Looking for merchant navy jobs? Discover 24 top websites to kickstart your maritime career, from global job boards to specialized recruitment platforms. Get insider tips on how to land your dream job at sea!
Navigating Your Merchant Navy Career
The merchant navy offers one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the world. With over 1.6 million seafarers employed globally and an increasing demand for skilled maritime professionals, now is the perfect time to explore opportunities in this dynamic industry.
But how do you find the right job? The internet is flooded with job listings, but not all are reliable. Some lead to scams, while others offer low-paying positions with poor working conditions. That’s why we’ve compiled this ultimate list of 24 trusted websites where you can find legitimate merchant navy jobs—whether you’re a deck cadet, engineer, or seasoned captain.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Global job boards for international opportunities
✔ Specialized maritime recruitment agencies
✔ Company career pages of top shipping firms
✔ Government and union job portals
✔ Networking platforms for seafarers
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look, how to apply, and what mistakes to avoid. Let’s set sail! ⚓
Why Finding the Right Job Portal Matters
Not all job websites are created equal. Some focus on entry-level cadet positions, while others list senior roles like Chief Engineers or Captains. Certain platforms cater to specific regions (Europe, Asia, Middle East), and others specialize in cruise ships, tankers, or offshore vessels.
A well-chosen job portal can:
✅ Save time by filtering out irrelevant listings
✅ Increase your chances of landing a high-paying job
✅ Provide verified employers to avoid scams
✅ Offer career resources like resume tips and interview prep
Now, let’s dive into the 24 best websites to find merchant navy jobs.
Global Job Boards for Merchant Navy Careers
1. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/jobs)
LinkedIn isn’t just for corporate jobs—many shipping companies post vacancies here. Use keywords like “merchant navy jobs,” “deck officer,” or “marine engineer.” Networking with recruiters can also open doors.
2. Indeed (www.indeed.com)
A massive job aggregator with merchant navy postings worldwide. Filter by location, salary, and job type (contract/permanent).
3. Glassdoor (www.glassdoor.com)
Besides job listings, Glassdoor provides company reviews and salary insights, helping you choose the best employer.
4. Monster (www.monster.com)
Popular in Europe and the U.S., Monster features roles from MSC, Maersk, and Carnival Cruise Line.
5. CareerJet (www.careerjet.com)
Searches multiple job sites at once, saving you hours of browsing.
Specialized Maritime Job Portals
6. Ocean Career Hub (www.oceancareerhub.com)
Run by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this site lists vetted jobs worldwide, including cadetships.
7. Maritime Union Jobs (www.maritimeunionjobs.com)
A great resource for union-backed positions with fair wages and benefits.
8. SeamanJobsite (www.seamanjobsite.com)
One of the largest maritime job boards, updated daily with tanker, cargo, and cruise ship jobs.
9. MyShip (www.myshippingjobs.com)
Focuses on officer and engineer roles, with direct applications to shipping companies.
10. All Cruise Jobs (www.allcruisejobs.com)
Specializes in cruise ship employment, from deckhands to hospitality staff.
Shipping Company Career Pages
Many top employers hire directly through their websites. Here are the best ones:
11. Maersk Careers (www.maersk.com/careers)
The world’s largest container shipping company regularly posts deck, engine, and logistics roles.
12. MSC Careers (www.msccareers.com)
Mediterranean Shipping Company offers jobs in container shipping and luxury cruises.
13. Shell Maritime Careers (www.shell.com/careers/marine)
Great for tanker crew and LNG specialists.
14. BP Shipping Jobs (www.bp.com/careers/shipping)
Hires for oil tankers and offshore support vessels.
15. Carnival Cruise Line Jobs (www.carnival.com/careers)
Ideal for those interested in passenger ships and hospitality roles at sea.
Government & Union Job Portals
16. U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Jobs (www.maritime.dot.gov/careers)
Official U.S. government maritime jobs, including Merchant Marine Academy opportunities.
17. UK Maritime Jobs (www.gov.uk/maritime-jobs)
Lists British shipping and offshore energy jobs.
18. ITF Seafarers (www.itfseafarers.org/jobs)
The International Transport Workers’ Federation ensures fair wages and working conditions.
19. Nautilus International (www.nautilusint.org/jobs)
A maritime union offering exclusive job postings for members.
Networking & Freelance Platforms
20. Marine Café Blog Job Board (www.marine-cafe.com/jobs)
A niche site with global maritime opportunities.
21. Crewseekers (www.crewseekers.net)
Popular for yacht and private vessel jobs.
22. Find a Crew (www.findacrew.net)
Connects seafarers with private boat owners and charter companies.
23. Maritime Connector (www.maritimeconnector.com)
A social network for mariners, with job listings and training resources.
24. Facebook Groups (e.g., “Merchant Navy Jobs Worldwide”)
Many recruiters post openings in dedicated Facebook groups.
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FAQ: Merchant Navy Job Hunting
1. What’s the best website for entry-level cadet jobs?
Try Ocean Career Hub (IMO-backed) or company career pages like Maersk and MSC.
2. How do I avoid job scams?
Stick to verified sites (e.g., MARAD, ITF) and avoid agencies asking for upfront fees.
3. Do I need to pay for job listings?
No—reputable sites are free for job seekers.
4. What’s the highest-paying merchant navy job?
LNG tanker captains and offshore drilling engineers earn the most.
5. Can I find cruise ship jobs online?
Yes! Check All Cruise Jobs and Carnival Careers.
Conclusion
Finding the right merchant navy job doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this curated list of 24 trusted websites, you can:
✔ Explore global opportunities
✔ Apply directly to top shipping companies
✔ Avoid scams with verified portals
✔ Network with industry professionals
Whether you’re starting as a cadet or looking for senior roles, the perfect job is out there. Which website will you try first? Let us know in the comments! ⚓
References
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International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Global Maritime Workforce Report
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BIMCO – Seafarer Workforce Demand Study
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International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) – Guide to Fair Maritime Employment
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U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) – Career Resources
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LinkedIn Economic Graph – Maritime Hiring Trends
Happy job hunting, future seafarers! 🌊