Explore the top 12 maritime jobs perfect for cadets and fresh graduates in 2025. Discover roles, salaries, career paths, and real-world examples in this complete guide.
What’s next after maritime academy? It’s a question every cadet asks at the end of training. Whether you dream of sailing across oceans or working behind the scenes at a bustling port, the maritime world is rich with opportunities—especially for those just starting out.
In 2025, the maritime industry continues to expand, driven by green shipping, digital transformation, and evolving global trade. For cadets and fresh graduates, this means a dynamic job market where foundational skills meet innovation. But where should you start?
This guide explores the 12 best maritime jobs for entry-level professionals, complete with role insights, salary potential, and growth pathways.
Why Entry-Level Maritime Jobs Matter in 2025
The maritime sector is facing a global skills shortage. According to BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report, demand for officers will continue to outstrip supply through the decade.
In addition to meeting this demand, cadet-level jobs play a crucial role in:
- Building hands-on experience
- Preparing future leaders for officer roles
- Supporting innovation in smart ship and port operations
- Ensuring compliance with STCW and IMO safety standards
Entry-level roles aren’t just stepping stones—they’re launchpads.
Top 12 Maritime Jobs for Cadets and Fresh Graduates
1. Deck Cadet
This is the traditional starting point for future deck officers. Deck cadets are responsible for learning navigation, watchkeeping, cargo handling, and safety drills under the supervision of licensed officers.
Typical Employers: Global shipping lines, tanker operators, cruise ships
Average Monthly Salary: $400–$1,000 USD during training
Growth Path: 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Mate → Captain
Image Suggestion: A cadet on bridge watch with a senior officer, looking out to sea
2. Engine Cadet
Engine cadets train in the engine room, assisting with machinery operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It’s the entry role for aspiring marine engineers.
Typical Employers: Bulk carriers, container ships, offshore vessels
Average Monthly Salary: $450–$1,200 USD during training
Growth Path: 4th Engineer → 3rd Engineer → 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer
Image Suggestion: Engine cadet checking gauges in an engine control room
3. ETO Cadet (Electro-Technical Officer)
With the rise of automation, ETO cadets are increasingly in demand. They assist in managing electrical, electronic, and control systems onboard.
Typical Employers: LNG carriers, cruise ships, technologically advanced vessels
Average Monthly Salary: $500–$1,200 USD
Growth Path: Assistant ETO → ETO → Senior ETO
4. Port Operations Assistant
For cadets interested in shoreside logistics, this role offers insight into port workflows, vessel traffic coordination, and cargo handling.
Typical Employers: Port authorities, terminal operators, logistics companies
Average Monthly Salary: $1,200–$2,500 USD
Growth Path: Port Coordinator → Port Manager → Operations Director
5. Marine Surveyor Trainee
This role introduces fresh graduates to ship inspections, safety audits, and compliance checks.
Typical Employers: Classification societies (DNV, Lloyd’s Register), insurance firms
Average Monthly Salary: $1,500–$3,000 USD
Growth Path: Assistant Surveyor → Marine Surveyor → Senior Surveyor → Auditor
6. Shipping Agency Trainee
Shipping agents act as the key liaison between shipowners, port authorities, and service providers. Trainees learn coordination, documentation, and communication.
Typical Employers: Ship agencies, logistics providers
Average Monthly Salary: $800–$2,000 USD
Growth Path: Shipping Officer → Agency Manager → Regional Operations Lead
7. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Trainee
A critical shoreside role for maritime safety. Trainees monitor vessel movements and provide navigational assistance.
Typical Employers: National maritime authorities, port VTS stations
Average Monthly Salary: $1,200–$2,500 USD
Growth Path: VTS Operator → Supervisor → Maritime Traffic Controller
8. Maritime Safety Assistant
This role introduces cadets to regulatory compliance, safety drills, and accident investigations.
Typical Employers: Flag states, IMO-affiliated organizations
Average Monthly Salary: $1,000–$2,000 USD
Growth Path: Maritime Safety Officer → Auditor → Consultant
9. Ship Planner / Cargo Coordinator
Working closely with port and vessel teams, cadets learn container stowage, cargo distribution, and space optimization.
Typical Employers: Container terminals, shipping lines
Average Monthly Salary: $1,500–$3,000 USD
Growth Path: Senior Planner → Cargo Superintendent → Operations Manager
10. Shipbuilding Trainee Engineer
Perfect for cadets from marine engineering backgrounds, this role involves assisting in ship design, retrofits, and green retrofitting.
Typical Employers: Shipyards, naval architecture firms
Average Monthly Salary: $1,500–$3,000 USD
Growth Path: Design Engineer → Project Manager → Lead Naval Architect
11. Maritime IT Support / Cybersecurity Assistant
Digitalization means increased need for IT-savvy cadets. This role supports ship software systems, ECDIS, and cybersecurity protocols.
Typical Employers: Maritime software firms, fleet operators
Average Monthly Salary: $1,300–$2,500 USD
Growth Path: Maritime Systems Analyst → Cybersecurity Lead
12. Environmental Compliance Assistant
With strict MARPOL and IMO 2020 regulations, this job helps cadets focus on emissions reporting, ballast water monitoring, and pollution control.
Typical Employers: Environmental consultancies, shipping lines
Average Monthly Salary: $1,400–$2,800 USD
Growth Path: Environmental Officer → ESG Manager → Sustainability Director
Key Developments Shaping These Jobs
- Smart Shipping: Automation, AI, and big data are shaping onboard and shoreside roles.
- Green Shipping: LNG, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion systems are creating demand for eco-skilled graduates.
- Cybersecurity: As ships become smarter, protecting data and operations is critical.
- Global Regulations: STCW updates, IMO conventions, and EU ETS will impact all entry-level positions.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Lack of real-world experience during training
Solution: Simulation-based training and onboard cadetship programs offered by IMO model courses.
Challenge: Difficulty accessing global job markets
Solution: Use international platforms like IMO GISIS or Maritime Union to apply globally.
Challenge: Transition from onboard to shoreside roles
Solution: Upskilling through maritime MBA programs or specialized courses in port logistics, marine insurance, or survey.
FAQ Section
Q1: Do I need a license to apply for cadet-level jobs? A: No license is needed initially, but progressing to officer roles will require STCW certification and onboard sea time.
Q2: How can I find my first cadetship? A: Network with crewing agencies, attend maritime job fairs, and register on trusted portals like Sea Career or Navis.
Q3: Is it better to work onboard or shoreside after graduation? A: Both paths offer growth. Onboard jobs provide faster promotions, while shoreside roles offer long-term stability.
Q4: What are the medical requirements? A: You’ll need a valid seafarer medical certificate (like an ENG1 or ILO/IMO compliant medical).
Q5: Can women apply for these jobs? A: Absolutely. Diversity is growing at sea, and many companies actively recruit women cadets.
Q6: Which country offers the best pay for cadets? A: It depends on the vessel type and employer. However, cadets on LNG and offshore vessels often earn higher stipends.
Conclusion
The maritime world is vast and full of opportunity—and cadets are its future. Whether you choose to sail across oceans or anchor your career ashore, these 12 jobs can chart your course toward long-term success.
Explore, apply, and stay curious. The sea is calling—and it welcomes those bold enough to answer.
References
- BIMCO/ICS. (2021). Seafarer Workforce Report. https://www.ics-shipping.org/publication/seafarer-workforce-report-2021/
- IMO. (2023). Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). https://gisis.imo.org/
- UNCTAD. (2024). Review of Maritime Transport. https://unctad.org/publication/review-maritime-transport-2024
- WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs
- MarineTraffic Careers & Data Insights