Offshore Careers
Below you will find general information for offshore careers. Information varies depending on the company and position. Offshore careers offer a unique opportunity to set out to sea on various types of merchant ships including container ships, oil tankers, RORO ships, and many more. These ships sail out of various US Ports and give you the opportunity to see different parts of the world while sailing onboard. Entry level offshore positions are mainly attained through one of the Maritime Unions.
Scope of Career
Offshore careers include working on ships of all kinds (tankers, containerships, drill ships, off shore supply vessels, etc.) that generally transit to different ports around the US or around the world.
Salary Ranges
Entry level salary (Wiper, Ordinary Seaman, Steward Department): $50,000 - $70,000
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Upper Ranked Unlicensed salary (Able Seaman, Oiler, Steward): $70,000 - $100,000
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Lower Ranked Officer Salary (3rd/2nd Mate, 3rd/2nd Engineeer) : $110,000 - $130,000
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Upper Ranked Officer Salary (2nd Mate - Captain /2nd Engineer - Chief Engineer): $140,000 - $200,000 +
Scope of Work
Entry Level (Wiper, Ordinary Seaman, Steward Department) : Shipboard and engine room maintenance, line handling, general cleaning.
Upper Ranked Unlicensed (Able Seaman, Oiler, Steward) : More advanced operations like cargo, vessel steering (helmsman), machinery space maintenance
​Lower Ranked Officer (3rd Mate/Engineer, 2nd Mate/Engineer) : Lower supervisor role, maintain a navigation/ engine room watch, bridge maneuvers, manage small teams, higher level ship operations.
Upper Ranked Officer (Captain/Chief Engineer) : Senior rank onboard vessel, manage and oversee entire crew and shipboard operations, ship to shore management, and overall decision making.
Work Schedule
Offshore work schedules are a few weeks onboard to a few months onboard with equal time off. So if you work for 60 days on a ship, you can be off for 60 days unless you decide to go back early.
Living Standards
Life onboard an offshore vessel includes your own room and bathroom, a community gym area, laundry area, kitchen area, and a lounge area.
Space varies on type of vessel, ships include more room with kitchen staff and cooked meals. Smaller vessels such as Off Shore Supply Vessels have a community kitchen area for the crew to cook.
Career Timeline
The decision to advance is up to you and based on the company. Advancement requires an increase in licensing and credentialing based on sea time, as well as company promotions. Below is a general timeline of time in positions to advance to the next rank.
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Entry Level : (Wiper, Ordinary Seaman, Steward Department) : 1-3 years
Upper Ranked Unlicensed (Able Seaman, Oiler, Steward) : 3-5+ years
Lower Ranked Officer (3rd/2nd Mate, 3rd/2nd Engineeer) : 5-10+ years
Upper Ranked Officer (Chief Mate - Captain / 1st Engineer - Chief Engineer): 10+ years
Offshore Requirements
Application Requirements
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Age Requirement: Minimum 18 years old
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U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid immigration status.
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Provide a valid SSN or proof of exemption.
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Pass a criminal background check and drug test.
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Pay the $140 application fee (additional fees for endorsements).
Training Requirements (Offshore requires safety classes)
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International Voyage Ships: Completion of Basic Training Course and Security Awareness is mandatory.
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U.S. Domestic Voyages: No additional training is required but employers may send new hires to additional training.​
Credential Requirements
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Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
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TWIC
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Medical Certificate
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STCW (if going on international voyage ships)
Types of Offshore Vessels
Container Ships
Container ships are large cargo vessels designed to transport goods packed in standardized containers across oceans. They play a crucial role in global trade, moving everything from electronics to clothing efficiently and securely between ports around the world.
Roll on/Roll off Ships (RoRo)
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ships are designed to transport wheeled cargo like cars, trucks, and heavy machinery that can be driven directly on and off the vessel. They provide a fast and efficient way to move vehicles across oceans, making them essential for global automotive and equipment trade.
Oil Tankers
Tankers are specialized ships built to transport large quantities of crude oil or refined petroleum products across oceans. They serve as a critical link in the global energy supply chain, safely moving oil between production sites, refineries, and markets.
Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are large passenger vessels designed for leisure travel, offering accommodations, dining, entertainment, and activities while sailing to various destinations. They provide a unique vacation experience, combining transportation with resort-style amenities on the open water.
Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV)
Offshore supply vessels (OSVs) are specialized ships that transport essential goods, equipment, and personnel to offshore oil rigs and platforms. Companies like Otto Candies and Hornbeck Offshore operate these versatile vessels, which support energy operations by delivering supplies, assisting with maintenance, and ensuring offshore facilities stay connected to the mainland.
Military Sealift Command (MSC)
Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships provide critical support to U.S. military operations by transporting supplies, fuel, equipment, and personnel across the globe. These civilian-crewed vessels ensure naval forces remain mission-ready, handling logistics, replenishment, and specialized maritime operations.