Maritime Resume Keywords & CV Guide
Maritime CVs / resumes are read differently. Crewing managers check rank, certificates and sea service first, then look for the systems and duties that match the vessel and role.
Keywords by department: deck, engine, hotel, offshore
What to put first on a maritime CV / resume
Guides for specific ranks
First check is free. No account. Your CV / resume isn't stored.
Maritime keywords by area
Certificates and training
STCWCertificate of Competency (CoC)GMDSSENG1 / medical certificateBOSIETHUETDP certificateShip security awareness
Deck and navigation
Bridge watchkeepingVoyage planningECDISRadar / ARPAMooring operationsCargo operationsBallast operations
Engine and technical
Main engineAuxiliary enginesPlanned maintenance system (PMS)AMOSPurifiersFuel systemsEngine room watchkeeping
Safety and compliance
ISM CodeSOLASMARPOLISPSPermit to workRisk assessmentPort State ControlVetting / SIRE
Hotel and interior
Guest serviceHousekeepingFood safetyInventoryCabin service
What to put first
- Rank and target position
- Certificates with issuing authority and expiry dates
- A sea service table: vessel name and type, GT or kW, rank, dates
- Then duties and achievements per contract
Same experience, clearer signal
Weaker
Worked on board as officer
Stronger
Second Officer on a 75,000 DWT tanker: navigational watch, ECDIS passage planning and GMDSSResponsible for life-saving and firefighting equipment maintenance
Only write the stronger version if it's true for you.
Guides for specific ranks
Master mariner keywordsChief officer keywordsSecond officer keywordsChief engineer keywordsThird engineer keywordsAble seaman keywordsMotorman / oiler keywordsYacht steward keywords
Check your CV / resume against a real maritime job
Paste your CV / resume and the job ad to see which certificates, systems and duties aren't visible yet.
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