Role in shipping and logistics
Cargo ships are responsible for transporting the vast majority of international trade by sea. They move large volumes of raw materials (such as ores, grain, and energy products) and commercial goods at a lower per-unit cost than most alternatives. By volume, around 80% of internationally traded goods go by sea. Cargo ship jobs may include roles that directly support consolidating, handling, and storing cargo to ensure goods can be safely transferred between the origin and destination. Many cargo ship crew reviews focus on pay, accommodation and hours onboard.
Different types and their main characteristics
1. Container ships
- Built to carry large, standardised freight containers stacked in cellular holds
- Allow for rapid loading/unloading
- Well-suited to high-volume, scheduled liner routes
2. Bulk carriers (dry-bulk ships)
- Designed to carry unpackaged dry commodities in large cargo holds with big hatch openings
- Hull arrangement is optimised for dense, heavy cargoes rather than unitised containers
3. Tankers
- Ships built as sets of large tanks within the hull
- Designed to carry liquid cargoes in bulk using pumps and piping for cargo handling
- Cargo ship crew reviews note that work on tankers is often secure, highly-paid and more intense than standard ships
Working on Cargo Ships
Cargo ship jobs will see you working with small, multinational crews, often in shared cabins. Day-to-day work is structured around watches and maintenance: you can check out our cargo ship crew reviews for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need qualifications to work on a cargo ship?
Yes – most roles require recognised maritime training, and officer routes usually involve a cadetship leading to an MCA-issued Certificate of Competency.
What is STCW Basic Safety Training, and do I need it?
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certification is the standard entry-level safety package for seafarers. In the UK, it’s delivered in line with STCW Chapter VI requirements (typically including survival, firefighting, first aid, personal safety/social responsibilities and security awareness).
Do I need an ENG1 medical?
If you’re serving on a cargo ship or aiming for a UK CoC, you generally need an ENG1 (or equivalent) issued by an MCA-approved doctor.