Becoming a seafarer in Egypt as a career change
Official rules for adults who already have a profession on shore.
Age limits
- Under STCW II/1, a candidate for officer in charge of a navigational watch must be at least 18 years old.
Entry through your shore profession
| Your profession on shore | Role at sea | Course | Where and on what terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook | Ship's cook | Ship's cook certificate issued by EAMS | EAMS issues a ship's cook certificate. |
| Any profession, no maritime education | Deck or engine watch rating | Approved pre-sea or onboard special training for ratings (STCW II/4 or III/4) | STCW allows a rating to qualify through special training, pre-sea or on board, that includes an approved period of seagoing service. |
Minimum set of documents
- Minimum for any first job on board: STCW VI/1 basic training, a valid seafarer medical certificate and a maritime passport from EAMS.
Costs and timing: official fees only
- Without an approved training programme, STCW requires at least 36 months of approved seagoing service before a deck officer certificate.
How to avoid scams
- Check any certificate of competency on the EAMS website before you trust it — the authority offers an online certificate verification service.
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 Egypt.
Seafarer profiles from Egypt on Krew Guru: 2,000+.
Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety (EAMS)