Marine Transportation Jobs: How Many Are Out There?
As the ocean and other bodies of water are essential to modern transportation and global trade, there is a great need for specialized professionals in the field of marine transportation. Whether you want to join a large company transporting major containers or work as a self-employed captain, there is no doubt that the number of available jobs in this industry keeps growing.
Types of Jobs in Marine Transportation
There is a wide range of job opportunities in marine transportation, both in terms of profession and vessel types. Here is a list of some of them:
- Ship Captains: Ship captains are responsible for navigating and controlling all aspects of the vessel. They are in charge of the safety of the passengers and crew.
- Navigators: Navigators are in charge of getting a detailed navigational map of the area and finding out the best route.
- Ship Engineers: Ship engineers monitor and repair all the mechanical aspects of the vessel and the systems on board.
- Marine Mechanics: Marine mechanics specialize in maintaining and repairing boats and marine vessels.
- Marine Biologists: Marine biologists study the behavior and habitats of sea creatures and their ecosystems.
- Freight Forwarders: Freight forwarders are responsible for monitoring the cargo onboard vessels and ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently.
- Ship Construction Professionals: Ship construction professionals are in charge of building, designing and repairing large ships.
Growth in Marine Transportation Professionals
A report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019 indicated that the number of jobs in marine transportation was projected to grow by 7% by 2026, which was slightly lower than the estimated national job growth of 11%. Although the demand for marine transportation professionals is growing, the number of available jobs is still not enough to meet the industry’s need.
Conclusion
The ocean and other bodies of water play an essential role in transportation and global trade markets. As a result, there is a growing demand for marine transportation professionals. There are a variety of job opportunities in the field, from ship construction to freight forwarding and marine biologists. Although the number of jobs is expected to grow, it is still not enough to meet the industry’s needs.