Stuck in a dead-end job? You could be working on a ship — and earning real money — in under 5 months.

The Ordinary Seaman programme gives you a fully recognised, internationally valid STCW qualification and paid sea practice on a real commercial vessel. No maritime experience needed. No engineering degree. Just the drive to start something new.

What This Programme Gives You

•    An EU-accredited STCW certificate — the international standard accepted by shipping companies worldwide. Work on any size vessel, any ocean, no restrictions.
•    Paid sea practice — you earn while you qualify. Typical income: USD 800–1,300/month on board.
•    Flexible study — theory is online. Study from home, at your own pace. Come to Riga only for practical training and assessments.
•    Job placement support — we work with partner crewing agencies and shipping companies to help you land your first contract.
•    A clear path forward — this is Step 1 on the route to Deck Officer and beyond.

Programme at a Glance

Qualification: Ordinary Seaman (Deck Rating) — STCW Certificate of Proficiency
Total duration: Approx. 4.5 months (2.5 months training + 2 months sea practice)
Theory: Online — study from anywhere
Practical & exams: In Riga, Latvia (Latvian Maritime Administration)
Sea practice: On a commercial vessel — paid
Sea practice earnings: USD 800–1,300/month (typical)
Programme fee: €1,700
Instalments: Available — contact us to arrange
Minimum age: 16 years
Education required: Basic or secondary education
Experience required: None
Accreditation: Latvian Maritime Administration (EU) · STCW Convention

Jobs This Qualifies You For

As a certified Ordinary Seaman you can work on commercial vessels worldwide with no tonnage or trading area restrictions:

•    Ordinary Seaman (deck rating) on merchant vessels — cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, container ships
•    Deckhand on crew transfer vessels (CTV) — offshore wind and oil & gas sector
•    Deckhand on offshore support and service vessels
•    Fishing vessel deckhand

With sea service completed, you become eligible to progress to Able Seaman and other senior deck rating positions.

What You'll Learn

The programme is built around real on-board tasks. By the end you will be able to:

•    Perform watchkeeping duties at sea and in port
•    Steer the vessel under an officer's instructions
•    Carry out mooring and unmooring operations
•    Operate deck equipment and safety gear
•    Assist in cargo operations and securing
•    Maintain deck equipment and protect against corrosion
•    Respond to emergencies and follow vessel security procedures
•    Fight fires and operate firefighting equipment
•    Operate life-saving appliances
•    Provide first aid to injured persons
•    Understand and respond to commands in English

How the Program Works

Four straightforward steps from enrolment to your first contract:

1.    Step 1 — Online theory — Study from home at your own pace. Lessons cover navigation basics, safety, cargo operations, watchkeeping, firefighting and first aid. No need to relocate yet.
2.    Step 2 — Practical training in Riga — Come to our centre in Riga for hands-on practical lessons and final assessments. Modern facilities and simulators. Accommodation support available.
3.    Step 3 — Paid sea practice — Go to sea on a real commercial vessel for 2 months. You carry out deck duties under supervision and earn USD 800–1,300/month while you do it.
4.    Step 4 — Qualification exams — Sit your state qualification exam at the Latvian Maritime Administration. Pass and receive your internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency.

Who Is This Program For?

This is the right program if you:

•    Are currently working in construction, warehouse, factory, delivery or a similar job and want something better
•    Want to earn significantly more and support your family
•    Want to travel internationally and get paid for it
•    Are looking for a real, practical qualification — not years of university
•    Have no maritime experience but are motivated and reliable
•    Are 16 or older with at least basic education

You don't need to be an engineer or have any technical background. What matters is commitment — the sea rewards people who show up and work hard.

Where This Takes You

The Deck Rating is Step 1 on a well-defined career path:

⚓  Ordinary Seaman  →  Able Seaman  →  Boatmaster / Deck Officer <500 GT  →  Deck Officer <3,000 GT  →  Chief Officer / Master

Many of our graduates who started as Ordinary Seamen are now licensed officers on international vessels. Your first step is the most important one.

Why Train With MaritimeSkills?

•    Training since 1993 — over 2,500 maritime professionals trained.
•    100% pass rate in state qualification exams.
•    EU-accredited — Latvian Maritime Administration approved. Your certificate is real, recognised by international shipping companies worldwide.
•    Flexible study — online theory means you don't have to quit your job to start.
•    You earn during practice — sea practice is paid. The course pays for itself.
•    Job placement support — we connect graduates with partner crewing agencies.
•    Instalments available — pay in stages. Latvian residents may also qualify for trade union support.
•    Support in Riga — student housing, modern facilities, instructor support throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the STCW certificate recognised internationally?
Yes. The STCW Convention is the global standard for seafarer training and certification, adopted by over 160 countries. Your certificate is issued under Latvian Maritime Administration authority and accepted by shipping companies and port authorities worldwide.

Will I actually find a job after the course?
We support every graduate with job placement through our network of partner crewing agencies and shipping companies. While employment always depends on individual performance and market conditions, our graduates have a strong track record of securing contracts — many within weeks of completing sea practice.

Can I study while I'm still working?
Yes — that's the point. Theory is delivered entirely online, so you can study evenings and weekends without leaving your current job. You only need to come to Riga for the practical portion of the training.

I have no maritime experience at all — can I really do this?
Absolutely. The Ordinary Seaman programme is specifically designed for people with zero maritime background. Our instructors are experienced seafarers who know how to teach practical skills from scratch. No prior knowledge is assumed.

How much will I earn during sea practice?
Sea practice is paid employment on a commercial vessel. Typical earnings are USD 800–1,300 per month depending on the vessel and operator. This means your practice period can offset a significant portion of the course fee.

Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. We offer instalment payment options — contact us before enrolling and we'll agree on a schedule that works for you. Latvian residents may also be eligible for partial or full fee coverage through trade union support schemes.

What happens after I complete the course?
After passing your qualification exam at the Latvian Maritime Administration you receive your Certificate of Proficiency. With that and your sea service record, you can apply for seafarer positions through crewing agencies. We'll support you in that process.

I'm not from Latvia — can I still enrol?
Yes. We accept students from across the EU and internationally. 

Ready to start?
Enrol now and secure your place on the next intake. Places are limited — we keep groups small so every student gets proper instructor attention.