Becoming a seafarer in Croatia as a career change
Official rules for adults who already have a profession on shore.
Age limits
- The regulation sets minimum ages: 16 for a deck watch rating.
- Officer of the watch certificates require a minimum age of 18.
Entry through your shore profession
| Your profession on shore | Role at sea | Course | Where and on what terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (vocational school or higher education in electrical engineering) | Ship electrician (STCW III/7) | Basic safety and marine pollution prevention, engine-room sea service, then the electrician exam | A ship electrician needs an electrical vocational school or higher education in electrical engineering. The candidate must be at least 18 and hold the basic safety certificate. At least 3 months of sea service in the engine department are required. |
| Cook (catering secondary school) | Ship's cook (HR V/1) | Basic safety training, then the ship's cook certificate | A ship's cook can qualify with a catering secondary school for cooks. The ship's cook must be at least 18. |
Minimum set of documents
- Minimum set to join as a deck rating: basic education, special training, the basic safety certificate, an exam and medical fitness.
- A seaman's book requires a medical fitness certificate.
Costs and timing: official fees only
- The fee for a seaman's book is EUR 13.
- The fee for a seafarer identity document is EUR 13.
- The training record book form costs EUR 20.
- Cadet sea service for officer of the watch is at least 12 months.
How to avoid scams
- Employment mediation for seafarers may only be done by a Croatian legal entity authorised for it.
- Certificates are issued only after an exam before a commission appointed by the minister, not by private agencies.
First job: starter vacancies
Live vacancies on Krew Guru for starter positions. Vacancies without any sea experience are rare, so we do not promise a job without it.
No open starter vacancies right now. Upload your CV and we will send you matching vacancies.
Krew Guru numbers
89% of open vacancies on Krew Guru accept citizens of Croatia.
Seafarer profiles from Croatia on Krew Guru: 1,300+.
Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (Ministarstvo mora, prometa i infrastrukture)