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Seafarer / Ship's Officer

Transport & Logistics · Merchant Shipping High demand Market estimate

Navigate, operate and maintain cargo ships, tankers and cruise vessels as a deck officer or marine engineer. Jamaican seafarers trained to international STCW standards work with shipping lines around the world and earn in US dollars.

Salary Breakdown

$1,800,000 JMD – $3,000,000 JMD
0 - 2 years

Cadet or junior officer completing sea time on a merchant or cruise vessel. Indicative market estimate, not a published salary scale.

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($2,400,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$176,767 JMD
Est. Net / Year$2,121,210 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$2,400,000 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$72,000 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$48,000 JMD
Education Tax
−$52,380 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$106,410 JMD
Net (annual)
$2,121,210 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    Excel in Maths & Physics

    CSEC Mathematics, Physics and English A are required for maritime degree programmes.

    Secondary school
  2. 2

    Enrol at CMU

    Study Nautical Science (deck) or Marine Engineering at Caribbean Maritime University.

    3 - 4 years
  3. 3

    Complete Sea Time as a Cadet

    Serve required sea time on a vessel while completing STCW safety and training modules.

    12 - 18 months
  4. 4

    Earn Your Certificate of Competency

    Sit the exams for an officer or engineer Certificate of Competency recognised by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica.

    6 months - 1 year
  5. 5

    Rise Through the Ranks

    Build sea time and upgrade certificates toward Chief Officer, Chief Engineer or Master.

    5 - 10 years
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Required Education

  • CSEC Mathematics, Physics and English A
  • BSc Nautical Science or Marine Engineering
  • STCW Certificate of Competency

Common Local Certifications

  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • Certificate of Competency - Maritime Authority of Jamaica
  • Seafarer medical certificate
  • GMDSS Radio Operator (deck officers)

Where to Train

Caribbean Maritime University

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 4 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Seafarer / Ship's Officer

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • Caribbean Maritime University (CMU)
  • Maritime Authority of Jamaica - licensing body, not a training provider
  • Shipping line cadet programmes