Yes, marine transportation can be a great career path if you know what you’re getting into. With many opportunities, there are also plenty of challenges. If you pursue a career in marine transportation, be willing to learn and work hard. In this article, we will get into detail about the question: Is marine transportation a good career path?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment growth for freight truck drivers is projected to grow 12% between now and 2026. The BLS also projects that new jobs will be created as well as millions of jobs being replaced by machines or computerization.
It might sound like the wrong place right now, but perseverance and dedication can be a great future for those who choose to stay long-term and work hard for it. What does this mean?
It means that sooner or later, automation will make its way into the industry, so we won’t need as many human drivers in the future, opening up more opportunities for those who choose to go down this career path.
What Is Maritime Transport?
Marine transportation is the transportation of goods, passengers, and mail by sea; it includes:
- The movement of cargo and passengers
- All types of support activities at sea
- Over-water ships and boats
- Airports that service watercraft and aircraft
- Roadways such as trains, buses, or simply cars that go over water.
It can also include coach services like bus routes that travel across seas.
There are many different types of marine transportation, including:
- Ferrying passengers across an ocean
- Shipping goods across oceans
- Moving people by ship, which includes passenger ships and cargo ships
- Carrying mail between continents
- Carrying-vehicles across oceans
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines maritime transport as
“Any of the activities involving ships, aircraft, or other conveyances used for the carriage of goods and passengers by water.”
This includes any type of maritime service, including commercial shipping, private yachts using marinas, merchant navy vessels engaged in trade, and fishing trawlers.
Reasons Marine Transportation Is A Good Career Path
Marine transportation is a great career path for those willing to work hard. There are a lot of reasons why marine transportation is a good career path. Here are seven of the most compelling reasons:
- Marine transportation is a versatile career path. You can work as a deckhand, a captain, or in any other position on a ship.
- The maritime industry is growing rapidly. This means that there are a lot of opportunities for career growth.
- Marine transportation is a high-paying career. The average salary for a captain is around $130,000 per year.
- Marine transportation is a safe career. The maritime industry has a meager rate of workplace accidents.
- Marine transportation is a family-friendly industry. Most ships have facilities that offer childcare.
- Marine transportation is a global industry. You can work in any country in the world.
- Marine transportation is a challenging career. You will need to be able to handle a lot of responsibility and stress.
With so many opportunities, marine transportation can lead to a better life. As automation takes over the industry, opportunities will be opened up for those who choose to stay in this field and work hard towards their goal.
Another reason why marine transportation is a good career path is due to the job growth projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) between now and 2026. Finally, there are many opportunities within marine transportation.
There are plenty of different jobs with different responsibilities and skill sets that you can learn along your journey in this field.
What Jobs Can I Find In Marine Transportation?
Marine transportation can be a rewarding career path for those willing to work hard and learn. Some jobs you can find in this category are captains, deck officers, marine engineers, marine electronics technicians, and ship carpenters.
These positions typically require at least a bachelor’s degree with some experience, while higher positions might require a master’s degree or more. There will always be demand for these skilled workers, so don’t worry about finding a job if you don’t have one yet; make sure you’re ready to work hard to get there.
Marine Transportation Companies
If you choose to pursue a career in marine transportation, it’s essential to know how to find the best company for your needs. The BLS reports that there are about 4,500 marine transportation companies in the United States, and only about 400 of them offer full-time employment.
As this industry is not growing as quickly as other industries, fewer opportunities are available for these companies. You should also be ready for some long days on the job, which means you will have to work long hours and maintain a lot of overtime hours.
If you choose this path, be prepared for a demanding career with many challenges and rewards that come along with it! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that the median salary for marine transportation drivers is $47,640 annually. The median wage is what half of all marine drivers earn, and half earn less than this amount.
Conclusion: Is Marine Transportation A Good Career Path?
Marine transportation is a great career option for those interested in working outside of the United States and those looking for a career that is both exciting and challenging. However, before choosing a career in marine transportation, candidates should consider their specific needs and preferences, as well as their current skill set.
In conclusion, if you are willing to learn and work hard, a career in marine transportation can be very rewarding. There are many opportunities for advancement and the potential to earn a good salary. With the proper training and experience, you can become a captain of your own vessel and sail the world.
Marine transportation is a versatile, high-paying, and safe career path. If you are interested in a career in marine transportation, be sure to explore all of your options.
Christian has over ten years of experience in marketing agencies. Currently, he has been dedicating his time to a tech startup and also writing for major publications. He loves podcasts and reading to keep up with the latest trends in marketing.