Career change.

[MattGough]

Hello,
Just joined the website.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some information on how to become an ordinary seaman, what's involved, how long is the training & more specifically is there an age limit?

I'm now at the point of looking for a career change having been employed in the NHS for 20 years but I'm worried that my age may be against me.

Hope you can help?

Best regards,

[gray_marian]

Hello Matt, Welcome to the site. Think I'm correct in saying most of the members here are retired,
however there are similar posts to yours, I'm just trying to locate them at the moment to give you something to read on the previous responses until the chaps can answer you directly


Hello again Matt, there is at least one guy here who is currently a Merchant Seaman, his name is
Jack Taylor, have sent him a pm so hopefully he'll reply soon.

Have you googled for info? as one of the sites I read states as long as you are healthy/fit and under 65! there are openings available may of course depend which area you seek

Merchant Navy Employment and Careers, Jobs at Sea

The Merchant Navy Training BoardMerchant Navy Training Board – Information on training, careers, qualifications.please contact enquiry@mntb.org.uk. if you require further information.
MNTB - HOME

Careers At Sea - Merchant Navy Career Opportunities - www ...


Careers At Sea - Merchant Navy Career Opportunities - www.careersatsea.org

[Captain Kong]

Hi Matt,
what was your job in the NHS??
Maybe if in some kind of Nursing capacity you could get a job with the Cruise ship Companies, like Cunard, they advertise on their web site. for employment with them. Or if you have experience in some other type of job, such as a Bar tender.

I don't think you could be an Ordinary Seaman these days, the game has changed too much.
Maybe the other lads on here can give you more advice.
Keep in touch and keep looking in. You will get you answers, A lot of the Lads are away to Liverpool today so be back by this coming week.
Cheers
Brian

[Red Lead Ted]

Hello,
Just joined the website.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some information on how to become an ordinary seaman, what's involved, how long is the training & more specifically is there an age limit?



I'm now at the point of looking for a career change having been employed in the NHS for 20 years but I'm worried that my age may be against me.

Hope you can help?

Best regards,

Hi Matt, Most on here where at sea schools at the age of 16 yrs, As you have worked for the N H S For 20years you are at least in your late 30s, Hate to be the one to say it mate but your chances are nil, Unless you have had any sea time under your belt if you haven't, Then even a private yacht would be out of the question. Regards and best wishes Terry.

[Captain Kong]

CRUISE SHIP JOBS

The Cruise Ship Jobs Guide offered by
Seamax International © cruise line job .com

Shipboard Employment

Click on each department to review the shipboard job positions descriptions and salary ranges

CRUISE SHIP JOBS - SHIPBOARD POSITIONS BY DEPARTMENTS



Download The Cruise Ship Jobs Guide Now!



A modern cruise ship is like a floating city, there are all kinds of job positions available. Some jobs require highly developed professional skills, others don't. In order to be hired by a cruise ship company successfully you should review very carefully the list of cruise ship job positions and the specific requirements for them. Then you should decide which job position (or job positions) is most suitable for you.

There has never been a better time to apply for a job on cruise ship. It is quite likely that a job that you have worked in the past will give you enough experience to perform various cruise ship jobs. Almost every hospitality related job or job that you worked with customers or clients should give you enough experience and a serious chance to get hired for a number of cruise ship job positions. Compared to other industries, cruise lines have a much higher employees turnover rate. Most people do not consider cruise ship jobs as life-long careers, some crew members get promoted, change ships or cruise lines, go on vacation, return to school, or just settle down back on land. For that and many other reasons cruise lines are ALWAYS HIRING and looking for new personnel. There is a cruise ship job for just about everyone. Cruise lines hire applicants from almost every country in the world. Many entry-level positions are also available. Regardless of your nationality or previous employment experience there is a job for you aboard the hundreds of cruise ships operating all over the world. Cruise ship jobs are the best form of overseas jobs, since aboard a cruise ship in fact you will be working on the ship, but in many overseas countries and places instead of one. Other travel jobs can not offer you visits to such a variety of places, counties, climates and continents as cruise ship jobs offer. Cruise lines hire people fromall over the world and you can get a job on cruise ships regardless of your nationality or citizenship.





Beauty Salon/Spa Hotel Operations Department
Casino Department Information Technology Positions
Cruise Staff Department Medical Department
Deck Department Photo Department
Engine Department Golf/Scuba Diving Instructors
Entertainment Department Onboard Lecturers/Speakers
Food And Beverage Department Onboard Instructors
Galley/Culinary Positions Art Auctioneer
Gift Shops Department Clergy / Religious Services
Housekeeping Department Gentleman Dance Host


Try these sites

Carnival..
Ship's Nurse
The Ship's Nurses are responsible to care for the nursing needs (routine and emergency needs) of the guests and crew. Registered Nurses with valid registration in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, or European Union country with a minimum of three recent years of emergency or critical care nursing experience with competency in emergency/critical care nursing care are eligible to apply. Current BLS certification is required. Current ACLS certification (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or its equivalent, is highly recommended. Some willingness to learn simple laboratory/x-ray procedures. Must be proficient with IV cannulation and venipuncture. Must have a positive mental attitude and an ability to work with people of different nationalities in a close intense environment. Applicants must pass a medication administration exam, demonstrate adequate experience with nursing procedures on our skills check list and must pass a pre-employment physical examination and be deemed fit for duty at sea. Basic computer knowledge and proficiency is also required. Fluent in English.

To apply for this position please send your resume to: medrecruiting@carnival.com

[John Arton]

Matt
Best bet is to search "careers at sea"
Management companies such as Clyde Marine or Viking recruitment take on and train Ordinary Seamen.
Also the Marine and Coastguard Agency {MCA} has a good load of information regarding a career at sea.
Though as stated your age may be against you to pursue a career as a seaman but as Brian has posted, in the cruise industry there are many jobs that may be open to you.
When I was lecturing at a Nautical College the oldest student I had who was just starting in his career at sea was 28 years old so there are some companies willing to take on older generations.
rgds
JA

[MattGough]

Much obliged John,

I guess it's all over for me now in that case. I'm 48 years old.

rgds,

[Captain Kong]

What was your job ion the NHS Matt??
Brian

[MattGough]

Hi Brian,
I still work there but feel the need for a complete change. I've been doing it too long. I'm not a nurse but an Allied Health professional (try obtaining car insurance with that job description!!).
rgds,

[MattGough]

My current job is ODP. Unfortunately, they don't take ODP's on cruise ships. I've been told it has to be a nurse.