Doing Something Useful :
Today’s competitive world sometimes makes it difficult to fully understand the purpose and value of many jobs. Shipping, however, is key to the global economy, responsible for carrying over 90% of the world’s trade. Without shipping the world economy would collapse. It would be impossible to transport the vast quantities of food, raw materials and manufactured products the world currently takes for granted. People working at sea have the satisfaction of knowing that shipping is also the safest and most environmentally friendly form of commercial transportation, and that they are playing a vital role in ensuring efficient global trade.

Career Flexibility and Job Security :
Shipping is an ideal occupation for young people seeking something exciting and different to just working in an office, which in the long run will also lead to an enjoyable and well paid executive career in a major international industry. In the world at large, today's working environment is increasingly uncertain. A career in shipping can combine security of employment with flexibility and opportunity. Some ships' officers may decide, after only a few years at sea, to use their qualifications and experience to find employment in one of the large number of professional jobs servicing the shipping industry, for example shipping company management, marine surveying, maritime law and insurance, working as a broker finding cargoes for ships, or even buying and selling ships. Skills and experience gained at sea are also readily transferable to other industries outside merchant shipping.

Long Holidays :
In most jobs, it is often only possible to take a maximum of two or three weeks holiday at one time, and total annual holidays are of course far less than you might be used to at college or school. In shipping, however, seafarers commonly enjoy generous leave or holiday periods. Exact terms will vary, but on "short sea" trades a system of one month working followed by one month paid holiday is often applied. On intercontinental or "deep sea" trades, leave periods of several months' duration are not uncommon. So while seafarers may sometimes be away from home for extended periods, they also enjoy flexibility to pursue other interests at home, or spend long periods of time with their families and friends.

A Career that is Different :
A ship is a unique working environment because it is also home to those working on board. Those working on board ship often develop lasting friendships with their colleagues and have a stimulating life which is different to the experience of many people working ashore. Merchant seafaring is a civilian occupation. Although team work and strict adherence to safe working practices is critical, there are many opportunities for socialising, both on board ship and during visits to foreign ports. Life on board ship can be very cosmopolitan, with many different nationalities of seafarer working together. Joining the shipping industry is essentially like belonging to a special international club.