
(This varies from company to company based on contract)
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A Deck Officer Class 1 (Master) Certificate of Competency (CoC)
Opportunities abound for Ship Captains beyond seafaring. Ship Captains may make use of their leadership experience accumulated from careers onboard ships to take up management positions in maritime or non-maritime companies.
A typical career progression track for seafarers would be:
Third Officer -> Second Officer -> Chief Officer -> Ship Captain
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Able to lead and manage a crew
• Willing to spend time at sea
• Normal colour vision and health
Job availability
Ship Captains and officers are in demand due to the increase in shipping trade activities globally, and the consequent high demand for ships needed to transport the cargo.
Earnings
With a starting pay of $2500, Third Officers can work their way up to Ship Captains, who can earn around $7200 and above.
Chief Engineer Nature of the Work
A Chief Engineer starts off his seafaring career as a Fourth Engineer on board a ship.
The Chief Engineer is charged with the operations and maintenance of all engineering (propulsion, electrical plants and other machinery) equipment throughout the ship. He supervises all work that is done in the engine room. He also determines the consumables required by the ship for all voyages, such as the fuel and lubrication oil needed. When the engine room is due for inspection by the local marine or safety authorities, the Chief Engineer ensures that the engine room is ready for inspection.
The Second Engineer plays a supervisory role in the engine room, ensuring that systems are properly maintained. He is also responsible for systems not being maintained by other Engineers, and ensures that the engine room is prepared for arrival, departure or standby.
A Third Engineer is in charge of maintaining the main engine and ensuring that spare parts for the main engine are in supply. He also ensures that purifiers, boilers and compressors are in good working condition.
A Fourth Engineer is in charge of maintaining the numerous generators onboard a ship. He is also responsible for electrical maintenance, sewage treatment systems and oily water separations.
Typical employers include:
• Shipping companies
• Classification societies
• Offshore and marine engineering companies that build ships and /or repair and maintain ships
• Marine equipment suppliers
Working Conditions
A Chief Engineer may travel onboard a ship for about 24 weeks at a stretch, with paid rest periods of about 12 weeks between sea voyages.
(This varies from company to company based on contract)
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A Class 1 Engineer Officer (Chief Engineer) Certificate of Competency (CoC)
Opportunities abound for Chief Engineers beyond seafaring. Their leadership experience onboard ships may lead them to senior management positions in both maritime and non-maritime companies (hotels, factories, hospitals etc). They may also work as Marine Surveyors in classification societies.
A typical career progression track for Engine officers would be:
Fourth Engineer -> Third Engineer -> Second Engineer -> Chief Engineer
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Able to lead and manage a team of engineers
• Good planning and project management skills
• Willing to spend time at sea
Job availability
Chief Engineers and deck engineers are in demand due to the increase in shipping trade activities globally, and the consequent high demand for ships needed to transport the cargo.
Earnings
With a starting pay of $2500, Junior Engineers can work their way up to Chief Engineer position and earn around $7200 and above.
OnShore
Naval ArchitectNature of the Work
As a Naval Architect, you will be involved in the design and construction of sea-going vessels, including ships, yachts and submarines. You will be a professional engineer specializing in the areas of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, structural engineering and structural arrangements. You may also design and build offshore platforms and marine structures used in the offshore oil and gas industry.
You will be required to:
• Plan and prepare designs
• Work with complex computer and 3D models
• Ensure that the design complies with international safety standards
• Coordinate the shipbuilding and offshore engineering projects
• Advise on operation, maintenance and repair
Typical employers include:
• Offshore and marine engineering companies that design ships and structures used in the marine environment
• Marine equipment suppliers
• Firms in the defence industry that design and build warships, submarines or related craft
Working ConditionsWorking hours are usually normal office hours. You may be required to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A degree in Naval Architecture
• Engineering subjects, mathematics and physics are core requirements.
Possible advancements or lateral movements include:
• Moving up the technical ranks to technical management
• Becoming specialists in one field or develop broad experience in several
• Taking up senior management posts in areas within or outside the maritime field given their broad and diverse knowledge accumulated throughout their career
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Good planning and project management skills
• Good leadership skills to coordinate and manage large scale and complex projects
Job availability
Naval architects are in demand due to increase in shipping trade activities globally, especially in the specialist field of shipbuilding.
Earnings
Starting pay ranges from about $2,400 to $2,900, with competitive bonuses depending on performance.
Marine EngineerNature of the Work
A marine engineer designs, operates, maintains and repairs the mechanical systems of ships. A marine engineer may be involved in the design of the propulsion, auxiliary power machinery and other equipment needed to run the ship while working closely with the naval architect who designs the ship structure.
You may also be involved in project planning, management, quality assurance and control. Depending on your job, you may also be called upon to perform technical review of vendor quotations, co-ordinate production, manage operations and subcontractors.
Typical employers include:
• Offshore and marine engineering companies that build ships and /or repair and maintain ships
• Marine equipment suppliers
• Firms in the defence industry that design and build warships, submarines or related craft
Working Conditions
Working hours are usually normal office hours. You may be required to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A diploma in marine engineering or marine and offshore technology, OR
• A bachelor’s degree in ocean/marine engineering.
However, those who possess a diploma or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering can be trained on the job to pick up the specialized skills.
A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Engineer -> Project Engineer -> Production Manager -> Marine Manager -> Senior Engineer
Other advancements or lateral movements include:
• Management positions
• Employment in the ancillary service industries as consultants, equipment service and commissioning engineers, lecturers, examiners and shipbrokers
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Good planning and project management skills
• Good leadership skills to coordinate and manage large scale and complex projects
Job availability
Marine engineers are in demand due to increase in shipping trade activities globally, especially in the specialist fields of shipbuilding and ship operations.
Earnings
Starting pay for Diploma holders (after NS) is about $1,800.
Starting pay for Degree holders ranges from $2,400 to $2,900, depending on the class of degree.
Ship Broker Nature of the Work As a Trainee Shipbroker, you will act as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers or the buyers / sellers of ships. Your key function will be to arrange the ocean transport of goods and commodities by sea, the employment of vessels, or to buy and sell ships on behalf of clients. You will be expected to provide clients with a wide range of market intelligence and advice.
Fundamentally a sales position, a typical project may require you to:
• Initiate a business deal to potential clients
• Negotiate the terms of a contract or sale
• Finalize the details of the contract
• Follow the deal through to its conclusion
Typical employers include:
• Shipbroking firms
• Major shipping companies that employ in-house shipbrokers
Working ConditionsWorking hours can be irregular but remuneration is competitive and attractive. You may be required to travel as shipbroking is a global and dynamic business.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Companies are generally willing to recruit people who are new to shipbroking, including those who may not possess shipping-related qualifications, as much of the knowledge and experience can be acquired on the job.
Nonetheless, shipping-related business degree modules are available in many established universities in Singapore and overseas. The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers also offers professional qualifications in this area.
A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Junior/Trainee Broker -> Broker -> Senior Broker -> Management position
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
• You should possess the following key traits:
• Positive attitude
• Keen, flexible and analytical mind
• Able to work under stress and adhere to tight deadlines
• Excellent people engagement in order to build a global network of contacts
• Strong commercial acumen and a dynamic personality to plan, work and deliver
• An ethical and professional code of conduct in handling confidential information and closing deals
Job availability Shipbroking has seen significant growth in the past 5 to 10 years both locally and globally. Shipbrokers are in high demand as more ship owners/operators establish their operations base in Singapore.
Earnings
Starting basic pay ranges from $2,500 to $3,000, along with an attractive commission structure. Depending on performance, competitive bonuses can also be expected.
Ship Banker Nature of the Work
As a Shipping Finance Analyst / Associate, you will provide a wide range of shipping finance services to maritime companies. You may later choose to specialize in:
• Corporate finance
• Debt
- Senior and subordinated debt
- Structure debt finance
- Export and project finance
- Bilateral, club and syndicated loans
• Merger & acquisition
• Advisory and risk management solutions
Typical employers include:
• Financial institutions or banks offering ship financing
• Maritime companies
Working ConditionsWorking hours are usually normal office hours. You may be required to work outside office hours to network with clients or meet deadlines. You may be required to travel as shipping is a global and dynamic industry.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
It is preferred if the individual has:
• A degree in finance, business or accountancy, AND/OR
• Knowledge and experience of the transport/shipping sector.
Possible advancements or lateral movements include:
• Management of ship financing desks in financial institutions
• Research analysts
• Credit risk managers, finance managers or CFOs in maritime companies
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Determined and proactive
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under stress and adhere to tight deadlines
Job availability
Shipping finance analysts / associates are in demand due to the growth in trade and the consequent high demand for ships to transport the cargo.
Earnings
Starting pay ranges from $2,500 to $3,000, with competitive bonuses depending on performance.
Marine InsurerNature of the Work
Marine insurance covers the loss and damage of ship cargo, terminals, ships and their property. There are four main types of marine insurance cover, namely:
• Marine Hull Insurance
• Marine Liability Insurance
• Marine Cargo Insurance
• Offshore / Energy
As a Marine Insurance Underwriter, you will ascertain whether applications for insurance cover (risks) should be accepted and the terms and conditions of the insurance cover. You will be required to:
• Examine documents to determine degree of risk from factors such as applicant financial standing and value, and condition of asset.
• Evaluate possibility of losses due to catastrophic or excessive insurance
• Review company records to determine the amount of insurance in force on a single risk or a group of closely related risks
• Authorise reinsurance of policy when risk is high
• Assess risks according to the likelihood of a claim by assessing a number of factors from detailed information about the prospective clients (policyholders)
• Work directly with clients, reviewing insurance applications to evaluate, classify and rate each risk to determine acceptability, coverage and pricing
• Analyse defined geographic markets, resources and processes to recommend appropriate action plans in response to loss, regulatory restrictions and competitive forces
Typical employers include:
• Commercial direct insurance companies (e.g. Lloyd’s syndicates)
• Protection & Indemnity Clubs
• Loss adjusting firms
• Reinsurance companies
• Shipping companies
Working ConditionsWorking hours are usually normal office hours. You may be required to perform on-site visits when conducting assessment of risks. Overseas postings may be possible.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required: A bachelor’s degree
It is preferred if the individual has:
• A degree in business, economics, insurance, risk management, engineering, law or mathematics/statistics, AND/OR
• Domain knowledge of the maritime industry.
A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Underwriterà Senior Underwriter (manages a team) -> Management position
Possible advancements or lateral movements include:
• Other core areas of insurance such as risk management (in shipping and maritime companies), insurance broking, claims or re-insurance
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Highly numerate
• Ability to absorb technical information
• Ability to make sound judgment and decisions
• Ability to work with tight deadlines
• Have good initiative
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Commercial acumen
• Strong grasp of English language
Job availability
Underwriters in marine insurance are in high demand due to the increase in shipping trade activities globally and the need for such specialised knowledge.
Earnings
Starting pay ranges from about $1,800 to $2,500, with competitive bonuses depending on performance.
Ship ChartererNature of the Work
You will liaise with shipbrokers or shipowners to charter ships to deliver your cargo on time and in the most cost-effective manner.
You will be required to:
• Analyse transport and cargo market
• Develop market-oriented offers
• Plan the transport of goods by sea
• Calculate costs involved in the transport
• Organise clearance and dispatch of ocean-going vessels
• Handle ship and cargo-related documents, and damage and insurance cases
• Function as the point of contact for brokers, shipowners, suppliers and agents
Typical employers include:
• Ship chartering or broking firms
• Ship agencies
• Major shipping companies that employ in-house ship charterers
Working ConditionsWorking hours are usually normal office hours. You may be required to work outside office hours to network with clients or meet deadlines.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A bachelor’s degree preferably in business or maritime studies, AND
• 3 – 5 years working experience in the maritime sector
A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Assistant Chartering Manager -> Chartering Manager -> Senior Chartering Manager -> Management positions
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Determined and proactive
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under stress and adhere to tight deadlines
Job availability
Ship charterers are in demand due to the growth in trade and the consequent high demand for ships to transport the cargo.
Earnings
Starting pay for a Ship Charterer (who should have 3 to 5 years of experience in the shipping sector) ranges from $6,000 to $7,500 with competitive bonuses depending on performance.
Ship PlannerNature of the Work
You will coordinate vessel schedules and plan container positions within the container ship to maximize slot utilization and cost-effectiveness and minimize the vessel unloading time at the next port of discharge.
You will be required to:• Assess suitability for loading or discharging of containerized cargo when the container vessel arrives at port
• Allocate quay cranes work shifts to load or unload a vessel, given the ship’s import and export list
• Study and judge dangerous cargo restrictions and safe segregation to assess if it is suitable to be discharged for storage in the container yard
• Communicate with the port operations executive to assign destinations in the container yard for the containers that have been unloaded
Typical employers include:
• Major shipping companies
• Shipbroking firms
• Ship agencies
Working ConditionsWorking hours are usually normal office hours. You may be required to work outside office hours to network with clients or meet deadlines.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A diploma or bachelor’s degree preferably in maritime studies, AND
• 2 – 3 years working experience in the maritime sector
A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Central Planner -> Senior Planner -> Management positions
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under stress and adhere to tight deadlines
Job availability
Ship planners are in demand due to the growth in trade and the consequent high demand for ships to transport the cargo.
Earnings
Starting pay for a Ship Planner (who should have 2 to 3 years of experience in the shipping sector) ranges from $3,000 to $4,500 with competitive bonuses depending on performance.
Maritime LawyerNature of the Work
As a Maritime Lawyer or Legal Assistant / Associate, you will render advice and representation support to clients in ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ contentious and non-contentious shipping matters, as well as for matters pertaining to shipping finance.
Traditional ‘wet’ work areas include rendering advice on rights and liabilities, and disputes arising from casualties, ship arrests, marine pollution, salvage, and accidents.
‘Dry work’ areas include advice on charter-parties and insurance policies as well as disputes arising from such contracts. New and growing areas in ‘dry work’ include ship building, repair and conversion contracts.
Shipping finance matters cover all work relating to the financing of vessels and shipowning companies. This includes legal documentation required for sale & purchase, mortgages, mergers & acquisitions, public listing, etc.
Typical employers include:
• Local or international law firms
• Shipping / marine companies and oil majors / petro-chemical companies with in-house legal advisers
• Protection & Indemnity Clubs, their correspondents / managing agents and marine insurers / brokers.National, inter-governmental, non-governmental (NGOS) and international maritime organizations
Working ConditionsDepending on business demand, working hours can be long and demanding but the remuneration is attractive. You may be required to travel as shipping is a global and dynamic industry.
Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required: A degree in Law
It is preferred if the individual has read legal modules related to maritime law and arbitration, such as:
• Carriage of Goods by Sea
• Marine Insurance
• Admiralty Law
• International Trade
• Public International Law
• Conflicts of Law
• International Commercial Arbitration
• Ocean Policy and International Regulation of Shipping
Post-graduate studies in maritime law are available at the National University of Singapore, as well as foreign universities such as University of Southampton and University of Cardiff.
Opportunities abound for overseas attachments and continual upgrading through training courses, seminars and conferences organized by the legal and maritime industry.
A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Maritime Legal Associate -> Junior Partner-> Equity Partner
Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Highly motivated
• International outlook
• Strong reasoning skills
• Able to work independently and in a team
Job availability
Maritime lawyers are in demand due to the increase in shipping trade activities globally, and the consequent high demand for ships to transport the cargo.
Earnings
Starting pay can be more than $4,000, attractive and on par with other specialized areas of law. Bonuses are discretionary and vary from firm to firm.
