ISO 24438:2023

Ships and marine technology - Maritime education and training - Maritime career guidance

This document provides a powerful decision-making tool for persons that either have clear professional development goals or uncertainties related to the progression of their career paths, including minimum education and training requirements for many of the maritime-related occupations. It aims to assist candidates to take the necessary steps to meet their goals. This document seeks to assist professionals in (or those who would like to enter) the maritime sector, on board or ashore, in determining their professional goals, establishing how to achieve them through this proactive tool, taking into consideration: - personal circumstances and academic background; - previous work experience, knowledge and skills; - short, medium and long-term ambitions; - changing education and training requirements resulting from continual industry evolution; - current and future job opportunities, - impact of technology, and - shifting personal interests, attitudes, abilities, and goals. This document helps identify many of the potential jobs within the maritime industry, on board and ashore, in order to provide alternative career paths.

Navires et technologie maritime — Éducation et formation maritime — Recommandations pour l’orientation dans les métiers de la mer

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2023
• ICS: 03.180 - Education
• ICS: 47.020.01 - General standards related to shipbuilding and marine structures
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 8 - Ships and marine technology
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 8 - Ships and marine technology
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Due Date: 18-Aug-2023
• Completion Date: 01-Dec-2023

Relations

• Revises: ISO/PAS 24438:2020 - Ships and marine technology - Maritime education and training - Maritime career guidance
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022

Overview - ISO 24438:2023 (Maritime career guidance)

ISO 24438:2023 provides a practical decision‑making tool for people entering or progressing within the maritime sector. Focused on maritime education and training and maritime career guidance, the standard maps career pathways, identifies many maritime occupations (onboard and ashore), and outlines minimum education and training expectations so candidates can plan realistic routes to their goals.

Key topics and technical content

• Scope and purpose: Guidance for professionals or candidates to determine goals, plan routes and adapt to changing industry needs (technology, job markets, personal circumstances).
• Career categories: Diagrams and descriptions of major fields such as shipboard employment, ports and logistics, marine environmental protection, marine engineering, and other shore‑based roles.
• Minimum education and training: Summarized entry and progression requirements for many occupations - for example, STCW‑aligned training for deck and engine officers, ISPS competence for port security officers, and engineering or technical qualifications for marine engineering roles.
• Non‑traditional and emerging paths:
  • Emerging technologies and remote/automated ship operations
  • Application of computer technologies and remote monitoring
  • “Hawse pipe” progression (hands‑on start to officer level)
  • Military to civilian maritime transitions
• Personal career course charting: Action plans and practical tools to assess background, experience, ambitions, and training gaps.
• Occupation tables: Information on selected occupations (e.g., vessel traffic control, cargo surveyor, port crane operator, marine chemist) with suggested related courses and qualifications.

Practical applications

• Career planning for seafarers and shore‑based professionals
• Curriculum and training design for maritime academies and vocational schools
• Human resources and workforce development in shipping companies, ports, and maritime authorities
• Career counselling, recruitment and retention programs aligned with industry needs
• Transition planning for military personnel moving into commercial maritime roles

Who should use ISO 24438:2023

• Aspiring and current maritime professionals (seafarers, engineers, port staff)
• Maritime educators, training institutions and curriculum developers
• Shipowners, crewing managers and port operators
• Career counsellors and workforce planners in maritime clusters
• Policy makers and industry bodies focused on recruitment and skills development

Related standards and references

• IMO STCW (training and certification for seafarers) - referenced for watchkeeping and officer competency
• ISPS Code (port security competencies) - relevant for port security roles
• ISO 9001 / ISO 22000 - noted where quality and safety management knowledge is useful in logistics/operations

ISO 24438:2023 is a practical, actionable resource for anyone planning careers or designing training in the evolving maritime sector. Keywords: ISO 24438, maritime career guidance, maritime education and training, maritime careers, STCW, hawse pipe, marine engineering, ports and logistics.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 24438
First edition
2023-12
Ships and marine technology —
Maritime education and training —
Maritime career guidance
Navires et technologie maritime — Éducation et formation maritime
— Recommandations pour l’orientation dans les métiers de la mer
Reference number
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Basic concept of maritime career guidance . 1
4.1 General . 1
4.2 Major fields of employment in the international maritime industry . 2
4.3 Non-traditional field career paths in the maritime industry . 2
4.3.1 General . 2
4.3.2 Emerging technologies in support of operations . 2
4.3.3 “Hawse pipe” progression . 2
4.3.4 Application of computer technologies in all aspects of the maritime industry . 3
4.3.5 Military to maritime industry . 3
4.4 Personal career course charting . 3
4.5 Areas of potential employment in the maritime industry . 3
5 Information on selected occupations in the maritime industry .4
Bibliography .17
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use
of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed
patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received
notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are
cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent
database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all
such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology.
This first edition of ISO 24438 cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/PAS 24438:2020) which has
been technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— editorial changes throughout the document;
— in Clause 5, added a provision of general information for Tables 1 to 11;
— in Table 9, added a provision of “7. Maritime system and equipment expert”.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has identified a strong need to recruit and retain
seafarers globally. This document has been developed to help recruit new maritime professionals and
to assist them, as well as existing maritime professionals, to enter and build their career paths for their
professional achievement within the international maritime industry. Additionally, it aims to provide
professional alternatives and information pertaining to existing maritime industry stakeholders who
are faced with career path decisions due to industry evolution, personal circumstances or changes in
professional goals in order to adapt to these changes.
The rationale of having a functional career guidance document is to provide a reference for possible
occupations in the maritime industry, including minimum education and training requirements for a
given occupation so that candidates can take the necessary steps to meet their goals.
v
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 24438:2023(E)
Ships and marine technology — Maritime education and
training — Maritime career guidance
1 Scope
This document provides a powerful decision-making tool for persons that either have clear professional
development goals or uncertainties related to the progression of their career paths, including minimum
education and training requirements for many of the maritime-related occupations. It aims to assist
candidates to take the necessary steps to meet their goals. This document seeks to assist professionals
in (or those who would like to enter) the maritime sector, on board or ashore, in determining their
professional goals, establishing how to achieve them through this proactive tool, taking into
consideration:
— personal circumstances and academic background;
— previous work experience, knowledge and skills;
— short, medium and long-term ambitions;
— changing education and training requirements resulting from continual industry evolution;
— current and future job opportunities,
— impact of technology, and
— shifting personal interests, attitudes, abilities, and goals.
This document helps identify many of the potential jobs within the maritime industry, on board and
ashore, in order to provide alternative career paths.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Basic concept of maritime career guidance
4.1 General
The basic concept of this document is shown in Figures 1 to 3, which provide the general categories of
many of the careers available in the maritime industry.
4.2 Major fields of employment in the international maritime industry
Figure 1 provides a diagram of many of the major fields of employment in the international maritime
industry described in this document.
Figure 1 — Major fields of employment in the international maritime industry
4.3 Non-traditional field career paths in the maritime industry
4.3.1 General
This document focuses on many of the traditional employment fields in the maritime industry. It should
be noted that there are other paths for employment in the sector. Examples of non-traditional paths for
employment include, but are not limited to, those described in 4.3.2 to 4.3.5.
4.3.2 Emerging technologies in support of operations
The evolution of the industry with regard to the operation of ships, the mitigation of ship-generated
pollutants/wastes, the increase of efficiency, and other maritime-related technologies has resulted in
the need for professionals who are capable of installing and maintaining this type of equipment.
4.3.3 “Hawse pipe” progression
A sea-going career can include starting at a hands-on, entry level position, with a systematic progression
of jobs leading to the highest level of employment on a ship. The “hawse pipe” career path allows
an individual to learn all of the aspects of the operation of a vessel, from either the deck or engine
department standpoint, according to the parameters set forth by national legislation for compliance
with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
[1]
Seafarers (STCW) , as amended. This path also applies to the catering and hospitality departments
according to industry practice.
4.3.4 Application of computer technologies in all aspects of the maritime industry
Many shipboard elements can now be managed with computers or computer-based applications. There
is a need for professionals who are capable of supporting this type of equipment and systems. This
trend includes computer-based applications, both on board and ashore, including remote monitoring of
on-board equipment.
4.3.5 Military to maritime industry
Military experience and training are also transferable to maritime industry paths, both seagoing and
ashore.
4.4 Personal career course charting
A recommended action plan for individual career development is illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2 — Personal career course charting
4.5 Areas of potential employment in the maritime industry
Figure 3 provides a diagram of many areas of potential employment in the maritime industry, some of
which are currently addressed in the career guidance described in this document. Information to assist
in the selection of alternate employment paths is described in Clause 5.
Figure 3 — Examples of areas of potential employment
5 Information on selected occupations in the maritime industry
Information related to career paths and training for attaining many of the potential occupations in the
maritime industry is provided in Tables 1 to 11.
NOTE The training paths in the maritime industry vary from country to country. This is due to the different
training systems in the different countries.
Table 1 — Shipboard employment and marine transportation
Occupations Careers or related courses
1. Port security officer — Training in port security matters that can be
supplemented with a degree in port logistics, port
management, or similar
— Competency or certification in International Ships
and Ports Security (ISPS) code compliance
2. Deck officer (officer in charge of a navigational — Requirements as per the IMO International
watch - deck) Convention on Standards of Training, Certification
[1]
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) , as
amended
— Undergraduate degree in nautical science, or
equivalent
3. Cargo surveyor — Specialized training in cargo surveying
supplemented by an undergraduate or equivalent
degree in shipping and logistics, nautical science,
maritime and port management, or similar
4. Port safety officer — Specialized training in port safety supplemented
by an undergraduate or equivalent degree in
nautical science, maritime and port management,
or equivalent
5. Vessel traffic control officer — Specialized training in vessel traffic control
that may include radar, radio communications,
chart plotting, chart plotting and interpretation,
electronic chart display
— Entry level requirements may require an
undergraduate or equivalent degree in nautical
science, or certificates of competency as officer in
charge of a navigational watch - deck, or higher as
per STCW
6. Deck and engine ratings — Training according to IMO STCW requirements
Description of this sub-sector
The study of marine transportation involves ships and the movement of cargo in different modes of transportation.
Programs of study in this field prepare students for careers on board ships as Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch in
compliance with IMO STCW requirements.
Table 2 — Ports and logistics
Occupations Careers or related courses
1. Port crane operator — Technical port operator courses
2. Yard planner for container terminal — Undergraduate degree in maritime and port
management, or equivalent
3. Stevedore/longshoreman — Undergraduate degree in maritime and port
management, or equivalent
— Technical port-related studies/courses
4. Crane technician/port service technician — Undergraduate degree in mechanical or electrical
engineering, or equivalent
5. Market and freight analyst — Undergraduate degree in maritime and port
management, shipping and logistics, or equivalent
6. Logistics assistant — Undergraduate degree in shipping and logistics, or
equivalent
7. Operations manager — Undergraduate degree in shipping and logistics, or
equivalent
— Graduate degree in shipping and logistics
— Knowledge of quality standards (ISO 9001 and
ISO 22000)
Description of this sub-sector
Shipping and ports are clearly concerned with the transportation of goods and/or passengers between two or more
seaports by sea; on the other hand, logistics is the function responsible for the flow of materials from suppliers into an
organization, through operations within the organization and then out to customers.
Table 3 — Marine environmental protection
Occupations Careers or related courses
1. Oil pollution control officer — Undergraduate degree in environmental science
— Certificate in marine pollution prevention and
management
— Technical environmental-related studies/courses
— IMO courses on the environment and control of
pollution
2. Marine biologist — Undergraduate degree in biological sciences
— IMO courses on the environment and control of
pollution
3. Maritime environmental engineer — Engineering degree in maritime environmental
engineering, environmental engineering, or
equivalent
— Certificate in industrial wastewater
— Certificate in environmental impact assessment
and auditing
— Research in environmental issues
— IMO courses on the environment and control of
pollution
4. Marine chemist — Marine chemist certification
— Courses on dangerous goods
— IMO courses on the environment and control of
pollution
5. Environmental management technician — Courses in environmental impact evaluation
— Certificate in environmental impact assessments
and auditing
Description of this sub-sector
Marine Environmental Protec
...