College of Maritime Science
Employment
Career Counseling & Placement
Here at NMI, we are committed to our graduates’ success in the maritime industry. We offer an array of career support services to NMI students both pre and post-graduation. On campus, students benefit daily from the advice and knowledge of our Nautical Science faculty who are licensed mariners with extensive and varied sailing experience.
Summer Externships, Licensing Application Assistance
- Students are assisted with all licensing paperwork, sea documentation, physical examination forms, and Merchant Mariner’s Credentials by our Registrar and qualified Student Services Officers.
- Students can ask our Registrar to communicate with the USCG National Maritime Center on their behalf if issues arise.
- The Registrar maintains a copy of the student’s license.
- NMI offers verification of a student’s enrollment in NMI’s random drug testing program.
- Transportation to registration and licensing appointments is provided to students in need.
- Summer externships are required and arranged by NMI and provide an opportunity for experiential learning and the development of required competencies.
- Students engage in the practical application of knowledge gained in their NMI classrooms.
- The Summer Semester at Sea is designed to provide required sea time to meet regulatory requirements of the United States Coast Guard and/or the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration.
- Summer externship placement represents a collaborative effort with input from student, faculty, and administration to ensure an appropriate and meaningful experience. Students are encouraged to research the different parts of the industry by reviewing shipping companies, their services, fleets and operating areas to appreciate the range of opportunities prior to their summer internship assignment. Assessing companies is yet another opportunity for growth as it serves as an introduction to the process of applying for a full-time job after graduation.
- Students are assigned each summer to vessels that comply with the required tonnage for their prospective licenses and certificates of competence.
Professional Resume Writing Seminars
- Students practice and receive feedback on a variety of cover letter styles.
- Students may experience mock interview sessions with standard industry interview questions discussed.
- Nautical Science Director provides brainstorming prompts to prepare students for Summer at Sea and to heighten understanding of both the process and industry hiring methods. This exercise also models the internal questioning required to prepare for any new event in life.
- Professional imaging is discussed and encouraged.
Career Placement, a priority at NMI and the culmination of education, mentoring, and practical application
- NMI piques students’ interest in possible careers by hosting a variety of presentations by industry leaders and representatives.
- NMI fosters industry connections for students by tapping into the professional networks of instructors, administration, continuing education and re-licensure students, staff, and alumni.
- Students have the option to become propeller club members during their time as students. Membership dues and expenses are assumed by NMI.
- Internships play a key role in job placement. Students frequently are offered immediate employment from companies who hire our students as interns.
NMI maintains a current job board in their main building and online.
- NMI maintains close relationships with numerous shipping companies and posts new job opportunities and positions regularly on its on-site and virtual job board.
- These jobs are easily accessible by currently enrolled NMI students and graduates.
Maritime Employment Statistics
Northeast Maritime Institute graduates have the opportunity to enter the highly competitive workforce of the maritime transportation industry.
In the United States, about 66,600 openings for water transportation workers were available in 2021 with a 12% (faster than average) growth projection between 2021 and 2030.
Employment projections data for water transportation workers, 2020-2030
SAILORS & MARINE OILERS
Employment 2020
Projected Employment 2030
Employment 2020
Projected Employment 2030
CAPTAINS, MATES & PILOTS OF WATER VESSELS
Employment 2020
Projected Employment 2030
Employment 2020
Projected Employment 2030
Median annual wages for water transportation workers in May 2021 were as follows:
- Sailors and marine oilers: $46,720
- Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels: $81,640
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Water Transportation Workers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/water-transportation-occupations.htm (visited May, 2022).)
Internationally, the shipping industry projects a need for an additional 89,510 officers by 2026 to service the world fleet.
(The Seafarer Workforce Report from BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), 2021. www.ics-shipping.org
