Are you finding too many jobs asking for experience but you have none?
Newly qualified deck and engine officers can struggle to find experience.
A lot of companies want experience. Preferably with the ship types they own or manage. This makes their life easier. And it makes the crew’s life a little bit easier as they do not have to train you or watch you as much.
But how to get experience without a job?
There is hope.
There are some companies out there who take on volunteers. Whilst volunteering may not be your first port of call as you *may* miss out on employment opportunities. But who knows?
If you were smart as a cadet you may have saved some cash during your studies to support yourself in the first few months of unemployment.
Volunteering looks great on the CV and cover letters. Not only does it give some body to your CV you also gain;
Life experience
Experience in your field
Personal growth
Help others
Mercy Ships
Yes, you have to pay for food, accommodation and flight details. That’s the tough bit. Some would argue it’s not fair. You volunteer your time so they should pay?
But, think of it this way.
It’s a win-win situation.
You get experience and your first stamp. You are no longer a newly qualified officer with no experience. You have experience.
They get volunteer help.
If you stayed at home you would need to provide food and accommodation for yourself. Flight tickets may be expensive. To make it more bearable, divide the cost by your duration. The monthly fees are not too excessive.
Treat this like an investment in yourself.
If you have trouble financing this then run a crowdfunding campaign. Ask for donations. Find a way to raise the money.
For those from down under, Australia also has a medical ship which is in need of volunteer crew. Volunteer on MV YWAM PNG – YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & Papua New Guinea (ywamships.org)
Sail Training Ships.
Most sail training companies pay. Some don’t. Whilst they are not conventional cargo ships you will still get experience watchkeeping.
You also do something different and practice real seamanship.
There are plenty of companies’ world wide to apply to.
Most sail training companies take out teenagers, youth groups or young adults. You have to be open to who you work with as they may no maritime experience and need a lot of assistance. Volunteering on sail training ships suit those who enjoy coaching, mentoring and encouraging people.
Vessel restoration
These are tricky to find, hardly get any sea time for Mates but for engineers they could be really useful. Every country has historic ship restoration societies and they need help. As an engineer you will benefit from the actual experience overhauling and fixing equipment that may need a lot of tender loving care.
To name a few in the UK,
- Medway Queen – a paddle steamer currently being overhauled in Ramsgate which will be used as a moored events vessel.
- Waverely – an active paddle steamer, currently being used as a passenger vessel around the United Kingdom.
- TS Britta – This is a full restoration of a vessel from Sweden. It is envisaged to use this as a sail training vessel.
- Tall Ships Youth Trust – often on the look out for people to assist with repairs in dry dock.
- Jubilee Sailing Trust – as above!
If you’re in a country other than the United Kingdom do a simple google search for ship restoration or check out your local ports / slips and boat yards.
Intern ship
If you are lucky to live near a shipping company, ask them?
Do you live near a working port / harbour and get on well with some of the people there?
Ask around! They may know someone who is crew of a commercial vessel. In some cases they can put you in touch.
If something promising does happen don’t forget to send a nice gift to the person who introduced you. This goes back to networking basics!
Asking is always best. Worst case, they say no. But what if they say yes?
Your in a better position than you started.
If they do say no, enquire why they will not?
After a while you will find the main reasons why people say no. Then find a counter reason. You begin to develop your own case.
How do I find these maritime volunteer positions?
Finding volunteer work on board vessels can be a mix of easy and difficult. The larger companies such as Tall Ships Youth Trust or Mercy ships have an active marketing department. For smaller company they may not have sufficient funds. A lot of factors depend on where you are has to offer and if you are willing to travel.
Landlocked? That might be a bit more difficult. Do you have lakes or rivers nearby. Or are you willing to travel to find work?
Some tips
Relentless google searching followed by emails will eventually pay dividends.
Staying abreast of your countries maritime news will also help. Ask around as well, visit local ports.
Is it necessary to get volunteer experience?
If you are struggling to find work because you don’t have any experience, then yes.
If you are get to the interview stage but no further then a few more questions need to be asked like what is preventing them from hiring you.
What other maritime volunteer options have I got?
In the UK, the Royal Navy Reserves welcome members from the Merchant navy to serve alongside full time service personnel. You are required to attend training nights, weekends and be ready for deployment. Deployments can last for upto 6 months.
The royal naval reserve is a paid position though.
Royal Naval Reserves | Royal Navy (mod.uk)
Sea Cadets
The Sea Cadets are always on the look out for volunteers. The volunteers help run the individual units either in the Unit Management Team, Instructors or Flexible volunteers. There is time to play with small boats – sailing and rowing boats depending on the unit.
Volunteering with Sea Cadets will help network and develop your skills and qualifications further. You will improve your leadership, management and decision making.
They welcome any one but love people with a merchant navy or royal navy background. Their main ethos is royal navy and they do follow their traditions. But there is no requirement for volunteers to come from a service background or wear the uniform.
You will need to be DBS cleared, that’s a basic security check. It doesn’t cost you anything but takes a few days. There is some online training to do before you can get really involved. This training is to get you familiar with working with youths, the sea cadets and safeguarding.
To find out more, follow this link. Sea Cadets Is A Different Kind of Adventure (sea-cadets.org)
Local Lifeboats
The United Kingdom has a strong and proud tradition of saving lives at sea. Volunteer with your local unit to gain some experience and give something back to the community. Most lifeboat stations will want to you living in a close proximity to the station. This is so they can react quickly.
Other countries have lifeboats located around their coast lines and up some rivers. Search your local area for lifeboat stations within reach.
You may end up as deck crew, launching crew or fundraising crew.
Eitherway, any volunteer experience is a bonus to the CV.
Become an RNLI Volunteer – Be Part of a Lifesaving Tradition