DECK DEPARTMENT
Professional development training programs
Ordinary Seaman
(Deck Rating)
No experience? No problem. Start earning at sea in under 5 months — and get paid during practice.
2.5 months - Online training
+ 2 months - Paid sea practice
€1,700 - Program fee
WHAT YOU'LL BE QUALIFIED FOR
- Ordinary Seaman on merchant vessels — worldwide, no tonnage restrictions
- Deckhand on crew transfer vessels (CTV) — offshore wind & offshore sector
- Deckhand on fishing vessels.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- International STCW certificate — recognised by shipping companies worldwide
- Online theory (study from home) + practical training in Riga
- STCW Basic Safety Training A-VI/1
- Mandatory Security Training
- Paid sea practice — typical earnings USD 500–1,300/month
- Job placement support via partner crewing agencies
- Exams at Latvian Maritime Administration (EU)
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Work on vessels without tonnage or trading area restrictions
- Perform watchkeeping duties at sea and in port
- Steer the vessel under officer’s instructions
- Carry out mooring operations
- Operate deck equipment and safety gear
- Maintain deck equipment and protect against corrosion
- Assist in cargo operations
- Respond to emergencies and follow security procedures
- Provide first aid.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ℹ Minimum age: 16 years
ℹ Education: Basic or secondary
ℹ Experience: None required
ℹ Payment: Instalments available
WHERE THIS LEADS
With sea service, you can progress to Able Seaman and then Deck Officer — a clear, step-by-step path to the bridge.
Get in touch — we’ll help you plan your next step.
Boatmaster
(on small vessels under 50 GT)
Command your own vessel. The fastest route to a skipper's licence — ideal for offshore, wind, and coastal work.
1.5 months - Online training
+ 3 months - Paid sea practice
€1,700 - Program fee
WHAT YOU'LL BE QUALIFIED FOR
- Boatmaster / Master on small vessels under 50 GT in coastal waters (Baltic sea area)
- Skipper on crew transfer vessels (CTV) — offshore wind & offshore sector
- Master of small service vessels in coastal trade (Baltic sea area)
- Watchkeeping officer on small coastal commercial vessels.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- EU-recognised certificate — Latvian Maritime Administration accredited
- Online theory (study from home) + practical training in Riga
- Mandatory Security Training
- Sea practice — get paid while you qualify
- Job placement support via partner crewing agencies
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ℹ Minimum age: 18 years
ℹ Education: Secondary
ℹ Experience: Relevant sea experience or rating qualification preferred
ℹ Payment: Instalments available
WHERE THIS LEADS
With additional sea service, progress to Master on larger coastal vessels or senior navigational officer in offshore, wind, and fishing-sector vessels.
Get in touch — we’ll help you plan your next step.
Deck Officer
(on small vessels under 500 GT)
Already working at sea? Get your officer's licence and earn 2–3x more — study theory online between contracts.
2.5 months - Online training
+ 6 months - Paid sea practice
€2,800 - Program fee
WHAT YOU'LL BE QUALIFIED FOR
- Navigational / watchkeeping officer on vessels under 500 GT in coastal trade (Baltic sea area)
- Officer on offshore support, service, and crew transfer vessels
- Eligible to become Master on vessels under 500 GT (coastal- Baltic sea area) in merchant, offshore, wind, and fishing sectors after meeting sea service requirements.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- EU officer's licence — Latvian Maritime Administration & Ministry of Education accredited
- Full bridge competency: navigation, watchkeeping, cargo, radio, safety management, crew supervision
- Online theory + practical exams and assessments in Riga
- 6 months sea practice
- Job placement support via partner crewing agencies.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Navigate vessels in coastalwaters and stand bridge watch.
- Plan and manage cargo operations.
- Use radio communications for routine and emergency situations.
- Supervise crew members and maintain vessel documentation.
- Respond to emergencies, fight fires, maintain seaworthiness.
- Operate life-saving equipment and provide medical first aid on board.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ℹ Minimum age: 18 years
ℹ Education: Secondary
ℹ Experience: Deck Rating qualification or equivalent sea time
ℹ Payment: Instalments available; may be partly covered by loan from trade union (LV residents)
WHERE THIS LEADS
Upgrade to Deck Officer < 3,000 GT (1 month training + 12 months sea service) and progress to Chief Officer or Master on larger international vessels.
Contact us and let’s get you started.
Training maritime professionals since 1993 | Over 2,500 trained seafarers | EU-accredited · STCW · Latvian Maritime Administration
+371 20590099 | info@maritimeskills.lv | maritimeskills.eu
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