Careers

Canadian seafarers are some of the best in the world. If you’re interested in a rewarding career with high pay and great benefits, follow the steps below to learn how you can join our proud, hardworking team of Canadian sailors.

Choose the option that best applies to you:

I have marine and/or trades experience

I have no previous experience

I am not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

Be a Seafarer

Canada’s marine economy is thriving, and more demand for seafarers means a long and stable career. When you become a seafarer, you can immediately start earning more than $60,000 per year.

This is no desk job. A career as a seafarer brings adventure. After all, how many people can say they sailed the seas and were paid to do it?

Learn more about the positions available on board.

Now Hiring Skilled Workers

We have an immediate need to hire skilled workers. If you have experience in the trades and/or marine industry, we can help you transfer your skills on board and ensure a smooth a transition.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. STCW Basic Safety
2. Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats
3. Valid Transport Canada Marine Medical Examination Fitness Card
4. Canadian citizenship and valid Canadian Passport OR Permanent residence, valid passport from country of birth and Visa (type C1- Class D)
5. Certified Criminal Record Check
6. Transport Canada Discharge Book

Have everything you need? Apply Today!

Congratulations, you’re eligible to ship out immediately. Please send your resume, application form and any certifications to careers@seafarers.ca.

Missing something?

Don’t worry, we can help. Please email careers@seafarers.ca to let us know what you’re missing. We’ll do what we can to help you get what you need.

No Experience? No Problem.

We are always looking for talented and hard-working men and women with a variety of skills, abilities and backgrounds who are ready to jump into a dynamic career at sea.

What seafaring job is right for you?

Seafaring is a tough job that will require you to get your hands dirty. However, the SIU’s commitment to the industry’s top safety standards means our members are some of the best trained in the world. Our recruits develop in-demand skills and have access to skills upgrading to last them a lifetime.

Here are some positions available currently:

Able-Bodied Seaman / Deck Rating – The Able-Bodied Seaman (A/B) takes on this position after passing their Bride Watch Rating (BWR) Certificate. The A/B acts as the helmsman or the Lookout and, during the unloading of the vessels, performs deck duties under the order of the Officer of the Watch. The Able-Bodied Seaman also serves as a Watchkeeper.

Ordinary Seamen – Entry-level deck position where you will learn basic seamanship. The Ordinary Seaman (O/S) occupies the most junior position on the ship. The O/S works under the supervision of the Officer of the Watch and acts according to the Officer’s instructions, often performing chipping, painting, washing, cleaning and greasing of equipment.

Mechanical Assistant / Engine Room Rating – Works down below to keep the ship running smoothly. Responsible for maintaining temperatures, pressures, and proper oil/water levels in the engine room. Assists ship engineers with making rounds and engine maintenance. The Engine Room Rating is the bearer of the Engine Room Certificate, is responsible for assisting the Officer of the Watch, and is under that Officer’s supervision.

Tunnelman / Cargo Handler – Often responsible for securing the ship’s cargo and getting it where it needs to go, the Tunnelman reports to and acts as instructed by the Head Tunnelman. The Tunnelman also assists with the preparation and testing of all gates prior to cargo loading and ensures environmental management procedures are followed properly.

Chief Cook – The Chief Cook reports to the Master of the vessel and is responsible for all aspects of the catering department, preparing and serving three healthy and hearty meals per day to a hungry crew. The Chief Cook is responsible for all galley staff and often performs ordering and inventory control.

2^nd Cook – The Second Cook reports to the Chief Cook and is mainly responsible for the pastry preparations in the kitchen as well as any other functions assigned by the Chief Cook.

**Tanker Certifications – Any candidates holding a Certificate of Competency in any of the above-mentioned positions and who have successfully completed an approved training course and obtained an Oil and Chemical Tanker Familiarization certificate or endorsement as well as a Certificate of Proficiency for Vessel Personnel with Security Responsibilities (VPWSR) should contact the SIU for immediate vacancies.**

Interested in becoming a seafarer? Please email careers@seafarers.ca

Information for Non-Canadian citizens

To join the SIU and become a seafarer, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.