Marine & Nautical Services

Marine and Nautical employees mainly work offshore on floating drilling and production facilities, supply and standby vessels, seismic and chase vessels, petroleum product carriers and tankers, and tugs. These positions are responsible for the transportation of passengers and materials, the stabilization of water-based units and vessels, and the operations, inspection, maintenance and repair of underwater drilling and production facilities.

If you have the following skills, interests and abilities a career in Marine & Nautical Services might be for you:

• Performs well in a working environment that is prone to rough seas, inclement weather and storms
• Willing to work with hazardous materials and dangerous equipment
• Can handle physical exertion and exposure to heights
• Comfortable with shift work, long hours and changes in routine
• Can perform in-water exercises, for example exit from and entry into water
• Comfortable with helicopter and boat travel and possible basket transfer
• Able to work in confined, close quarters and having limited privacy
• Has a strong sense of camaraderie and relying on teamwork to get the job done and for survival
• Capable of working away from home for prolonged periods, sometimes up to three weeks
• Likes extended periods of time off

Education

Two career streams exist for Marine & Nautical Services: one experience-based and the second, academic-based. Mobility is based upon successful completion of training courses and exams specified by Transport Canada. Formal post-secondary training requirements may not apply if an individual has the necessary related marine engineering experience and is certified by Transport Canada's progressive level of certification.

Here are some of the other requirements for specific occupations:

Ballast Control Operator:

• 12 weeks of on-the-job training and experience as an entry level trainee.

Commercial Marine Diver:

• Graduation from an accredited commercial dive school.
• Certification from the Canadian Diver Certification Board.
• Some relevant commercial diving experience.
• CPR training.
• Diving medical authorization from an approved hyperbaric physician.

Dynamic Positioning Operator:

• Possession of a Second Mates Ticket.
• 3-5 years of related experience in offshore drilling operations.
• As a trainee, you undertake extensive GPS and dynamic position simulator training and coursework.

Radio Operator:

• Diploma or certificate in Wireless Telecommunication Technology, Emergency Service Telecommunications or related education.
• Employer typically provides on-the-job training.

ROV Pilot and Operator:

• 1-2 years of formal electrical/electronic coursework coupled with approximately 3 or more years of marine-related experience.
• On-the-job training is also provided.

Marine Seismic Observers:

• Some land or sea seismic crew experience as a Shooter/Blaster and/or Recorder.
• Most employers provide on-the-job training in safety and operations.

Career Paths

Typically, entry-level positions that may lead to Deck Officer and Engineering Officer careers are marine positions such as Deckhands, Engine Room Assistants and Able Seamen.

At Work

• Offshore operations are usually in remote locations and may require extended periods of time away from home. Shift or rotational work may mean two weeks on, followed by one week off of the work site.
• Most of the newer vessels offer air conditioning, soundproofing and pleasant crew quarters. On platforms, the food is generally very good. Larger vessels and platforms provide television, game rooms, comfortable sleeping quarters and access to computers, Internet and e-mail.
• Safety-sensitive positions have strict requirements related to being drug and alcohol free.

Quick Tips & Additional Resources:

• Visit Careers in Newfoundland and Labrador's Oil and Gas Industry.
• Visit a petroleum career fair and talk to employers and companies with offshore / marine petroleum production operations.
• Review publications Our Petroleum Challenge and Canada's Evolving Offshore Oil and Gas Industry.
• Learn about major projects happening in Canada's east coast in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.
• Check out educational programs at the Marine Institute at Memorial University and the Company of Master Mariners of Canada.
• Participate in National Engineering Month and National Technology Week.
• Take a job on an ocean vessel to evaluate the working environment and lifestyle.
• Learn about Transport Canada's certification standards for Marine & Nautical Services.
• Visit the Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors (CAGC) to find out more about seismic operations.