What does a Merchant Seaman do?
A Merchant Seaman is responsible for working on cargo and passenger ships that transport goods and people across the world’s oceans and waterways. They work closely with the crewmates and ship’s captain to maintain and operate the vessel while at sea. A Merchant Seaman may be tasked with a variety of duties, such as navigating the ship, loading and unloading cargo, maintaining the vessel’s engines and equipment, and working 12-hour shifts in all kinds of weather conditions. A Merchant Seaman must be physically strong, have good communication skills, and be able to work as part of a team. They must also adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of all crew and passengers onboard the ship.
Our Merchant Seaman job description includes the Merchant Seaman responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
Merchant Seaman Example
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If you need an example job description for a Merchant Seaman download the one below, alternatively we have many other Transportation and Logistics job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.
What does a Merchant Seaman do?
A Merchant Seaman is a professional seafarer who works in the international maritime industry, typically on board a cargo or passenger ship. Responsibilities include operating, maintaining and repairing a variety of equipment; operating navigational and other control systems; and loading, unloading and storing cargo. Other duties may include providing medical assistance, keeping watch and performing other tasks as instructed by the ship’s captain. Merchant Seamen must have a good knowledge of maritime safety regulations and procedures, and must be physically fit and able to work long hours.
Merchant Seaman Role Purpose
The purpose of a merchant seaman is to work on a merchant ship, which transports cargo and passengers between ports. They are responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing the ship, as well as ensuring the safety of the crew and cargo. Merchant seamen also perform tasks such as loading and unloading cargo, operating navigational and communication equipment and helping to maintain the ship's logbook.
Merchant Seaman Role
Merchant seaman is a job that involves working on a ship carrying cargo and passengers across the oceans. This work involves a variety of tasks such as loading and unloading cargo, operating the ship, performing maintenance and repairs, and navigating the vessel. Merchant seamen need to be physically fit, have good communication skills and be able to work long hours in difficult conditions.
Merchant Seaman Duties
- Assist in the navigation of the vessel
- Carry out maintenance tasks on board
- Secure the cargo and keep watch whilst at sea
- Help in the loading and unloading of cargo from ships
- Carry out safety checks
- Contribute to the general upkeep of the vessel
Merchant Seaman Requirements
- Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team
- Ability to perform manual labour
- Ability to work long hours
- Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions
- Ability to travel for extended periods of time
- Knowledge of maritime regulations
Merchant Seaman Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity with maritime navigation and safety procedures
Merchant Seaman Personal Traits
- Self-motivated
- Able to work in a team
- Able to follow instructions
- Good physical fitness
- Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions
How to write a Merchant Seaman Job Advert
Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.
A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.
Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.
How to write a Merchant Seaman Job Description
To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.
Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Merchant Seaman Job Specification
The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.
Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Merchant Seaman Job Specification
When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:
Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.
Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.
Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.
The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.
Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth.
Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources.
Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.
Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.
Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.
How to Hire a Merchant Seaman
Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV
