Your trade skills + maritime safety…
“Equates to a global career at sea for plumbers, electricians and carpenters”
Get internationally recognised qualifications, hands-on training and job placement support to work on cruise ships, worldwide.
Accreditations: QCTO, Highfield, STCW • Internationally Recognised • Technical Trades Track
Cruise Technical Trades Ready – Package
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Why This Career?
Industry Gap
Strong Technical Skills + Maritime Training: Cruise ships and offshore vessels rely on skilled technical professionals to maintain and repair essential systems. Combining your existing trade skills with maritime safety training can help you prepare for opportunities in a shipboard environment.
The Crossover Advantage
If you already have a trade qualification or technical experience, adding maritime training can broaden your career options. You can develop knowledge in areas such as STCW safety, shipboard operations, confined-space safety and emergency response.
The Lifestyle
Work, Travel and Build Experience: A maritime technical career can give you the opportunity to apply your trade skills in a different environment while experiencing international travel and working with people from around the world. Depending on the employer and contract, some onboard positions may also include accommodation and meals.
Security
Build a Valuable Technical Career: Technical skills are important in maritime operations because vessels depend on qualified personnel to keep equipment and systems operating safely and efficiently. Combining your trade with maritime skills can help you build a more versatile career and explore opportunities both at sea and on land.
Work.
Travel.
Earn.
Grow.
Your Adventure Starts Here.
Included in this career package
The training required by various industries and ships can vary depending on the type of ship, the position you’re applying for, and the company’s specific requirements. Make sure you enrol for the correct courses:
We recommend first checking with your recruitment agent or the company to confirm exactly which STCW certificates are required for your role. This will help ensure that you complete the appropriate training and avoid paying for any courses that may not be necessary.
From training to your first pay-cheque at sea. We guide you every step of the way.
Course 1
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting A-VI/1-2 (3 Days)
Course 2
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities A-VI/1-4 (2 Days)
Course 3
Personal Survival Techniques A-VI/1-1 (2 Days)
Course 4 (Selection)
Medical First Aid (Including Elementary First Aid) STCW A-VI/4-1 & STCW A-VI/1-3 (4 Days)
OR
Elementary First Aid STCW A-VI/1-3 (2 Days)
Course 5
Passenger Ship Crowd Management – STCW A-V/2, para 1 & 2 (1 Day)
Course 6
Security Awareness Training STCW A-VI/6-1 (1 Day)
Course 7
Highfield Level 2 Award in Health and Safety within the Workplace (RQF) -1 day
Is this for me ?
Entry Requirements:
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Must be 18 years or older
A recognised trade qualification in plumbing, electrical, carpentry or a related trade, or relevant practical work experience.
Please note: some ships and employers require crew members to be 21 years or older.
Additional Requirements:
You may need to meet the medical fitness requirements for sea-going employment, including an ENG1 medical where applicable. Be physically fit and comfortable with manual and technical work. Be prepared to work in engine rooms, machinery areas and other confined technical spaces. Be comfortable working at heights and in enclosed environments, where required by the role.
Where can I work ?
- Cruise ship technical departments (plumber, electrician, carpenter, HVAC technician)
- Offshore supply vessels and oil rigs
- Ferry services and coastal vessels
- Shipyards and dry-dock maintenance teams
- Maritime engineering companies
What Will My Training Look Like ?
Your training combines practical trade skills with maritime safety and shipboard knowledge. The aim is to help you build on your existing trade skills and prepare for the demands of working in a maritime environment.
Cruise Ship Technical Career Ladder
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Additional Services
- Trade-specific tool familiarisation for shipboard use
- Shipboard systems schematic reading
- Recruitment partner introductions (cruise lines, offshore contractors, shipyards)
- Alumni network access
- Lunch during training days
Useful Tips
- Be reliable and responsible — Technical teams depend on people who can be trusted to complete tasks safely and correctly.
- Be punctual and prepared — Maintenance issues can affect operations, so being ready and available when required is important.
- Follow safety procedures — Always follow the correct procedures, use the required protective equipment and never take shortcuts when working with machinery, electricity or in confined spaces.
- Stay organised — Keep track of tools, equipment, maintenance tasks and schedules to ensure work is completed efficiently.
- Communicate clearly — Good communication helps technical teams work safely and solve problems quickly.
- Keep developing your skills — Technology and shipboard systems continue to change, so ongoing learning can help you progress in your career.
Invest in your Future
Payment Options
- Option #1 - Full upfront booking and payment – You Save as above.
- Option #2 - We can structure a deposit + Monthly installments; some discount applies.
- Option #3 - We can structure a deposit + Quarterly installments; some discount applies.
Loan Calculator
Ready to Launch
Take your first step towards your international career. Contact us and a career consultant will get back to you. All inquiries are responded to during regular business hours (Mon-Fri).
Your contact information is only used for the purpose intended and in accordance with our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have completed my trade already?
For this pathway, you should generally have a recognised trade qualification or relevant practical trade experience. If you have not completed your trade yet, our Career Guidance team can help you explore suitable QCTO-registered training programmes to build your foundation first.
Is shipboard electrical or technical work dangerous?
Technical work at sea can involve risks, which is why safety procedures, appropriate training and personal protective equipment are essential. Depending on the role and vessel, additional training may be required for areas such as electrical safety, confined spaces and isolation procedures. Our training focuses on helping you understand and work safely in maritime environments.
Can I work on yachts too?
There may be opportunities for qualified technical professionals to work on larger yachts, cruise ships and other maritime vessels. However, requirements vary depending on the vessel, employer, position and your qualifications and experience. Our team can help you understand which pathway may be suitable for your goals.
How much do technical crew earn?
Salaries vary significantly depending on your trade, qualifications, experience, position, vessel, employer and contract. Some maritime positions may offer competitive salaries and onboard accommodation and meals. As you gain experience and progress into more senior technical roles, your earning potential may increase.
Where can this training take me?
Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may explore opportunities in cruise ships, yachts, offshore vessels and other maritime environments, as well as technical roles on land.
Package – Terms & Conditions
- Up-front payment is required to qualify for the saving.
- Once courses are booked, our refund policy applies.
- You have six months from the date of payment/booking to complete the courses included in the promotion.
- Courses can be booked and completed at any time during your 6-month validity period; consecutive course bookings are not required.
- Contact our Career Guidance if you are unsure of anything.