How to become a Seaman

The average salary for a seaman varies depending on the position, employer, and salary guidelines set by the Maritime Board, but one thing is sure, as a seafarer, you can earn minimum of $1,000 every month irrespective of your country of operation. This is the reason why many Filipinos are aspiring to become a seaman because aside from the salary, you get to travel the world as part of your job.

Riding the ship is not as easy as it seems. There are requirements you need to fulfil, which include training and submission of certain documents. If you are planning to become a seaman, here are things you need to do to be able to fulfil that dream:

1) Take the Basic Seaman Training (BST) Course.

This is the first thing you need to do if you want to become a seaman. In Nigeria, you can get your basic training from Maritime Academy of Nigeria , Oron and some accredited private maritime academies scattered across the country.

The training includes the following:

Personal Survival Training, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, First Aid, Firefighting and fire prevention.

Make sure to get a certification and this includes Certificate of Competence because (COC) is the only certificate used and recognized worldwide to allow seamen to work on boats or ships. Once you have a certification, you can now start your maritime career.

2) Apply for the Seaman’s requirements.

These include the following:

BST Certificate, which you will get once you complete the training. Seaman’s Book, or a document that serves as your passport in the maritime industry. Transit visa, although your employer will assist you in getting one as soon as you are hired.

3) Apply for a job in marine and shipping agencies.

When applying for a job, make sure you visit the website on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a list of legitimate and accredited shipping agencies to avoid falling for scam. This may take some time, so, be patient.

4) Legitimize your status as seaman.

Once hired, don’t forget to register with NIMASA to legitimize your status as an official and registered seaman. You will also be issued a Seafarer’s Registration Certificate (SRC) as soon as your status is legitimized.

Congratulations.