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Bosun Jobs on Bulk Carriers

Bosun jobs on bulk carriers: leading hold cleaning, hatch cover and crane maintenance and mooring work, certificates (STCW II/5) and how to apply online.

Vessel typeBulk Carrier
LocationWorldwide
ContractCommonly 6 to 9 months
JoiningUpcoming vacancies
CompanyCrewing agencies and shipowners we work with
SalarySet by the employer for each vacancy

Role overview

Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This page is not a single vacancy: apply to be considered for Bosun posts on bulk carriers when they open.

On a bulk carrier the bosun leads the work that keeps the holds and hatch covers fit for cargo. After discharge the crew sweeps, washes and sometimes scales and paints the holds to the standard of the next cargo; the bosun organises the teams, the high-pressure washing machines, the cherry pickers or ladders, and the safe access to height. The bosun also looks after the hatch cover rubber packing, cleats and drain valves, and on geared ships the crane wires and grabs.

Certificates for Bosun posts on bulk carriers

  • Able Seafarer Deck (STCW Reg. II/5) and RFPNW (STCW Reg. II/4)
  • Basic Training (STCW Reg. VI/1), survival craft (VI/2), security awareness (VI/6)
  • Seaman’s book; many companies also ask for working at height and crane rigging training

Watches, trade and contract

The bosun works day hours at sea and stands by at mooring stations in port. Hold cleaning is often done between ports at sea and must be finished before the hold inspection at the next load port, so overtime is common in those days. In cold climates the bosun’s team also deals with ice on deck and frozen hatch cover drains. The bosun keeps the deck store, paint and rope inventory and tells the chief officer what to order for the next port.

Contract length: commonly 6 to 9 months, set by the employer for each vacancy.

What employers ask for

  • Previous contracts as bosun or senior AB on bulk carriers
  • Hold cleaning experience for grain and other clean cargoes
  • Hatch cover maintenance and crane wire renewal experience
  • Safe work leadership: permits to work, working at height, enclosed space rules

How to apply

  1. Create a free seafarer account and confirm your email address.
  2. Fill in your CV with your sea service on bulk carriers, your CoC and the certificates listed above, and upload copies.
  3. Apply to this post and make your profile visible to verified employers, so crewing agencies and shipowners can find you when a vacancy opens.

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