How do I get a job on a big ship?
Christopher Davis
Updated on March 27, 2026
There are two good ways for the complete novice to get a job on a freighter. One is by going from ship to ship and asking each captain if he needs (a) a deckboy or (b) a workaway. A deckboy is part of the crew and gets paid (although very little) and a workaway gets no wages at all but swaps labor for his passage.
What jobs are on a cargo ship?
You may work in passenger and cargo unloading, distribution or security. Specific jobs include longshoreman, truck and ship loader, cargo and freight agent, fleet engineer, shipping broker and many more.
How much does it pay to work on a cargo ship?
Cargo Ship Salary
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $58,500 | $28 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,000 | $23 |
| Average | $39,678 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,000 | $13 |
What is a large ship used for?
A ship is a large watercraft that travels the world’s oceans and other sufficiently deep waterways, carrying goods or passengers, or in support of specialized missions, such as defense, research, and fishing. Ships are generally distinguished from boats, based on size, shape, load capacity, and tradition.
How do you get a job on a ship with no experience?
The best way to get a job on a cruise ship with no experience is to emphasize your transferable skills in your resume. When you get the interview, focus on how you can transfer your present skills to the job’s requirements. Don’t, of course, lie about having a cruise ship experience if you really have had none.
What do you call a large ship?
freighter. noun. a large ship or plane that carries goods.
Where can I find a job on a ship?
JobOnShip.org has divided all of these sea jobs vacancies that we feature on the site into several categories like cargo ship jobs, oil tanker jobs, offshore marine jobs, Cruise ship jobs. You can find sea jobs vacancies of any type by choosing a specific category from the menu above.
What do you need to know to work on a container ship?
Be physically fit. Jobs on container ships are extremely physically demanding, so you must be prepared to be on your feet for long hours, lift and carry heavy items, and perform various other physical tasks, depending on the kind of job you accept. 2. Be prepared to be at sea for an extended period of time.
Are there any jobs on a tanker ship?
JobOnShip.org has worked hard to provide you with perfect jobs at sea that we think you should know about. Some of these Sea jobs on tankers are extremely rare, some are ideal for experienced and some are just simply best for geeks .
What kind of jobs are there on cruise ships?
Latest Cruise Ship Jobs We are looking for a Massage Therapist to join a Spa operator at sea We are looking for a Hairdresser to join a Spa operator at sea We are looking for a Chef de Partie to join a luxury cruise brand We are looking for a Fitness Instructor to join a Spa operator at sea
