What made you choose a career at sea?

I'm curious to know what drew everyone to the maritime industry. For me, it was my grandfather who was a captain in the 1970s. His stories of travelling the world and the camaraderie onboard inspired me. I went to DMET Mumbai and never looked back. 12 years later, I'm a Chief Officer and still love the open ocean.

What's your story? What made you choose the sea over a shore-based career?

350 views 4 replies

M

Maria Santos Second Engineer

1 years ago

#1

For me it was economic necessity at first - maritime jobs pay well in the Philippines and my family needed support. But after my first voyage I fell in love with the lifestyle. The brotherhood onboard, seeing the sunrise from the bridge wing, visiting countries I never dreamed of. Now I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

O

Oleksandr Petrov Chief Engineer

1 years ago

#2

I was a mechanical engineering graduate in Ukraine with limited options. The maritime academy offered a path to international employment. 18 years later as Chief Engineer, I can say it was the best decision. The technical challenges, the travel, the salary - it all worked out. But the time away from family is the price we pay.

D

Dmitry Volkov Fourth Engineer

1 years ago

#3

Honestly? I saw a documentary about container ships on YouTube and thought it looked cool. Applied to a maritime academy on impulse. Three years of training and now I'm a Fourth Engineer on MSC. No regrets so far but ask me again after a few more contracts!

J

John McGregor Captain

1 years ago

#4

Third generation mariner here. My grandfather, father, and now me. It was expected but I genuinely love it. There's something about commanding a vessel that you can't replicate in any shore job. The responsibility, the decision-making, the connection with the sea.