Our ongoing focus on transition pathways for service leavers now turns to the maritime sector – and beyond, to overseas opportunities. This is an arena sometimes overlooked in favour of more obvious private-sector jobs, yet it offers some of the most natural landing zones for ex-Forces talent.
To get a recruiter’s perspective on this broad space, we spoke with specialists across commercial shipping, offshore energy, and international security who have helped hundreds of ex-military personnel make the move into civilian roles at sea and abroad. Here’s what they had to say.
Maritime or overseas work might sound unfamiliar to those still serving, but the underlying principles are second nature to anyone with a military background. Coordinating operations, managing teams in challenging environments, responding to emergencies – these are core elements of global industries, and they’re embedded in day-to-day life in the Forces. What civilian employers call “operational logistics” or “crisis management” often amounts to what you’ve done on deployments, exercises, or humanitarian tours. The difference is mostly terminology, not substance. Many service leavers underestimate how well their experience aligns with roles in shipping companies, port authorities, or international organisations.
That’s especially true in roles dealing with high-pressure situations at sea or in remote regions. You’ve likely spent your military career leading under pressure, maintaining discipline, and looking out for your team’s safety – exactly the qualities needed when facing a pirate threat on a vessel or coordinating disaster relief abroad. If you want to continue in public service and adventure post-Forces, a career in the maritime industry or an overseas mission could well be for you. Shipping, offshore rescue, humanitarian aid… you’re highly likely to have exactly the skills and aptitudes that make you well equipped to say “yes” when duty calls around the world. One port operations manager told us that veterans bring high standards of professionalism, values-driven behaviours and self-discipline to their roles. These values are integral to the safety-first culture of maritime and international work, meaning ex-military candidates often arrive pre-prepared for the challenges of keeping global operations running safely.
From the battlefield to the shipping lanes
The most common route into maritime employment is through leadership and logistics roles. Think about an Army logistics officer who oversaw complex supply chains or a sergeant major who managed daily unit operations. Those experiences demand planning, resource management, and adherence to protocol – all core responsibilities in commercial shipping and port management jobs. In many cases, a maritime job is simply a new setting for an old skillset.
We’ve seen former Army officers train as Merchant Navy deck officers or take on operations manager roles with shipping firms, and senior NCOs step into positions running port logistics and transport hubs. In fact, the UK has one of the largest maritime sectors in Europe, with international shipping a critical part of global trade. Companies across this sector are keen to find people who can lead teams and keep complex services on schedule – in other words, leaders who can get things done. As one shipping recruiter put it, “You’ve managed people and missions in high-pressure situations. That’s exactly what we need – someone who can handle a 24/7 port environment and still get the job done.” These employers don’t need armchair captains; they need doers. That’s why ex-military candidates stand out.
Importantly, many maritime organisations actively welcome veterans. Associated British Ports (which runs 21 UK ports) even states “There will always be a place at ABP for those who served in the Armed Forces” – a strong vote of confidence in what you offer. The Merchant Navy, for example, continues to offer structured training programmes with the potential to travel widely. Meanwhile, shipping companies, cruise lines, and marine contractors often recruit people with experience in navigation, engineering, or radio communications. Even shoreside, former military logisticians thrive in roles like freight coordination, customs inspection, or port security. You’ve already coordinated convoys and managed supply depots under pressure; doing the same at a busy container terminal or aboard a merchant ship isn’t a huge leap. One maritime HR manager noted that veterans’ knack for procedure and reliability means they hit the ground running – they know how to follow regulations but also how to improvise when needed, without missing a beat. In short, the commercial maritime world wants your skills – it’s just a matter of translating them into civilian terms.
From combat engineer to offshore energy technician
Another popular landing zone is the offshore energy and engineering sector, particularly in oil & gas and the growing renewable energy industry. Veterans with mechanical, electrical, or engineering backgrounds often find a natural fit on offshore rigs and wind farms. Running a maintenance section in the Army or Royal Engineers isn’t called “rig operations” in the military, but the essence is the same – managing equipment, ensuring safety, and keeping the lights on (sometimes literally).
We’ve placed former military engineers into roles as offshore maintenance technicians and safety supervisors on North Sea platforms. They bring a mission-first mindset and meticulous standards that employers value. The offshore industries require significant manpower in roles like mechanical systems upkeep, dive operations, and site management – jobs that are physically demanding and often operate on rotations (e.g. two weeks on, two weeks off). That lifestyle and intensity are something veterans are well prepared for. One hiring manager in wind energy told us his team actively seeks out ex-Forces candidates, because if you’ve handled complex kit and tight schedules in the military, you can do it here – and we know you won’t panic when a turbine or engine decides to act up in the middle of the night.
It helps that much of the required training overlaps with what you’ve already done. The growth of clean energy has brought a rise in offshore infrastructure roles (wind farms, subsea cables), and these positions often require survival-at-sea and safety certifications much like military standards. One veteran now working as a wind farm technician highlighted that discipline, teamwork, flexibility, and integrity are all qualities drilled into military service – and they translate really well to the offshore wind industry, with ex-military candidates generally of a very high standard. Energy companies are starting to recognise this; many have veteran recruitment schemes, offering fast-tracked applications or mentoring for ex-service personnel. As a result, the industry not only welcomes military experience – it depends on it. From petroleum engineers to health-and-safety officers, employers know a veteran hire means a disciplined worker who puts safety and teamwork first.
Energy sector recruiters did caution us on one thing: don’t be discouraged if your CV doesn’t scream “oil rig” or “wind farm” at first glance. Hiring managers might not immediately see the link between, say, an Army workshop supervisor and a renewable-energy project lead. But when they meet a veteran, they quickly realise they have someone who will put the team and mission first, adapt to rapidly changing situations, and never shy away from hard decisions. Those qualities aren’t easy to teach – but ex-Forces personnel have lived them. As one offshore recruiter told us, “I can teach someone how to operate the specific kit. What I need is the character and cool head that comes from military service.” In other words, show them you have what they can’t train, and they’ll train you in what you need.
From the frontline to global missions (security & humanitarian roles)
A significant number of service leavers continue their commitment through careers in international security and emergency response. We’ve helped infantry soldiers and Royal Marines transition into private security and risk consultant roles, often rising quickly into team leader positions. Others have joined maritime security teams protecting ships from piracy, or become field coordinators for disaster relief and NGOs after military life. The link is clear: these jobs are all about protecting people and infrastructure and working calmly under pressure – a direct extension of military duty in a civilian context.
One security recruiter who regularly hires ex-military told us, “Give me someone who’s been through military training – they don’t flinch in a crisis, and they know how to work as a tight unit. That’s gold for us in high-risk environments.” It’s not just about tactical skills (though those certainly help); it’s the mindset. There’s an ability to follow strict protocols but also to improvise when the situation demands. There’s a confidence in making decisions under uncertainty that many civilians might take years to develop, if ever. These traits don’t always jump off a CV, and a lot of international employers might not know how to ask for them explicitly. But put a veteran in front of an urgent security problem or humanitarian crisis, and they’ll find a solution – often without needing to be told twice. That bias for action and resilience under stress is exactly what employers on the frontlines of global operations want, even if they don’t always know how to articulate it.
Notably, many organisations operating abroad actively welcome veterans. Private security firms, global risk consultancies, and even UN contractors often have ex-military folks in their leadership ranks and talent pipelines. They know the value of a soldier’s mindset. Some companies in this arena have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or similar pledges, acknowledging the unique skills veterans bring. The camaraderie and sense of duty in these roles create an easy crossover for those used to military life. In humanitarian work, too, veterans often find a natural home. You’re used to working in multinational teams and chaotic environments; that’s everyday life in disaster response or development projects. Experience in peacekeeping, convoy operations, or cross-cultural communication is highly valued by global NGOs and agencies. As one aid organisation recruiter told us, “We love hiring veterans because they get it – they’ve managed scarce resources in tough conditions and won’t freeze when things inevitably go off-plan.” In roles ranging from security advisor in a conflict zone to logistics lead for an international charity, ex-Forces candidates often discover they’re using the very same leadership and problem-solving skills they honed in uniform, now to serve a different kind of mission.
The traits employers don’t advertise (but love)
Veterans moving into maritime and overseas roles tend to excel quickly, not just because of what they know, but because of how they think. Time and again, recruiters highlighted a few key traits that set ex-Forces candidates apart in global roles:
- Operational discipline and safety focus: In maritime and offshore jobs, safety procedures and discipline are literally life-saving. Employers quietly love that veterans have an ingrained respect for protocols and a habit of double-checking the details – whether it’s a pre-dive checklist or a port security routine. Many military skills like discipline, commitment, punctuality, and security awareness are easily transferable and highly sought by maritime employers. You’re bringing a built-in safety culture, which means fewer mistakes and a more reliable team member on deck or on site.
- Adaptability in unfamiliar environments: Military folks are used to operating in unfamiliar territory, from deserts to jungles, and quickly finding their footing. That adaptability is pure gold overseas. Things don’t always go to plan at sea or in a foreign country – storms hit, equipment fails, local conditions change. Ex-military personnel have an uncanny ability to adjust on the fly without panic, keeping the mission on track when others might be flustered. This level-headed resilience is invaluable, say, when you need to reroute a ship due to a sudden port closure or deliver aid in a region where infrastructure has collapsed.
- Leadership without ego: In both seafaring crews and international teams, veterans tend to lead by example and as part of the team. You’re mission-focused, not chasing personal glory. Recruiters see that ex-Forces hires can unite colleagues behind a goal – be it a ship’s crew during an emergency or a multicultural NGO staff on a project – without office politics getting in the way. This humility and team ethos mean you can slot into new hierarchies smoothly. A former Royal Navy officer now in port management shared that military people step up to lead, but do so with humility – it’s about getting the job done right, not who gets credit, which is exactly the attitude global employers appreciate even if they never put it in the job ad.
- Decisiveness under pressure: High stakes are common in these careers. Imagine a cargo ship losing power in rough seas, or a security team reacting to civil unrest near a project site. Someone has to make the call, fast. Veterans carry a confidence in decision-making under pressure that most civilians don’t develop until much later in their careers (if ever). You’ll assess the situation, consider the risks, and make the call – and you’ll take responsibility for the outcome. Employers in maritime and overseas roles absolutely need that kind of decisiveness and accountability, even if they might phrase it on paper as “must handle stress” or “strong problem-solving skills.” In reality, they’re looking for you – someone who won’t crack when the heat is on. Many ex-military personnel end up being the calm pivot in crises, a trait honed from years of training and service.
These qualities might not come through in automated application filters, so it’s crucial for veteran candidates to highlight them in interviews and personal statements – with concrete examples. Once hiring managers see these traits in action, they often realise they’ve found exactly what they were looking for, even if they didn’t spell it out initially.
Where to focus
If you’re considering the maritime or international route, don’t get too hung up on specific job titles – focus on the mission and the sector’s purpose. A role called “Operations Officer” or “Project Coordinator” can mean ten different things in ten different organisations. The core idea, however, is the same: coordinating people, processes, and assets to achieve a goal under sometimes challenging conditions. Sound familiar?
Based on our recruiter insights, here are some of the top areas where ex-Forces candidates thrive (and are in demand):
- Commercial shipping and ports: This includes seafaring roles in the Merchant Navy as well as shore-based jobs in port operations and shipping companies. These organisations value your work ethic, familiarity with structured operations, and ability to work in a regulated, safety-conscious environment. From container ship crews to harbourmasters, there’s a need for people who can keep logistics running like clockwork. Major port operators and shipping firms often have Armed Forces-friendly hiring policies – meaning they understand your value and want you on their team. If you have experience in logistics, engineering, communications, or navigation (even if it was in a different context), this sector is well worth a look.
- Offshore energy and engineering: The oil, gas, and renewable energy industries (think offshore wind farms and subsea engineering projects) are booming with opportunities for ex-military talent. Many energy companies actively recruit veterans, with some offering tailored transition programmes and internships for service leavers. They know you have the discipline and safety mindset to operate in high-risk environments. Key roles include offshore installation technicians, maintenance engineers, project managers, and HSE (health, safety and environment) officers. The employment outlook here is positive and expanding – industry reports indicate thousands of new entrants are needed in the coming years as the UK and others invest in energy infrastructure. Whether you’re overseeing a crew on an oil platform or coordinating a wind farm’s maintenance schedule, you’ll find that your ability to follow procedures (and adapt when needed) makes you a natural fit. Insider tip: if you’re drawn to this field, consider using some resettlement time to get essential certifications like the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) for rig work or relevant engineering qualifications. They’re often required, but many employers will assist the right candidate in obtaining them if you show the right attitude.
- International security and risk management: Private security contractors, global risk consultancies, and defence support firms are constantly looking for people with military experience. This could be anything from providing close protection for personnel in hostile regions, to securing maritime assets (anti-piracy teams on commercial ships), to training and mentoring foreign security forces under government contracts. These roles leverage your tactical training, situational awareness, and ability to assess threats on the fly. And it’s not all armed work either – strategic roles in operations centres, intelligence analysis, and security project management also prize a military background. Many such companies have strong veteran networks; some are even founded or run by ex-Forces folks. Be aware that certain positions will ask for qualifications like an SIA licence (for security work) or advanced medical/first aid training, but those can be attained during your transition relatively easily. The bottom line is, if you still have the itch to serve in a security capacity and don’t mind travel, this field can be both lucrative and fulfilling. You’ll be protecting people and assets, often in environments where nobody else has the experience you do.
- Global aid and development work: A less obvious path, but one where veterans shine, is the humanitarian sector. Organisations like the United Nations, Red Cross/Red Crescent, and various international NGOs need leaders and doers who can manage logistics, operations, and teams in disaster or development zones. Think about roles like field logistics coordinator, emergency response team lead, or programme manager in a rebuilding effort. Your experience in peacekeeping, engineering projects, or simply working respectfully in other cultures gives you a huge advantage here. While some positions might require additional training in things like humanitarian principles or project management, many NGOs offer induction programmes for candidates with operational field experience – they can teach you the specifics if you bring the leadership and resilience. The work can be challenging (and not always high-paid compared to private sector) but if a sense of mission drives you, it’s hard to beat. You’ll literally be changing lives, using skills you learned in service of your country to now serve humanity at large.
No matter which area you target, a few general pointers apply. Some roles will require specific qualifications or entry processes. For example, working offshore usually means obtaining safety certificates (like BOSIET or an offshore medical), and certain maritime roles demand Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses for seafarers. Similarly, a security job might ask for a close-protection course, and an aid organisation might prefer you take a short humanitarian training workshop. If you have time during resettlement to get these certifications – using your Enhanced Learning Credits for courses in maritime safety, NEBOSH health and safety, project management, or language training – it’s worth considering. The good news is that a lot of this training can be funded or subsidised for service leavers, and there are established pathways to convert military qualifications into civilian ones.
However, keep in mind that many employers will train the right person if they see the right mindset and potential. Veteran-specific entry schemes and mentorship programmes exist to help bridge any gaps. As mentioned earlier, some firms will fast-track veteran applicants or pair you with other ex-military mentors once you’re on board. Focus on showcasing your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills – the things that set you apart – and be ready to explain how they apply in the civilian context. If you do that, the rest (whether it’s a certain licence or technical skill) can often be learned on the job.
Also, keep an eye out for companies that proudly advertise themselves as Armed Forces-friendly. Many maritime, engineering, and security organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or earned Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme awards, meaning they’ve committed to support veteran employment. These employers already understand your value and are likely to make your hiring process smoother. They might, for example, guarantee an interview if you meet the basic criteria, or have internal support networks for ex-military staff. It’s a sign that the company speaks your language and won’t look at you funny if you use a few acronyms now and then – they may well have veterans on the interview panel. Leverage those networks (the Career Transition Partnership, Forces Employment Charity, and others can point you toward such employers) and don’t hesitate to mention in your application or interview that you value what those companies do for the Armed Forces community.
The final word
Maritime and overseas careers aren’t just a good cultural fit for service leavers – they’re some of the most exciting, rewarding, and yes, even progression-friendly paths out there. You’ll find structured career progression (the Merchant Navy, for example, has clear ranks and advancement similar to the military), competitive pay and benefits (offshore roles often come with generous pay or leave rotations, and public sector international jobs come with allowances), and perhaps most importantly, a sense of purpose. In many of these roles, you won’t be stuck behind a desk all day. One month you might be out at sea ensuring vital supplies reach their destination or on the ground abroad solving problems and leading teams; the next, you’re back home, taking pride in the tangible difference your work made. It’s dynamic, mission-focused work on a global scale. Sound familiar?
If you’re the kind of person who thrives on adventure, teamwork, and making a difference, then the maritime and international arena could be your next calling. You’ve already served your country in uniform; now you can continue that service in a new way – exploring new horizons while keeping that sense of camaraderie and duty. The skills and mindset you carry from your military career are your passport to success here. You’ve operated in challenging environments, adapted to the unknown, and delivered under pressure, all for a greater cause. Now, the whole world can benefit from those abilities.
This is your world – you just haven’t set sail on it yet.
Stay tuned for the next instalment in our ‘Recruiters’ view’ series, where we’ll continue exploring post-service pathways for veterans.
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