Zen CV

CV Template · Sailor

Sailor CV template.

A sailor CV needs to show that you can work safely, reliably, and effectively at sea. Employers want quick proof of your certifications, sea service, vessel experience, and ability to handle deck operations under real maritime conditions.

Writing a strong Sailor CV

Hiring managers and crewing officers look for a sailor CV that clearly sets out your sea time, vessel types, trading areas, and duties on board. Include STCW Basic Safety Training, ENG1 or equivalent medical fitness, Able Seafarer Deck or Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch if applicable, and any lifeboat, security, or tanker endorsements. Your CV should also show practical competence with mooring operations, cargo handling, watchkeeping, maintenance, line handling, safety drills, and navigation support. If you have worked on ferries, cargo ships, yachts, offshore vessels, or naval craft, make that context easy to spot.

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Three things that matter most

  • List sea service in a dedicated section with vessel name, type, flag, tonnage if known, route or operating area, rank, and dates served. Crewing teams often scan this before reading anything else.
  • Put certificates and endorsements near the top, including STCW modules, medical certificate, discharge book, seaman’s book, security awareness, and survival craft credentials. Add expiry dates so employers can see you are ready to join.
  • Describe the deck work you actually performed, such as mooring stations, gangway watch, bridge lookout, chipping and painting, crane operations support, cargo securing, or launching tenders. This is more useful than broad claims about being hardworking.

Skills hiring managers look for

STCW Basic Safety Training Navigational watchkeeping Mooring and unmooring operations Line handling and knot work Deck maintenance and corrosion control Cargo securing and lashing Lifeboat and survival craft procedures ISPS security awareness

Frequently asked

How do I write a sailor CV with no sea experience?

Start with your maritime training, medical certificate, STCW courses, and any practical seamanship completed during college, cadetship, or short courses. Include transferable experience such as mechanical maintenance, outdoor labour, hospitality on yachts, port work, fishing, or volunteer rescue service. Make it clear you are available for entry-level roles such as deckhand, ordinary seaman, trainee rating, or yacht crew.

What certificates should I include on a sailor CV?

Include STCW Basic Safety Training, your seafarer medical certificate such as ENG1, security awareness or designated security duties, and any watch rating or Able Seafarer certificates. If you hold proficiency in survival craft, fast rescue boat, tanker familiarisation, GMDSS, or crowd management training, list those too. Always add certificate numbers and expiry dates where appropriate.

Should a sailor CV include every vessel I have worked on?

If you are early in your career, include all relevant sea service because it helps prove time at sea and vessel exposure. More experienced sailors can group older trips or short contracts, but should still show vessel type, rank, and dates clearly. Keep discharge book details consistent with your CV so crewing officers can verify your record quickly.

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