Offshore support vessels that keep oil and gas platforms supplied, or handle anchors and towing for rigs — a different world from deep-sea trading, with short runs from a supply base to the field.
Size classes
Life aboard
Smaller crews and shorter voyages than deep-sea ships, but demanding station-keeping close to platforms, often using Dynamic Positioning.
Port time
Short runs, often day trips or a few days, back and forth from a shore supply base.
Courses this trade needs
On top of standard STCW basic safety and your rank's Certificate of Competency, officers and crew on this trade need:
Other Offshore
Details last checked 27 Sep 2026. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchor_handling_tug_supply_vessel. Individual ships vary — always confirm specifics with your company.
📶 Staying connected
You're never far from shore on this trade, so signal is often available close to the coast — still worth having an eSIM ready for the supply base itself.
📶 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 →