Careers in marine work cover a vast number of different specialties, from equipment technician to insurance underwriter. Many opportunities exist for mechanics, whose duties include rigging boats and motors, troubleshooting and routine maitenance on engines.
Mechanics can expect an hourly rate of C
$10 to C
$12 and there is often a need for weekend work. A forklift truck certificate is a definite advantage, and a valid driver’s licence and own transport and tools are often essential requirements for the job. More specialized positions, such as naval architect, usually demand between five and ten years’ of experience and a science or engineering degree, preferably a Masters. Salaries for these higher positions are around
$60,000.
Jobs in this sector involving foreign travel would tend to require specific certification. For example, a marine surveyor would need to be in possession of the Canadian Foreign Going master’s. Science-based work, such as that undertaken by marine biologists, would require at least a four-year degree and would pay around C
$30,000 to begin with, which could rise to C
$70,000 over time.