Merchant Mariner

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Merchant mariners or Ratings perform maintenance duties and assist in the day-to-day running of merchant ships [private industry ships]. You could work on container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, cruise ships and ferries - sometimes called the Maritime Trade Industry. You would help deck officers with navigational and watch duties, and with anchoring the ship when coming into port. While the merchant marine is a private industry, vessels may be obligated to help the military in times of war. FutureGrowthModerate

You will start off as a Trainee Integrated Rating (TIR) or Merchant Mariner and report to the Chief Integrated Rating. Officers will also provide direction to TIRs when involved in certain Engine and Deck duties.

Safety first
Safety first
(Source: TAFE NSW)

ANZSCO ID:

Alternative names: Merchant Rating, Integrated Rating, Able Seaman/Woman, Merchant Seafarer, Water Transportation Worker

Specialisations: Types of Merchant Mariners - there are several types of merchant mariners, each with distinct roles and responsibilities aboard commercial vessels. Here are some of the key types:

  • Deck Officers: Deck officers, also known as Navigation Officers, are responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. They include positions such as Captain, Chief Officer (First Mate), Second Officer, Third Officer, and Deck Cadets. Deck officers are in charge of overseeing navigation, piloting, cargo handling, and safety protocols on the deck.
      
  • Engineering Officers: Engineering officers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel's engines, machinery, and electrical systems. They include positions such as Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, and Engineering Cadets. Engineering officers ensure that the vessel's propulsion and auxiliary systems function correctly throughout the voyage.
      
  • Able Seamen (ABs): Able Seamen are skilled and experienced deckhands who assist in various deck operations, such as mooring, rigging, and cargo handling. They work closely with deck officers and play a critical role in the overall seamanship of the vessel.
    Ordinary Seamen (OSs): Ordinary Seamen are entry-level deckhands who assist the ABs and perform general maintenance tasks on deck.
      
  • Qualified Members of the Engine Department (QMED): QMEDs are engineering department personnel who possess specific skills, such as electrical, mechanical, or refrigeration expertise. They support the engineering officers in maintaining and operating the vessel's machinery.
      
  • Stewards and Galley Staff: Stewards and galley staff are responsible for food preparation, housekeeping, and providing hospitality services to the crew and passengers.
      
  • Pumpman and Boatswain: Pumpmen handle cargo pumps and related operations, while boatswains oversee the deck crew and manage equipment and rigging.
       
  • Chief Cook and Cooks: The chief cook oversees the galley and meal preparation, while additional cooks assist in the food preparation and service.
       
  • Medical Personnel: Some larger vessels may have medical personnel on board, such as ship's doctors or medical officers, to provide medical care and assistance to the crew.
       
  • Radio Officers: Although less common due to advances in communication technology, some vessels may have radio officers responsible for maintaining communication equipment and ensuring proper radio procedures.

 

Searoad

 

What vessels can a merchant mariner work on?

Here are just a few types of ships you can find jobs on as an offshore deckhand:

  • Cargo ships: A cargo ship delivers goods internationally. They typically have only a few employees and may travel for several months at a time.
      
  • Oil exploration and drilling ships: Oil exploration and drilling vessels look for oil reserves. These offshore vessels often work with other oil-related vessels, such as offshore support or production vessels.
      
  • Research ships: Research vessels explore different parts of the world to further public knowledge. For example, some research ships investigate the ocean's scientific properties.
      
  • Cruise ships: Cruise ships offer passengers a chance to travel internationally. Besides their normal duties, merchant mariners may help passengers enjoy their vacations, such as by maintaining the cruise ship's pool.
      
  • Tugboats: Tugboats help transport larger vessels that need assistance docking, navigating narrow water passages and related tasks. Mariners who work on tugboats typically need additional experience and training.

Tugboat
Tugboat
(Source: Marine Brokers Australia)



Knowledge, skills and attributes  

  • to enjoy working at sea and in all weather conditions - enjoy life at sea
  • good teamworking skills
  • a responsible and safety-conscious attitude
  • the ability to work unsupervised
  • good practical mechanical skills - mechanical aptitude
  • catering and customer care skills (for cooking and stewarding jobs)
  • a good level of physical and medical fitness
  • to be able to work in confined spaces.
  • able to cope with the physical demands of the job
  • enjoy manual activities
  • able to pass a medical examination and eyesight test
  • normal colour vision

 

Cutting Edge Maritime Simulation Training at SM TAFE
https://youtu.be/FbCUkkKP7tE?si=75_Hex35p8PWGcM1

 

Duties and Tasks

  • follow instruction and perform safe and proper work practiceswork on deck and in the engine room
  • be able to actively participate in all emergency situations and attend and participate in drills as required
  • load, unload and secure cargo
  • repair and paint the ship's hull, fixtures and fittings
  • monitor equipment controls
  • steer a vessel under the direction of the officer of the watch
  • inspect and maintain deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, cranes and winches, and lifesaving and firefighting appliances - test firefighting and lifesaving equipment
  • assist with standing lookout at sea, and alert deck officers when other vessels, navigation marks or hazards are sighted
  • secure cargoes and splice wires and ropes
  • handle rope and wire mooring lines, gangways and ladders when the ship is berthing and unberthing
  • maintain the cleanliness of decks and structures - clean cabins, corridors and decks
  • remove rust from, treat and paint the ship's sides and structures
  • assist with maintaining a watch in the ship's engine room
  • assist with maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and mechanical equipment
  • participate in safety drills under the direction of the ship's officers
  • clean the ship's cargo compartment and the fresh water, ballast and oil tanks
  • monitor stock and re-order supplies.

You would also help deck officers with navigational and watch duties, and with anchoring the ship when coming into port. You could work on container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, cruise ships and ferries.

 

Did You Know?

The duties and responsibilities of a merchant mariner can vary depending on their specific role and position aboard a commercial vessel.

Navigational Operations: Deck officers and other crew members involved in navigation are responsible for safely piloting the vessel, adhering to navigational charts, avoiding hazards, and ensuring the vessel follows the intended route.

Cargo Handling: Merchant mariners involved in cargo operations oversee the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring it is stowed securely and following proper safety protocols.

Engineering Operations: Engineering officers are responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the vessel's engines, machinery, and electrical systems to ensure smooth operation throughout the voyage.

Watchkeeping: Mariners often work in shifts, and watchkeepers are responsible for maintaining a constant lookout for potential dangers, monitoring the vessel's systems, and reporting any issues to the appropriate authorities.

Safety and Emergency Response: Ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew is paramount. Mariners must be familiar with safety procedures, conduct regular safety drills, and respond effectively to emergencies, including man overboard situations, fires, and abandon-ship scenarios.

Environmental Compliance: Merchant mariners are required to follow environmental regulations, preventing pollution and ensuring the proper disposal of waste.

Communication: Effective communication is crucial on a ship. Mariners must maintain clear and efficient communication with the vessel's crew, port authorities, and other vessels in the area.

Adherence to Regulations: Mariners are obligated to follow international and national maritime laws and regulations, as well as any specific rules established by the company or vessel they are serving on.

Documentation and Record Keeping: Accurate record-keeping is essential for various aspects of maritime operations, including logbooks, cargo manifests, and crew records.

Vessel Maintenance: Merchant mariners may be involved in routine maintenance tasks, such as painting, cleaning, and general upkeep of the vessel.

(Source: Career Explorer)

Working conditions

You would normally work shifts, known as 'watches'. On a large ship, you would normally work a set number of hours on duty followed by a set number of hours off.

Merchant mariners / ratings may spend long periods at sea. Your on-shore leave between voyages would also vary and the crew rarely has time to see much of the ports they visit.

Conditions on deck could be cold, wet, windy and rough, and below deck it could be very noisy, hot and cramped.

Integrated ratings carry out maintenance and lookout duties on the decks and in the engine rooms of merchant ships.

When steering the ship, on lookout duty or on watch, integrated ratings work under the direction of the Officer of the Watch.

When in the engine room, they work under the direction of Engineering Officers.

Today, shipping companies are taking steps to improve the quality of life for merchant mariners by upgrading living quarters and adding air-conditioning, entertainment systems with satellite TV, and Internet connections.

While at sea, they are exposed to all kinds of weather, often cold and damp conditions. Most mid- and lower-ranking workers must stand watch for four hours at a time. Also, fire, collision, and sinking are all possible, so workers must be physically and psychologically prepared for such hazards.


Tools and technologies

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a merchant mariner / rating, you usually have to complete a VET qualification in maritime operations (integrated rating). Traineeships may also be available with large shipping companies.

To become an integrated rating you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in maritime operations (integrated rating). As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for more information.

You can also become an integrated rating through a traineeship in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

 

Additional Information

In addition, you will need to complete nine months of sea time on board a seagoing ship prior to being awarded a Certificate of Proficiency in Integrated Rating by the Australian Maritime Authority (AMSA).

Integrated ratings must be over 18 years of age at the time of completing their qualifications. In order to serve on board a ship, you will need to qualify for and obtain an AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness.

Once you have passed these requirements, you get your "ticket"!

 

Cargo ship
(Source: Good Universities Guide)

Employment Opportunities

Integrated ratings work on coastal and overseas ships. There is a relatively small number of ships in the Australian merchant fleet, so positions can be competitive. There is an increasing demand for integrated ratings in the Australian offshore oil and gas industry.

Employment of merchant mariners/ratings and water transportation workers in general is expected to show some positive growth over the next 3-5 years (2024 - 2029 - USA).

Significant changes are occurring in the mix of industries (mining, petroleum livestock, grain etc.) and countries (China, Asia, Europe, USA etc.) served by merchant shipping. On balance, global economics and trade developments, along with continued growth in the cruising sector, will sustain positive growth.

Progression to Chief Integrated Rating.

What does this ad tell you about the Chief Integrated Rating position?

 

CIR

 

 

 

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14 November 2023 - Lowy Institute

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Analyse this article from the Research Lowy Institute.
What would be the merits of an Australian Merchant Fleet?

Lowy Institute article

 

 

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