Time to try life on the ocean wave
A CAREER in shipping will let you travel the world — and the international shipping association BIMCO forecasts a shortage of 92,000 shipping officers by 2020.
Jayne Murray, 28, an officer for BP Shipping, says: ‘I work in the engine room of BP ships as fourth engineer.
‘I’m responsible for engine room watchkeeping routines and equipment maintenance, and have specific emergency duties. I’m based in Southampton, but my job takes me around the world. Pay, working conditions, accommodation and food are good.
A sea voyage inspired Jayne to quit her unfulfilling desk job and she applied for a BP cadetship. BP sponsored her through a foundation degree in engineering. This combined study with spells at sea, and after the course she got a job as an officer.
Jayne says: ‘Shipping is traditionally maledominated, but I am rarely the only female on board, and I encourage other women to consider it.
‘If I want to start a family I’ll be given the opportunity to move to an onshore role, with the option of heading back to sea.’
The BP cadetship programme allows applicants to become fully trained junior ship’s officers in three years.
Chris Bailey, vice-president, operations at BP Shipping, says: ‘We look for driven, adaptable, independent people who work well in a team and are keen to learn new skills.’ Applications for the next BP programme open in November.
For more information about merchant marine careers, see britishmarine.co.uk/careers, which includes profiles of roles including marine engineers, skippers, boatbuilders, and marina managers. LINDA WHITNEY