Marine riggers assemble temporary structures and operate equipment on boats and vessels. A high school diploma is usually required, and physical strength and swimming ability are important. Prior experience in construction or machinery operation is preferred. Licensing exams and first aid training may be required. Basic knowledge of a foreign language may also be beneficial.
Marine appliances assemble temporary structures and operate equipment and machinery such as anchors, pulley systems and sails on boats and other marine vessels. Someone who wants to become a Navy rigger must usually have graduated from high school. Typically, riggers are not required to complete a college degree, although some companies require riggers to complete non-degree-level vocational training courses.
Generally, rigger positions are entry-level jobs. Anyone who has reached legal adulthood can apply to become a Navy handler. Some companies conduct criminal checks and subject new recruits to drug and substance abuse tests. Typically, riggers are not responsible for driving or operating water craft, although some companies require job applicants to have some experience operating such craft.
Rigging work can be physically demanding because people employed in these roles must be strong enough to carry heavy equipment and climb poles and scaffolding. Therefore, someone physically disabled with certain types of medical conditions may not be able to become a marine rigger. Also, many employers only offer rigging jobs to individuals who can swim.
Some companies prefer to hire people with prior experience in the field of construction, as these individuals have to assemble scaffolding and operate machinery like cranes and hoists. Furthermore, construction workers such as fitters are involved in a physically demanding occupation and therefore people who have worked as construction workers are often able to transition into physically demanding marine based roles. In cases where workers need to handle and maintain complex equipment, employers often prefer to hire workers with previous experience such as engineers and mechanics.
Crane operators and people who operate similar types of vehicles are often required to obtain licenses. In many cases, shipping companies provide professional training for new recruits. After the training period is over, recruits can take regional or national licensing exams. Those who pass this exam are able to operate machinery without the direct supervision of a foreman or an experienced technician. Some community colleges offer classes that prepare individuals for these exams.
Oil rig workers and commercial boat crews often spend weeks or months at sea. Consequently, someone wishing to become a marine rig may have to undergo basic first aid training, as medical providers are often unable to attend to the needs of the sick and injured who are at sea. When ships arrive in port, riggers have to interact with dockers, many of whom speak foreign languages. Therefore, some companies require riggers to have some rudimentary knowledge of at least one language in addition to their native language.
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