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CAREERS & TRAINING

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VESSEL OPERATORS, SKIPPERS AND CREW


The thousands of commercial workboats operating in Europe and the UK all need to be managed, both at sea and from the land.

These pages take a look at the careers in this area. Here you can find out more about the skilled job of managing a workboat’s operations.


Follow the links to find out how to become the Master or Skipper of a commercial vessel and how to get onboard as Crew.


Roles

A vessel operator oversees various aspects of a vessel's operations including voyage planning, crew management, payments, and paperwork.



Qualifications and Training

To become a Vessel Operator you are likely to require as a minimum a degree featuring commercial, shipping or economic studies. You will also require significant shipping operations experience.


To obtain that experience it is likely you will join one of the many vessel owners and operators in Europe and the UK as a graduate or trainee and work towards a management position.


Vessel operators are often people who have experience at sea managing vessels.


Salary Brackets

This will vary depending on your experience and the size of the company and vessels being operated and managed


Colleges/Universities

Lloyds Maritime Academy offers a Certificate in Ships Operations

https://informaconnect.com/lloyds-maritime-academy/

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 GOOD TO KNOW
A Vessel Operator needs to be a good communicator both verbally and in written format.
Intermediate apprenticeships
Intermediate apprenticeships are the entry-level apprenticeship for those looking to make a start in the world of work. Available to anyone from the age of 16, with no maximum age limit, they’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change. You’ll need five GCSEs grade A*-E/ 3-9 including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or two National 4s including Maths and English (or equivalent).
Advanced apprenticeships
You can apply for an advanced apprenticeship if you have five GCSEs or National 4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or you’ve completed an intermediate apprenticeship or similar Level 2 qualification. They’re full-time roles, with a competitive salary and they’re a great way to develop specialist skills.
Higher apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for an alternative to attending university. You’ll need at least five GCSEs or National 5 + Highers (or equivalent) including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role. Additionally, you’ll require a minimum of two A levels or a level 3 equivalent qualification.
Degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships are great for 18–19-year-old school leavers looking to gain a degree while also starting their career journey. It’s the perfect option for those who can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university. They’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change.

SEAWORK 2025 DATES & TIMES
09:30 - 17:30 Tuesday 10 June 2025
09:30 - 17:30 Wednesday 11 June 2025
09:30 - 16:00 Thursday 12 June 2025

SEAWORK 2026 DATES
Tuesday 9 June 2026
Wednesday 10 June 2026
Thursday 11 June 2026

SEAWORK 2027 DATES
Tuesday 15 June 2027
Wednesday 16 June 2027
Thursday 17 June 2027