5 Amazing seaman Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

You've always longed for a life at sea, and you're not afraid of hard work. You know port from starboard, fore from aft, and you may even know the difference between a rope and a line. Whether you're an ordinary or an able-bodied seaman, you'll need more than just the word of your former captain and mates when you go looking for your next vessel. Even if you apply in person, there's a good chance you'll need a well-crafted seaman resume in addition to your TWIC card and merchant mariner credential. If crafting a formal account of your sea time, skills, and training doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, don't worry. We've created a resume sample to help you get your bearings. This professionally written example document can give you an idea about what format you should use for your resume, as well as how to highlight your accomplishments up to this point.

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seaman: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Chief Seaman, Union Pacific Railroad Omaha, Nebraska

March 2021 – Present

Monitor and adjust vessel's speed and course
Maintain accurate records of cargo and vessel activities
Assist in navigation and steering of vessels

Seaman, Port of Los Angeles Los Angeles, California

March 2020 – February 2021

Participate in emergency drills and respond to emergency situations
Prepare and serve meals to crew members
Perform security checks on the vessel and its cargo

Entry Level Seaman, FedEx Memphis, Tennessee

March 2019 – February 2020

Perform security checks on the vessel and its cargo
Perform vessel maintenance, repairs, and cleaning
Monitor and adjust vessel's speed and course

Education

University of California, Berkeley, California

Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Control, January, 2019

Skills

Quality Assurance

Research

Strategic Thinking

Decision Making

Maritime Logistics

Ship Security

Navigation

Maritime Security

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Professional Summary

Experienced Seaman with extensive knowledge of maritime transportation and operations. Proven ability to work in challenging and dynamic environments.

Employment history

Senior Seaman, Union Pacific Railroad Omaha, Nebraska

July 2009 – Present

Perform vessel maintenance, repairs, and cleaning
Monitor weather conditions and report any changes
Operate communications equipment to communicate with other vessels

Associate Seaman, Amazon Logistics Seattle, Washington

July 2008 – June 2009

Prepare and serve meals to crew members
Participate in emergency drills and respond to emergency situations
Follow all safety protocols and procedures

Junior Seaman, Union Pacific Railroad Omaha, Nebraska

January 2008 – June 2008

Perform basic deckhand duties such as painting, scraping, and cleaning
Prepare and serve meals to crew members
Maintain accurate records of cargo and vessel activities

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts

Doctor of Philosophy in Transportation and Logistics Management, November, 2007

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, November, 2003

Skills

Documentation

Financial Management

Conflict Resolution

Professionalism

Vessel Operations

Vessel Security

Ship Security

Maritime Logistics

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Professional Summary

Seasoned Seaman with extensive experience in the transportation industry. Proven track record of safe navigation and efficient cargo handling.

Employment history

Senior Seaman, Amtrak Washington, D.C.

November 2014 – Present

Prepare and serve meals to crew members
Assist in navigation and steering of vessels
Perform basic deckhand duties such as painting, scraping, and cleaning

Seaman, BNSF Railway Fort Worth, Texas

November 2013 – October 2014

Monitor and adjust vessel's speed and course
Perform vessel maintenance, repairs, and cleaning
Monitor and adjust vessel systems as necessary

Jr. Seaman, BNSF Railway Fort Worth, Texas

November 2012 – October 2013

Perform security checks on the vessel and its cargo
Maintain accurate records of cargo and vessel activities
Monitor and adjust vessel's speed and course

Education

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, October, 2012

Skills

Flexibility

Relationship Management.

Critical Thinking

Listening

Radar Navigation

Maritime Engineering

Hazardous Materials

Maritime Law

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Professional Summary

An experienced Seaman with extensive knowledge of the transportation industry. Proven ability to navigate complex waterways and ensure safe transport of cargo.

Employment history

Lead Seaman, UPS Atlanta, Georgia

July 2011 – Present

Monitor weather conditions and report any changes
Perform vessel maintenance, repairs, and cleaning
Assist with loading and unloading of cargo

Associate Seaman, Amazon Logistics Seattle, Washington

January 2010 – June 2011

Assist with loading and unloading of cargo
Perform basic deckhand duties such as painting, scraping, and cleaning
Prepare and serve meals to crew members

Junior Seaman, Greyhound Lines Dallas, Texas

July 2009 – December 2009

Monitor cargo operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations
Monitor and adjust vessel systems as necessary
Monitor and adjust vessel's speed and course

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia

Master of Science in Transportation Planning and Engineering, May, 2009

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance, May, 2005

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Radar Navigation

Maritime Regulations

Chart Plotting

Vessel Security

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Employment history

Lead Seaman, Amtrak Washington, D.C.

July 2017 – Present

Monitor and adjust vessel's speed and course
Assist with loading and unloading of cargo
Follow all safety protocols and procedures

Seaman, Greyhound Lines Dallas, Texas

February 2016 – July 2017

Perform basic deckhand duties such as painting, scraping, and cleaning
Monitor and adjust vessel's speed and course
Monitor weather conditions and report any changes

Entry Level Seaman, Union Pacific Railroad Omaha, Nebraska

September 2014 – January 2016

Follow all safety protocols and procedures
Maintain accurate records of cargo and vessel activities
Participate in emergency drills and respond to emergency situations

Education

University of California, Berkeley, California

Bachelor of Science in Transportation and Logistics Systems, July, 2014

Skills

Listening

Computer Literacy

Data Analysis

Collaboration

Vessel Operations

Maritime Security

Chart Plotting

Seamanship

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seaman Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an seaman position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

seaman

Handling of all the deck gear activities including the cradling, topping and assisting in all kinds of operation in the vessel.
Helping the carpenter in repair work.
Keeping a proper vigil on any kind of obstacles during the journey, such as, icebergs or any other imminent danger.
Responsible for loading and removing the cargo.
Acting as a helmsman when called upon.
Acting as a cargo watch during the loading and unloading of the cargo operations.
Maintaining the cleanliness in the passageways and keeping it more hygienic for the passengers.

seaman

Scanned seas while navigating ship to quickly spy obstacles, including fishnet and other vessel that could put vessel in danger
Led basic operations and reported enemy movements to commanding officers
Operated and maintained communications equipment
Tracked personnel and supplies within company
Served as a member of damage control, emergency and security alert teams
Responsible for safely completing cargo transfer
Assist in daily routine of maintenance for our working spaces

seaman

Operating the machinery of the decks such as the winches and the windlass.
Keeping a proper care of the maintenance of the ship and all of its operational gears.
Assuming the duties of the man in charge of the lifeboat, as a seaman is a certified life boatman and can handle the lifeboat under sail.
Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses

seaman Job Skills

For an seaman position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Navigation
Seamanship
Vessel Operations
Maritime Law
Cargo Handling
Ship Maintenance
Chart Plotting
Maritime Regulations
Shipboard Safety
Maritime Security
Maritime Communications
Ship Handling
Maritime Logistics
Ship Security
Maritime Engineering
Hazardous Materials
Vessel Security
Ship Security Officer
Marine Electronics
Radar Navigation
Shipboard Management

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your seaman Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Senior Seaman, FedEx Memphis, Tennessee

January 2013 – May 2022

Monitor weather conditions and report any changes
Assist with loading and unloading of cargo
Prepare and serve meals to crew members

Seaman, Port of New York and New Jersey New York, New York

August 2011 – December 2012

Monitor cargo operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations
Assist in navigation and steering of vessels
Perform basic deckhand duties such as painting, scraping, and cleaning

Entry Level Seaman, Amazon Logistics Seattle, Washington

January 2011 – July 2011

Follow all safety protocols and procedures
Monitor cargo operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations
Maintain accurate records of cargo and vessel activities

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, Illinois

Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation Management, December, 2010

University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, Illinois

Bachelor of Science in Transportation and Logistics Systems, December, 2006

Skills

Computer Literacy

Business Acumen

Reporting

Creativity

Vessel Security

Hazardous Materials

Maritime Law

Shipboard Safety

Provide your Contact Information and Address Year Gaps

Always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage.

Key Insights

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your seaman Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Professional Summary

Highly experienced Seaman with extensive knowledge of vessel operations, navigation and cargo handling. Proven record of safely and efficiently transporting goods and people in a variety of marine environments.

Employment history

Chief Seaman, Amazon Logistics Seattle, Washington

July 2013 – Present

Operate communicatiosn equipment to communicatie with other vessles
Monitornd adjust vessel systems as nessecary
Assit in navigatin and steering of vessles

Seaman, Port of New York and New Jersey New York, New York

January 2013 – June 2013

Moniter and ajust vessel systems as neccessary
Perform basic deckhand dutys such as paintin, scrapping, and cleanin
Follow orders from the capitain and other officerss

Entry Level Seaman, Amtrak Washington, D.C.

January 2012 – December 2012

"I went to the store to buy some food
I went to the store too buy some food.

Education

University of California, Berkeley, California

Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate, November, 2011

Skills

Presentation

Critical Thinking

Project Management

Self-Motivation

Maritime Regulations

Ship Handling

Navigation

Hazardous Materials

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume.

Key Insights

Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

seaman Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an seaman position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Chief Seaman
Union Pacific Railroad
Omaha, Nebraska

Union Pacific Railroad Recruitment Team

I am writing to express my interest in the Chief Seaman position at Union Pacific Railroad. As a Seaman with 4 years of experience in Transportation myself, I believe I have the necessary skills and expertise to excel in this role.

Throughout my life, I have pursued my passion for Public Transportation and have gained experience in this field as a result. This experience has given me valuable skills such as Quality Assurance and Research, which I am excited to bring to this position. I am eager to work with a team that shares my enthusiasm as a Seaman and help your organization achieve its well determined goals.

I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Chief Seaman position. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world, so I am thrilled about the opportunity to join your team and work towards achieving our shared goals for the betterment of everyone.

Sincerely,
Zane Quinn
891-354-8568
zanequinn@zoho.com

Zane Quinn

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