Set Sail on Your Next Adventure
Great Lakes shipping offers careers in navigation & administration, engineering & maintenance, and culinary & hospitality.
A career in Great Lakes shipping can satisfy a wide range of interests while providing substantial income and benefits right from the start. The information provided here can help anyone interested in beginning a career on the Great Lakes understand requirements for entering the industry as well as information about the various jobs available and major carriers operating on the lakes. An annual scholarship is available to young adults who fulfill certain eligibility requirements to assist in obtaining the necessary credentials to apply for work in the maritime industry.
Resources
View helpful links to government websites and hiring information for carriers on the Great Lakes.
Careers on DECK
Enter the industry as a deckhand where you will perform general maintenance and labor, assisting crew with maintaining the ship, mooring and linehandling, and cargo operations. Promote to higher ranks where you will be responsible for steering the ship and performing lookout duties, or managing the deck crew. After completing the required number of days at sea, you are eligible to complete testing with the U.S. Coast Guard to earn a deck officer license, enabling you to work as a Mate, and eventually, Captain.
Careers in ENGINEERING
Start work in the engine room performing basic maintenance on the ship’s equipment and diesel engines. Some in the engineering department opt for a more specialized role maintaining and operating the ships conveyor systems used for unloading cargo. As you gain experience, you will take on more advanced responsibilities performing regular rounds and more complex maintenance activities. After accumulating the required number of days at sea, you are eligible to complete testing with the U.S. Coast Guard to earn a marine engineering license, allowing you to work as a ship’s Engineer, and eventually, Chief Engineer.
Careers in the GALLEY
Start work in the Galley department as a porter, where you will be responsible for maintaining dining halls and assisting the 2nd Cook and Steward with meal prep and cleanup. With sufficient experience, you can work as a 2nd Cook where you are responsible for baking breads and desserts, preparing salad bars, and maintaining galley equipment. In addition, you will occasionally cater to the needs of the ship’s guests by preparing clean and comfortable passenger quarters. With time and on-the-job training, you can advance to the position of Chief Steward where you can unleash your culinary creativity preparing each meal for the entire crew.
Interested?
See available scholarships and eligibility requirements.