# How to Become a Seafarer in Poland: A Practical Guide

> Are you Polish with maritime career ambitions but you don't know how to get started? Our guide will help you find your very first seafarer job.

_Published 2025-10-30 · By Eve Church · Canonical: https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-poland/_

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Are you thinking about launching a maritime career from Poland? If so, you'll be a part of one of the world's most respected seafaring nations, known for its strong Baltic heritage, **EU-aligned maritime standards**, and **globally recognized qualifications**. 

This guide walks you through the Polish route to becoming a professional seafarer - from your studies and training to your first sea contract - whether you dream of working on **tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, ferries,** **[cruise ships](https://blog.proseafarers.com/all-about-cruise-ships/), or offshore vessels**. 

## **Polish seafarers: choosing your maritime career path**  

Polish seafarers generally follow one of three professional streams to enter into the maritime industry: 

* **[Deck Department](https://blog.proseafarers.com/what-does-deck-department-on-commercial-vessel-do/)** **(Navigation and Operations):** Navigation, bridge watchkeeping, COLREGs, voyage planning, radar/ARPA/ECDIS systems, cargo operations, mooring, and compliance with safety and security procedures. 
* **[Engine Department](https://blog.proseafarers.com/what-does-engine-department-on-commercial-vessel-do/)** **(Marine Engineering):** Engine and machinery operations, fuel and lubrication systems, maintenance, diagnostics, HVAC and refrigeration systems, pollution prevention, and planned maintenance routines. 
* **[Electro-Technical (ETO)](https://blog.proseafarers.com/all-about-electro-technical-officer-jobs/):** Electrical systems, high-voltage operations, automation and PLC control, navigation and communication electronics, and onboard power distribution. 

You can begin your career as a **rating** (for example, in a deckhand job or [wiper job](https://blog.proseafarers.com/wiper-jobs/)) and move up through experience and training, or you can **enter directly into an officer cadet program** through a maritime academy. 

### **What to study before maritime training in Poland** 

If you're in upper-secondary school (*liceum* or *technikum*), focus on subjects that build the foundation for maritime studies: 

* **Mathematics and Physics:** Crucial for navigation, ship stability, thermodynamics, and engineering systems. 
* **English and Maritime English (SMCP):** Clear communication is key for bridge, radio, and engine-room operations. 
* **ICT and Digital Literacy:** Ships today are highly automated and depend on digital systems for navigation, reporting, and maintenance. 
* **Bonus Skills:** Geography, meteorology, technical drawing, basic electronics, and workshop practice. 

Strong grades, especially in **math and science**, can help you gain admission to officer-track programs and improve your chances of creating a successful maritime career during the oral exams you'll be expected to take later on. 

### **Who oversees training and certification for Polish seafarer jobs?**

In Poland, maritime education and certification fall under the **[Ministry of Infrastructure](https://www.pois.gov.pl/en/)**[,](https://www.pois.gov.pl/en/) with **Maritime Offices (*Urzędy*** ***Morskie***) in **[Gdynia](https://www.umgdy.gov.pl/en/)** and **[Szczecin](https://en.ums.gov.pl/)** managing seafarer documents and course approvals. 

Polish **Certificates of Competency (CoC)** and **Certificates of Proficiency (CoP)** meet **STCW and EU standards**, are recognized internationally and eligible for endorsement by foreign flags. 

Top maritime schools in Poland include: 

* **[Gdynia Maritime University](https://umg.edu.pl/en/)** 
* **[Maritime University of Szczecin](https://www.pm.szczecin.pl/en/)** 
* Regional maritime colleges and private STCW-approved training centers 

Always verify that your chosen course or institution is **formally approved** so that you can be sure your training and sea service will be accepted for certification. 

### **Officer pathway: deck, engine, or ETO seafarer jobs** 

A typical officer progression for someone entering the Polish maritime industry looks like this: 

#### **Enroll in an approved maritime program:** 

1. **Deck**: Nautical Science or Navigation 
2. **Engine**: Marine Engineering or Ship Power Plants 
3. **ETO**: Electrical or Electronics degree plus an approved maritime ETO course 

#### **Complete STCW Basic Training, which includes:** 

1. Personal Survival Techniques 
2. Fire Prevention & Firefighting 
3. Elementary First Aid 
4. Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities 
5. Security Awareness (and Designated Security Duties if needed) 

#### **Undertake cadet sea service:** 

Gain onboard experience as a cadet while maintaining a **Training Record Book (TRB)** signed by officers. This usually totals about **12 months** of sea time. 

#### **Take specialized courses:** 

1. **Deck**: ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, BRM, GMDSS, PSCRB, AFF, Medical First Aid/Care 
2. **Engine/ETO**: ERRM, High-Voltage Safety, PSCRB, AFF, and automation/diagnostics 

#### **Meet medical and vision requirements:** 

Obtain a valid **seafarer medical certificate** from an approved maritime doctor. Deck cadets must meet **color-vision standards** for navigation duties. 

#### **Pass assessment and licensing exams:** 

After your training and sea time, you'll take theoretical, oral, and practical exams overseen by the Polish national maritime authority. Successful candidates will receive: 

1. **Deck:** OIC-NW (II/1) then Chief Officer/Master (II/2) 
2. **Engine:** OICEW (III/1) then Second/Chief Engineer (III/2) 
3. **ETO:** Electro-Technical Officer (III/6) 

### **Starting your Polish maritime career as a Rating** 

If you'd rather start earning sooner, you can begin [working as a](https://blog.martide.com/what-are-ratings-jobs-on-a-ship/) **[rating](https://blog.martide.com/what-are-ratings-jobs-on-a-ship/)** - a hands-on seafarer job **-** and upgrade to a higher rank later. Here's how: 

* Take **Pre-Sea Training and STCW Basic Training** at an approved center. 
* Add **RFPNW (II/4)** for deck or **RFPEW (III/4)** for engine watchkeeping. 
* Join a ship as an **[Ordinary Seaman (OS)](https://blog.proseafarers.com/ordinary-seaman-jobs/), Wiper, or Motorman** whilst keeping accurate **sea-service records** for future promotions. 

With experience, you can move up to **Able Seafarer Deck (II/5)** or **Able Seafarer Engine (III/5)** - and later, if you meet entry criteria, transition to an officer program. 

This route suits those who prefer hands-on learning whilst working in a seafarer job on a ship or someone who wants/needs to balance study with earning an income. 

### **What seafarer documents and identification do Polish seafarers need?** 

Before joining your first ship and starting to work at sea, you will need to get some essential documents together: 

* Valid Polish **passport** 
* **Polish Seafarer's Book** - issued by a Maritime Office 
* **Seafarer Identity Document (SID)** (ILO 185, if applicable) 
* **STCW certificates:** Basic Training, Security, PSCRB, AFF, etc. 
* **Medical certificate** – must be STCW/MLC compliant 
* **National CoC/CoP** for your rank or role 
* **Flag-State Endorsement** (for foreign-flag vessels) 
* **Vaccination records** and **visas** for trading areas 
* **Employment contract** from a licensed crewing agency 

Keep both **certified paper copies** and **digital backups** and track all expiry dates carefully to avoid any issues mid-contract while you're working at sea. 

### **Endorsements that improve employability for Polish seafarers** 

Boost your job prospects with certifications matching popular Polish fleet types: 

* Tanker familiarization and advanced oil/chemical/gas courses 
* Passenger ship crowd and crisis management 
* [Ro-Ro vessel](https://blog.proseafarers.com/all-about-roro-ships/) operations 
* Dynamic Positioning (DP) Operator 
* High-voltage competence for engineers and ETOs 
* Ship Security Officer (SSO) 
* STCW refresher training every **five years** 

While many Polish maritime companies sponsor additional endorsements once you're employed and working as a seafarer, having the key ones upfront can make it quicker and easier to find your first – or next – job at sea. 

### **How long does it take to find a seafarer job in Poland?** 

Timelines can vary and can be affected by different factors such as the length of your training courses and the availability of maritime jobs, but roughly: 

* **Ratings:** A few months from pre-sea training to your first job at sea 
* **Deck/Engine Officers:** 2–3 years, including academy study and cadet sea time 
* **ETO:** Technical degree plus an approved course plus trainee sea phase 

Remember, you'll need **refresher training every five years** and additional management-level courses as you advance to senior officer ranks. 

### **What soft skills matter to Polish maritime employers?** 

Certificates may get you on board, but your professionalism and personality keep you there. 

* Clear **English and** **[SMCP](https://blog.proseafarers.com/what-is-maritime-english/)** [communication](https://blog.proseafarers.com/what-is-maritime-english/) 
* Strong **teamwork and safety awareness** 
* **Digital proficiency** (ECDIS, PMS, reporting) 
* **Punctuality, respect, and sound decision-making** 
* Flawless **documentation discipline** - your TRB and sea-service letters are your career passport. 

### **Quick Polish seafarer job checklist** 

Here's the lowdown on how to start your maritime career in Poland and find your first offshore job or job at sea: 

* Choose your department: Deck, Engine, ETO or Steward 
* Decide your entry route: Officer cadet or rating 
* Complete **STCW Basic Training** and pass a medical 
* Obtain your **Seafarer's Book** and **SID** 
* Land a **cadetship or berth** via a licensed manning agency 
* Maintain an accurate **Training Record Book** 
* Complete **stream-specific courses** 
* Pass **national competency exams** 
* Keep **certificates valid** and **endorsements current** 

### **Polish jobs at sea: a summary** 

Poland's maritime career pathway is **structured, internationally recognized, and respected worldwide**. Whether you start as a cadet or a rating, your progress depends on **approved training, documented sea service, medical fitness, and diligent recordkeeping**. 

Choose your fleet type early - tankers, bulk carriers, [offshore support vessels](https://blog.proseafarers.com/all-about-offshore-vessels/), container ship or cruise ships - and pursue the right **endorsements**. Keep your certificates up to date, back up your documents digitally, and take pride in your TRB - it's your most valuable career record. 

And when you're ready for your next opportunity, don't forget to check out the **latest maritime job openings on ProSeafarers**[!](https://www.martide.com/en/jobs)  

***Disclaimer:*** *The information above is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing and is provided for* ***informational purposes only*** *as a starting guide. Requirements change and can vary by authority, flag, company, and vessel type. We* ***highly recommend*** *checking the latest guidance from Poland's* **Maritime Offices (Urzędy Morskie)**/national maritime administration, your chosen maritime university/training provider, and your employer or crewing agency before making any decisions.

### Further reading on how to start working in a seafarer job 

Looking for information on how to start working as a seafarer for other nationalities? Check out the following guides in this series: 

* [How to Become a Seafarer - General Overview](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-a-guide-to-training/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in the Philippines](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-the-philippines/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in India](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-india/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in Ukraine](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-ukraine/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in Indonesia](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-indonesia/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in Latvia](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-latvia-a-practical-guide/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in the United Kingdom](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-the-uk/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in Sri Lanka](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-sri-lanka/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in Greece ](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-greece/)
* [How to Become a Seafarer in Nigeria](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-nigeria/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in the United States](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-the-usa/) 
* [How to Become a Seafarer in Bangladesh ](https://blog.proseafarers.com/how-to-become-a-seafarer-in-bangladesh/)