Seaman salaries differ depending on the industry they work in.
In this article, we will explore the factors influencing seaman salaries across different industries.
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Ranks
In the maritime industry, various ranks of seafarers work together to ensure the smooth operation and safety of vessels at sea.
Here’s an overview of the different ranks of seafarers and their respective roles and responsibilities onboard:
- Captain/Master Mariner: The highest-ranking officer responsible for the overall operation and safety of the vessel, navigation, cargo handling, and crew management.
- Chief Officer/Mate: Second in command to the captain, responsible for overseeing the deck department, navigation, cargo operations, and safety protocols.
- Second Officer/Mate: Assists the chief officer in navigation, watchkeeping, and maintaining safety and security onboard.
- Third Officer/Mate: Supports senior officers in navigation duties, watchkeeping, and maintaining safety procedures.
- Deck Cadets: Trainee officers learning navigation, seamanship, and ship operations under the supervision of senior officers.
- Deck Rating (non-officers): Assist in deck operations, cargo handling, maintenance, and general duties.
- Bosun: Leads the deck crew, responsible for maintenance, repairs, and cargo handling under the supervision of senior officers.
- Welder/Fitter: Performs welding, fabrication, and maintenance tasks for both deck and engine departments.
- Able Bodied Seaman (AB): Skilled seaman responsible for deck operations, mooring, cargo handling, and maintenance tasks.
- Ordinary Seaman (OS): Assists ABs and officers in various deck operations, maintenance, and general duties.
- Trainee OS: Entry-level position learning basic seamanship skills and assisting in deck operations.
- Chief Engineer: Head of the engine department responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of all engine room systems and machinery.
- Second Engineer/First Assistant Engineer: Assists the chief engineer in engine room operations, maintenance, and repair tasks.
- Third Engineer/Second Assistant Engineer: Supports senior engineers in maintaining and operating engine room equipment and systems.
- Fourth Engineer/Third Assistant Engineer: Assists with engine room operations, maintenance, and repair tasks under the supervision of senior engineers.
- Fifth Engineer/Engine Cadet: Trainee engineer learning engine room operations, maintenance, and repair tasks.
- Electrical Officer: Responsible for electrical systems, equipment maintenance, and repairs onboard the vessel.
- Engine Room Rating (non-officers): Assists engineers in engine room operations, maintenance, and repair tasks.
- Fitter/Motorman/Wiper: Performs engine room maintenance, repairs, and general duties under the supervision of senior engineers.
- Trainee Fitter/Trainee Wiper: Entry-level position learning engine room maintenance and assisting senior engine room ratings.
- Chief Cook: Head of the catering department responsible for meal preparation, provisioning, and galley operations.
- Trainee Cook: Entry-level position learning culinary skills and assisting the chief cook in galley operations.
- Steward: Responsible for cabin cleaning, laundry, and general housekeeping duties onboard the vessel.
These ranks represent the hierarchical structure onboard a ship and the diverse roles and responsibilities of seafarers in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
Local
Below are some Philippine companies and their seafarer salary offers:
| Shipping Companies | Monthly Salary (in ₱) |
|---|---|
| Marlow Navigation | 20,000 |
| TORM | 58,000 |
| Government of Canada (AB) | 25,000 |
| Kestrel Maritime (AB) | 50,000 |
| Prime Software Technologies (AB) | 25,000 |
| Southeast Asia Shipping (AB) | 25,000 |
| United Philippine Lines | 60,000 |
| Yes Marketing | 20,000 |
These are various shipping companies along with the monthly salaries they offer in Philippine pesos (₱) for positions such as Able Bodied Seaman (AB). For example, TORM offers a monthly salary of ₱58,000 for AB positions, while Marlow Navigation offers ₱20,000.
International
Filipino seafarers on tanker vessels and dry cargo ships for international shipping companies support the Philippines’ maritime industry, offer jobs to skilled workers, and help drive global trade and economic growth.
Tanker Vessels
These international shipping companies specialize in transporting liquid cargoes such as crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). They need skilled Filipino seafarers for the safe transport of liquid cargo at sea.
Here are the monthly salary rates in US dollars across different ranks:
| Rank | Product Tanker | Chemical | VLCC | LPG/LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master | 11,500-12,500 | 12,000-14,000 | 8,488-14,067 | 12,800-15,400 |
| CH. Mate | 8,000-11,500 | 10,500-11,444 | 8,000-11,062 | 10,900-12,000 |
| 2nd Mate | 4,000-4,800 | 4,500 | 4,000-4,800 | 4,760-5,250 |
| 3rd Mate | 3,300-3,800 | 3,500-4,420 | 3,100-3,800 | 3,500-4,500 |
| CH. Engineer | 11,200-12,000 | 12,800-13,880 | 10,500-13,200 | 12,300-15,141 |
| 2nd Engineer | 8,000-11,062 | 10,200-11,400 | 10,400-10,400 | 9,900-12,300 |
| 3rd Engineer | 4,000-4,800 | 4,200-5,259 | 4,000-4,800 | 4,760-5,250 |
| 4th Engineer | 3,300-3,800 | 3,500-4,700 | 3,100-3,800 | 3,500-4,500 |
| Gas Engineer | – | – | – | 7,500-10,000 |
| Electrician | 3,200-3,600 | 4,000-6,500 | 3,500-6,010 | 6,000-8,100 |
| PumpMan | 2,250-2,500 | 2,250-2,900 | 2,250-2,500 | 2,500 |
| Bosun | 1950-2,500 | 2,000-2,600 | 1,950-2,500 | 2,300-2,500 |
| Able (AB Seaman) | 1,450-1,950 | 1,450-2,100 | 1,450-1,950 | 1,700-2,100 |
| OS (Ordinary Seaman) | 900-1,300 | 1,050-1,500 | 900-1,300 | 1,300-1,800 |
| Fitter/Welder | 1,950-2,500 | 2,100-2,500 | 1,950-2,500 | 2,000-2,500 |
| Oiler | 1,450-1,950 | 1,450-2,100 | 1,450-1,950 | 1,700-2,100 |
| Wiper | 900-1,300 | 1,050-1,500 | 900-1,300 | 1,300-1,800 |
| Cook | 1,750-2,300 | 1,875-2,500 | 1,750-2,300 | 1,800-2,500 |
| Messman | 1,450-1,950 | 1,450-2,500 | 1,450-1,950 | 1,300-1,950 |
| Cadet | 600-1,055 | 725-1,155 | 600-1,055 | 680-1,255 |
These rates reflect the level of experience, responsibilities, and qualifications required for each position within the maritime industry.
Monthly salary rates in US dollars across different ranks for various types of tanker vessels vary, with positions such as Master and Chief Engineer commanding higher salaries compared to entry-level roles like Ordinary Seaman and Cadet.
Dry Cargo Ships
These international shipping companies focus on transporting solid bulk cargoes such as grains, ores, coal, and containers.
They seek Filipino seafarers skilled in cargo handling, stowage, and securing techniques, as well as navigation and ship management.
Crew members are responsible for ensuring the proper loading, transport, and discharge of dry bulk cargoes while adhering to international regulations and safety standards.
Here are the monthly salary rates in US dollars across different ranks:
| Rank | Bulk | Container | Car Carrier | General Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master | 8,100-12,100 | 8,000-11,700 | 8,100-12,600 | 9,000-13000 |
| CH. Mate | 6,000-9,500 | 6,900-7,100 | 5,500-7,750 | 5,500-8,670 |
| 2nd Mate | 2,500-3,500 | 2,700-3,700 | 3,200-4,500 | 2,500-4,500 |
| 3rd Mate | 2,000-3,990 | 3,100-4,000 | 3,300-3,500 | 2,500-3,300 |
| CH.Engineer | 8,400-12,000 | 8,200-11,000 | 7,500-10,200 | 7,700-10,200 |
| 2nd Engineer | 6,700-9,500 | 6,900-7,100 | 5,500-7,750 | 5,500-8,670 |
| 3rd Engineer | 2,700-4,000 | 2,700-4,300 | 3,200-4,500 | 2,500-4,500 |
| 4th Engineer | 2,200-3,000 | 2,000-3,200 | 2,200-3,200 | 2,500-3,150 |
| Electrician | 4,000-5,600 | 3,400,5,000 | 2,000-5,600 | 2,700-5,040 |
| Bosun | 1,600-1,900 | 1,600-1,900 | 1,600-2,000 | 1,600-1,800 |
| AB(Able Seaman) | 1,387-1,400 | 1,300-1,672 | 1,300-1,672 | 1,100-1,600 |
| OS (Ordinary Seaman) | 900-1,220 | 910-1,285 | 900-1,200 | 1,131-1,400 |
| Fitter/Welder | 1,650-1,900 | 1,636-1,850 | 1,600-2,000 | 1,636-2.201 |
| Oiler | 1,387-1,400 | 1.300-1,672 | 1,300-1,672 | 1,100-1,600 |
| Wiper | 900-1,220 | 910-1,285 | 900-1,220 | 1,141-1,400 |
| Cook | 1,600-1,988 | 1,632-1,900 | 1,600-2,000 | 1,400-2,600 |
| Messman/2nd Cook | 500-1,400 | 900-1,446 | 900-1,446 | 900-1,446 |
| Cadet | 200-750 | 400-650 | 400-650 | 250-700 |
The salaries vary based on factors such as rank, level of experience, and the specific demands of each vessel type.
These salary ranges represent the monthly compensation rates in US dollars for various ranks across different types of vessels, including Bulk carriers, Container ships, Car carriers, and General cargo vessels.
Conclusion
While local and international shipping companies offer varying salary rates based on factors such as rank, vessel type, and experience, these opportunities provide valuable employment and economic stability for Filipino seafarers and their families.
Reference
- Gibi. (2019, February 9). Seaman’s Salary Per Month on International Ships. Seaman Memories. https://www.seamanmemories.com/seamans-salary-per-month-on-international-ships/
- Seaman Salary by Rank 2023 | Comprehensive Guide. (2023, September 1). https://philippinego.com/17865/
- Institute, E. E. R. (n.d.). Ordinary Seaman Salary Philippines – SalaryExpert. Www.salaryexpert.com. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/ordinary-seaman/philippines
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