Overview

Maritime is a vital part of our island nation's heritage and of our modern economy – supporting jobs, driving innovation and enabling trade. The sector also enables millions of people to enjoy the recreational benefits of the UK's coastal and inland waterways.

The sector is responsible for 95% of the UK’s global trade and Supports over 1 million jobs, adding £46.1bn to our economy. There are wide range of job roles in ports from dockworkers and loaders to engineers and contract managers. Careers at sea offer a wealth of opportunity, providing training and lifetime experiences which in the longer term can be continued either at sea or onshore, and there are many other career opportunities within the industry including ship management and fleet operations to ship broking and finance, maritime law and arbitration and more.

The Maritime sector offers diverse opportunities and a well-paid fulfilling career for both men and women who enjoy a challenge and want more from a career than the usual nine to five routine.

• Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK and is currently undergoing significant investment and expansion (right here on your doorstep!)
• The Port of Ipswich is the UK's largest exporter of grain and both Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft offer multiple servicing facilities for North sea oil and gas and the offshore wind industry
• Sector expected to double in size to $3trn by 2030 and needs a new generation of innovators and problem solvers to join

Useful subjects:

Business Studies • Design & Technology • English • ICT • Languages • Maths • Physics • Science 

Jobs ideas for this industry:

Boat Builder • Captain • Crane Operator • Diver •  Freight Forwarder •  Harbour Master • Logistics & distribution Manager • Marine Engineer  • Port Operative • Warehouse Worker • (For more, check out the Job Areas below!)

Next Step:

Explore this industry in detail through the job areas below which include detailed job ideas, local employers and opportunities. 

'Diversity in Maritime' video and some sector information courtesy of Maritime UK.