Becoming a seafarer in Georgia as a career change
Official rules for adults who already have a profession on shore.
Age limits
- A deck officer of the watch certificate can be issued from 18 years of age.
Entry through your shore profession
| Your profession on shore | Role at sea | Course | Where and on what terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any profession, no maritime education | Deck or engine watch rating | Recognised pre-sea or onboard special training for ratings | An adult without maritime education can qualify as a watch rating through pre-sea or onboard special training with at least 2 months of approved sea service. |
Minimum set of documents
- Minimum for a first job on board: recognised basic training, a medical certificate from an Agency-selected institution, a rating or officer certificate, and the Seafarer's Identity Document and Sea Service Book.
Costs and timing: official fees only
- Without an approved training programme, a deck officer certificate requires documented approved sea service of at least 36 months.
- A Sea Service Book is issued for 10 years; the standard (7th day) fee is 85 GEL.
- A Seafarer's Identity Document is issued for 5 years; the standard (7th day) fee is 45 GEL.
How to avoid scams
- Crewing companies are recognised by the Maritime Transport Agency — check that a company offering you a job is recognised.
- You can verify Georgian certificates, medical certificates, sea service books and identity documents online on the Maritime Transport Agency website (documents issued since 2013).
- A genuine seafarer medical certificate is issued on a form with anti-forgery protection, in Georgian and English.
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 Georgia.
Seafarer profiles from Georgia on Krew Guru: 1,800+.
Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia