LAND-Based Careers

As in many other industries, maritime career paths are often highly varied according to one’s unique circumstances. However, some general guidelines can help you know what to expect and plan accordingly.

In this section, you’ll find brief descriptions of the types of land-based maritime careers available. You can then link to more information on the positions listed—including current hiring trends and approximate wages—by clicking on them.

The types of land-based maritime careers are:

Shipbuilding and Repair
Port Operations
Shore-based Crossover Positions

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SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR CAREERS

This area of the industry includes not only the engineering, design and construction of new vessels, but ship repair as well.

This list is not comprehensive.

entry level positions	Mid-level positions	high-level positions
Construction Laborer	Welder	Marine Engineer
Ship Fitter	Plumber	Naval Architect
Rigger	Machinist	Marine Architect
Painter	Electrician	Computer Software Engineer
	CNC Machine Operator	Computer Hardware Engineer
	Carpenter
	Architectural Drafter
	Construction Supervisor
	Construction Manager
	Information Technology Specialist
	Network Systems Analyst
	Diesel Mechanic

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PORT OPERATIONS CAREERS

Port is a busy place with a lot of work to be done. Port activities include cargo and passenger loading, unloading and distribution; port security; tugboat guidance; spill cleanup and more. In addition, every large port has at least one shipyard or dry dock facility for ship repair and maintenance.

This list is not comprehensive.

entry level positions	Mid-level positions	high-level positions
Port Security Officer	Welder	Marine Engineer
Longshoreman	Ship Fitter	Naval Architect
Drayage/Harbor Trucker	Rigger	Marine Architect
Truck and Ship Loaders	Painter	Chief Executive
Shipping and Receiving Clerk	Plumber	Port Captain
Order Clerk	Machinist	Senior Port Captain
Warehouse Worker	Electrician	Ship Superintendent
Rigger	CNC Machine Operator	Chartering Manager
	Carpenter	Ship Owner/Operator
	Bridge and Lock Tenders	Port Manager
	Cargo and Freight Agent	Fleet Manager
	Transportation Manager	Vessel Traffic Systems Operator
	Storage and Distribution Manager	Towboat Pilot
	Marine Cargo Surveyors and Inspectors	Docking PilotMooring Master
	Cargo and Freight Agent	Harbourmaster
	Ship Agent
	Freight Forwarder
	Port Engineer
	Diesel Mechanic

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SHORE-BASED CROSSOVER POSITIONS

Mariners must do business with many land-based organizations. If you are interested in this field but prefer not to go to sea, consider taking on one of these careers and specializing in the maritime industry.

This list is not comprehensive.

entry level positions	Mid-level positions	high-level positions
Receptionist	Administrative/Executive Assistant	Maritime Lawyer
Office Assistant	Marine Underwriter	Marine Biologist
Shipping and Receiving Clerk	Customs Broker	Maritime Instructor
Order Clerk	Accountant	Financial Analyst
Warehouse Worker	Information Technology Specialist	Cartographer
	Network Systems Analyst	Chief Executive
	Public Relations Specialist
	Human Resources Specialist
	Operations Manager

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