Strengths that thrive in Marine & Maritime
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Industry Guide
-10.5% YoYMarine & Maritime Careers for Young People
Marine and maritime work is connected to the sea, ships, ports, offshore industries and marine engineering. Roles can include vessel operations, logistics, shipbuilding, safety, environmental work, maintenance, customer service and port operations.
Marine and maritime work is connected to the sea, ships, ports, offshore industries and marine engineering. Roles can include vessel operations, logistics, shipbuilding, safety, environmental work, maintenance, customer service and port operations.
Bonus strengths
Extra strengths that give you an edge in Marine & Maritime.
Team Player
Who works in this industry
Women25%
Women25%
Men76%
25.5pp from a 50/50 balanceUnderrepresented
Growth and hiring
-10.5% vacancies year on year32k recent vacancies
Vacancies appear to be lower year on year (around -10.5%). That is roughly 4k fewer vacancies than the comparison period. The latest vacancy estimate is still about 32k. A dip does not mean there are no jobs — it usually means being more targeted about applications, training and local opportunities.
Opportunities & challenges
Opportunities
- Look for roles in ports
- logistics
- shipbuilding
- marine engineering
- offshore operations
- vessel support
- safety and environmental work. Coastal and port employers can offer practical entry routes.
Challenges to navigate
- Things to be aware of: some roles involve travel
- shift patterns
- weather
- safety rules or time near water. It suits people who like practical work and responsibility.
Traits employers value
Technical SkillsProblem SolvingResilienceAdaptabilityHelpful skills include technical confidenceunderstanding rules and standardsresilience and solving problems. You do not need to be perfect at all of them straight away — these are strengths you can build through projectsvolunteeringpart-time workcoursesapprenticeships or simply practising.
What the work feels like
🌍 Working outdoors or with animals🛠️ Doing practical hands-on work
How to get started
Interview tips
- Show interest in ports
- vessels
- logistics
- engineering
- the coast or offshore work. Talk about safety
- teamwork and adaptability
- especially if the role involves shifts
- weather or practical tasks. Any mechanical
- outdoor
- customer or technical experience can be relevant. Research the employer’s part of the maritime world before you go.
Role types in Marine & Maritime
Marine & maritime: exploring careers on the water
The marine and maritime industry covers everything from shipping and ports to marine engineering and ocean conservation. If you love the sea, enjoy travel, or want to work with cutting-edge technology, this sector offers exciting careers for young people who aren’t afraid to get their feet wet.
What Kind of People Thrive Here?
Marine and maritime careers are perfect for adventurous, resilient, and safety-conscious individuals who are drawn to life on or near the water. People who thrive here are practical, team-oriented, and enjoy tackling challenges—whether navigating ships, maintaining equipment, or protecting marine environments. If you’re adaptable, detail-focused, and passionate about the sea or sustainable transport, your strengths will be valued. The sector welcomes those who are curious, collaborative, and ready for unique opportunities on land and at sea.
- Adventurous Explorers: Enjoy travel, the outdoors, and working on or near the water.
- Technical Thinkers: Interested in navigation, mechanics, or marine engineering.
- Team Players: Ships and ports rely on everyone working together.
- Environmental Stewards: Care about protecting oceans and marine life.
Marine & Maritime: Key Insights
- Growth Potential: The sector is evolving with green shipping, offshore wind, and marine technology. There’s demand for deckhands, engineers, logistics coordinators, and marine scientists.
- Opportunities in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk (E/H/S): With major ports and a coastline, there are jobs in shipping, logistics, marine engineering, and conservation.
- Earning Potential: Entry-level marine and maritime roles start at £20,000–£25,000, with experienced officers, engineers, and managers earning £30,000–£60,000+.
How to Start Your Marine & Maritime Career
Not sure where to begin? Try our career discovery to find marine and maritime roles that fit you, or browse our job board for entry-level jobs in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk. Apprenticeships and cadet schemes are common.
Explore More About Marine & Maritime
- Emerging Trends: Learn about green shipping, offshore energy, and marine conservation.
- Skills Needed: Find out which navigation, engineering, and teamwork skills are valued.
- Roles & Career Paths: Explore jobs from deckhand to marine engineer.
- Interview Prep: Get advice tailored to marine and maritime job interviews.
- Expert Insights: Hear from captains, engineers, and conservationists.
- Tools & Resources: Access guides and links to help you get started.
FAQs
What jobs are available for young people in marine and maritime?
Deckhand, marine engineer, logistics coordinator, port worker, marine scientist, and more.
Do I need a degree to work in marine and maritime?
Not always—many roles are open to school leavers and offer training.
What skills help you succeed in marine and maritime careers?
Teamwork, technical skills, adaptability, and a love for the sea.
Are there entry-level marine jobs in Essex, Hertfordshire, or Suffolk?
Yes—ports, shipping companies, and conservation groups regularly hire young people.
If you want a career that’s adventurous, vital, and keeps the world connected, marine and maritime could be your perfect fit. Whether you’re passionate about the sea, technology, or global trade, there’s a place for you to thrive. Ready to set sail on your future? Explore your potential in marine and maritime today!
Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/datasets/employmentbyindustryemp13 (Jul–Sep 2025)