Ship Information
Explore different vessel types across the U.S. maritime industry. Every sector has its own ships, missions, and lifestyle — pick one to see what it's really like aboard.
More sectors coming soon
Container, Tanker & Bulk Carriers
International and coastwise shipping on large oceangoing vessels. Container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers moving cargo across oceans and between major ports.
60-120 day rotations · Union scale + OT
Platform & Drilling Operations
Work aboard fixed and floating drilling platforms, production facilities, and mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs). Premium pay for demanding conditions.
14/14 or 21/21 · Day rate $300-700
PSV, AHTS & Fast Supply
Platform Supply Vessels (PSV), Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS), and Fast Supply Vessels supporting offshore energy operations. Dynamic positioning skills valued.
14/14 - 28/28 · Day rate $400-800
Harbor & Coastal Towing
Ship-assist tugs in ports, coastal towing, and ocean towing operations. Smaller crews, technical ship handling, home more often than deep sea.
7/7 - 14/14 · $50K-150K/year
ATB, ITB & Tank Barges
Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) and Integrated Tug-Barge (ITB) units moving petroleum, chemicals, and dry cargo coastwise. Growing sector with modern tonnage.
14/14 - 28/28 · $60K-180K/year
Passenger & Vehicle Ferries
Passenger and vehicle ferries operating scheduled routes. Day work schedules possible, state ferry systems offer government benefits.
Daily/Weekly · $45K-120K/year
Passenger Vessels & Expedition
Large passenger vessels with hotel operations. International crews, extended contracts, unique lifestyle. Growing small expedition cruise market.
4-8 month contracts · Varies widely
Private & Charter
Private and charter yachts from 80 to 500+ feet. MCA/PYA certifications, service-oriented, potential for excellent compensation on larger vessels.
Seasonal/Year-round · $40K-200K+ tips
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing vessels from small day boats to large factory trawlers. Share-based pay, physically demanding, seasonal patterns vary by fishery.
Trip-based · Share system
Harbor & River Pilots
Licensed pilots guide vessels through ports, rivers, and restricted waterways. Highest paid maritime profession, extremely competitive entry, long apprenticeship.
On-call rotation · $200K-700K+/year
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