Carries passengers and often vehicles on fixed, frequent short-sea or coastal routes — usually round trips measured in hours rather than the weeks-long voyages of deep-sea trading.
Size classes
Life aboard
The most shore-based lifestyle in the merchant navy — many ferry crew go home most nights or every few days rather than serving long sign-on contracts.
Port time
Very short crossings, often multiple round trips a day on the busiest routes.
Courses this trade needs
No cargo-specific endorsement beyond the standard STCW basic safety courses and your rank's Certificate of Competency — see the full course catalogue for what those involve.
Other Passenger
Details last checked 27 Sep 2026. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferry. Individual ships vary — always confirm specifics with your company.
📶 Staying connected
You're rarely far from a signal on ferry routes, but an eSIM still helps if the route crosses into another country's network.
📶 eSIM for Mariners
Stay connected wherever this trade takes you — set up your eSIM on the website before you sign on, so it's ready the moment you're in range. Use code SEA10 for 10% off your first order.
eSIM for seafarers →