Seafarer vacancies in Belgium
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As a seafarer you maintain and operate the ship's installations and help keep the vessel running safely at sea. You assist with mooring and casting off, operate the ship's equipment and keep watch over the navigation. You load and unload cargo, check that the loading and unloading are done correctly and carry out the daily maintenance on board. The role is also known as deckhand, merchant navy sailor or able seaman, and you always work to the regulations and safety rules. In Belgium the maritime sector relies on seafarers who are reliable, physically fit and comfortable with life on the water.
Typical tasks
- Help moor and cast off the ship
- Operate the ship's equipment
- Keep watch over the vessel's navigation
- Load and unload cargo
- Check that loading and unloading are done correctly
- Carry out daily maintenance on the ship and its installations
Required skills
- Physical fitness and comfort with life at sea
- Team spirit and reliability during long shifts
- Ability to follow maritime regulations and safety rules
- Basic technical skills for onboard installations
- A recognised maritime training or certificate is required for this trade
What does a seafarer earn?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19–€28 gross per hour. Time spent at sea, shift patterns and the type of vessel can add allowances on top. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a seafarer do?
A seafarer maintains and operates the ship's installations and helps keep the vessel running safely. You assist with mooring and casting off, operate the ship's equipment and keep watch over the navigation. You load and unload cargo, check that it is done correctly and carry out the daily maintenance on board, always working to the regulations and safety rules.
How much does a seafarer earn in Belgium?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19–€28 gross per hour. Time spent at sea, shift patterns and the type of vessel can add allowances on top. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
Is there demand for seafarers across Flanders?
Yes, the maritime and inland shipping sector around Flemish ports regularly needs reliable crew members, and coastal and port activity keeps demand fairly steady. Because the work follows the rhythm of shipping and cargo, people who are flexible and mobile find opportunities more easily. Experience and the right certificates make it easier to secure a steady berth.
Which diplomas or certificates do you need to become a seafarer?
This trade requires a recognised maritime training and the certificates that come with it, because working at sea is strictly regulated. Medical fitness and basic safety training are essential before you can join a crew. Practical experience on board is then built up step by step under the guidance of experienced sailors.
Can you start as a seafarer without experience?
You can start at the bottom, for example as a ship's boy or junior deckhand, but you first need the required maritime training and safety certificates. Once on board you learn the practical side of the work step by step from experienced crew. Physical fitness, reliability and being comfortable with life at sea matter most at the start.
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