Career paths : How to get into the maritime industry in Singapore

Singapore's maritime industry is the 2nd largest in Asia after China. Due to its location near the Asian and Australian continents, the Pacific and Indian oceans and the presence of the second largest port in Asia, Singapore occupies an important place in the global maritime trade.

The country's maritime industry accounts for about 7% of GDP and the total market size reaches 4.6 billion dollars. Because of this, the maritime industry in Singapore is the preferred option for young people to pursue their careers.

Step 1: Completion of secondary education

The first important step is of course completing high school, if you have already decided to go into the maritime industry, emphasize on these subjects in school:

- Math and Physics: Studying these subjects will make it much easier in the future to learn the main principles of ship operation and marine engineering.

- English:English is not a problem in Singapore!

After graduating from Secondary school and passing the O-Level test, students can either take specialized courses to prepare for university entrance or go straight to university, the decision depends on the individual and their O-Level test score.

Step 2: Taking specialized courses or going to university

If you decide to go to university, here are the universities that can offer maritime baccalaureate programs.

1. Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA)

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

3. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

These universities can offer a Bachelor of Maritime Studies program for either Navigator or Engineer.

The duration of the program is 3 years

During this program, you will have practical training, meaning you will go to sea as a cadet to gain experience. And there will also be theory, where you will learn maritime laws, regulations and other technical issues of working with the ship.

 

Step 3: Work at Sea

When you finish your bachelor's program in navigation, your career path will look like this:

• 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Officer → Captain

If you finish a bachelor's program in marine engineering:

• 4th Engineer → 3rd Engineer → 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer

This is how the main career paths look. Of course, there are other positions as well, depending on many factors, but these two chains are the main directions for seafarers.

Step 4: Possible further work at sea

After gaining experience and reaching the ranks of 2nd Officer or Chief Officer, you can decide whether to continue working at sea or transition to a shore-based position in the maritime industry. There are many shore-based roles in the maritime industry, where your experience working on ships will be invaluable.

Designated person ashore

Designated person ashore - This is a person who works for a shipping company and communicates with the ship's crew and relays information to the owners of the shipping company you work for. That is a very important person in the shipping company as you are the central figure between the ship crew and the ship owners.

To become a Designated person ashore:

1. At least 3 years of experience working at sea, but preferably more, and ideally having reached senior ranks such as Chief Officer or Captain.
2. Complete an online Designated Person Ashore course.
3. Find a shipping company and complete an internship with them.

Maritime Safety Consultant

After years of working at sea, you can also become a maritime safety consultant. This profession requires an in-depth understanding of maritime safety standards and technology. Maritime consultants help shipping companies improve safety systems and provide training to crews.

To become a maritime safety consultant, you will need to:

- Have experience working on a vessel as a navigator or mechanic.

- Have completed courses or training related to safety management.

- Work with shipping companies or independent consulting firms providing expert advice on safety issues.

Port Operations Manager

Another in-demand position on land is port operations manager. Your job will be to coordinate and manage port processes, oversee the loading and unloading of vessels, and interact with shipowners and freight forwarders.

To become a Port Operations Manager, you will need to:

• Have shipboard experience and knowledge of all aspects of shipping operations.
• Complete courses related to port operations and logistics.
• Interact with port and shipping companies to gain access to this career opportunity.

Conclusion

Working in the maritime industry in Singapore offers you many prospects, both at sea and on land. Whether you want to continue your career on a ship or transition to working ashore in roles such as Designated Person Ashore, Marine Safety Consultant or Port Operations Manager, Singapore's maritime industry offers a wide range of opportunities for growth and development.