Ship radio telegraph operator

What does a ship radio telegraphist do? – Tasks and working environment

A ship radio telegraphist is responsible for managing and monitoring radio communications onboard ships, both at sea and in port. The work includes transmitting and receiving messages, reporting positions, receiving weather forecasts and safety information, and maintaining contact with other ships and land stations. Daily tasks also involve maintaining radio systems and other communication equipment, as well as adhering to international safety regulations and protocols. The working environment can vary greatly, from modern ships with advanced technology to older vessels where manual work is still common. The workplace is often characterized by rapid changes, high responsibility, and shift work, especially during longer voyages at sea.

Salary development over time

The profession of ship radio telegraphist has shown steady and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, rising to 39 700 SEK in 2023, and then to the current level of 41 700 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 11.5% over the period. The salary increase has partly been driven by a growing need for technical skills and higher certification requirements, as well as increased competition for qualified telegraphists due to retirements and technological changes in the industry. The salary growth has been slightly above the average for similar technical professions, indicating ongoing demand for specialized communication skills onboard ships.

Ship radio telegraphist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,200 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 47,200 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education level)
• Hourly wage: 251 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 44 700 SEK, women earn 37 800 SEK (women earn 85% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: No reliable data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a ship radio telegraphist, specialized training in maritime radio communication is required, often combined with technical courses and certifications. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, along with approved certificates according to international standards. Knowledge of technology and proficiency in English are highly advantageous.

• Formal education: Maritime radio telegraphist training (usually 1–2 years)
• Certifications: GMDSS certification (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), ROC or GOC
• Practical training: Mandatory onboard ship training during education
• Prerequisites: Technical high school diploma or equivalent
• Tips for choosing: Select programs offering modern equipment and close industry collaboration

Common benefits and compensations

Ship radio telegraphists are often offered benefits such as free travel to and from ships, per diems during longer voyages, onboard meals and accommodation, and extra compensation for shift work. Health checks and insurance are usually included in the employment package as well.

Competition and challenges

The profession of ship radio telegraphist is characterized by a relatively small job market and a high degree of specialization. The number of positions is limited, and competition can be tough, especially for the most attractive roles on larger ships or international routes. Technological advances and automation have led to some tasks changing or disappearing, which requires continuous skills development. Nonetheless, experienced and certified telegraphists are still in demand, particularly in safety-critical transports. The work environment can be challenging, with long periods at sea and demands for high stress tolerance and flexibility.

Tips for aspiring ship radio telegraphists

To succeed as a ship radio telegraphist, combining technical interest with accuracy and a sense of responsibility is beneficial. Gaining practical experience at sea early on increases employability. Good communication skills and the ability to work independently are crucial, especially under pressure or in international crews. Continually updating skills and certifications provides a competitive edge. Analytical ability helps solve radio system problems quickly, while endurance and stress resistance ease long working periods onboard. Flexibility and adaptability are also important, as tasks and technology can change rapidly.

Key facts about ship radio telegraphists

• Education level: Maritime radio telegraphist training with international certification
• Work environment: Onboard ships, often in an international setting
• Typical work pattern: Shift work and long periods at sea
• Occupational group: Image and transmission technicians
• Job openings: 620 within the profession according to latest data

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a ship radio telegraphist can advance to more qualified roles, such as communication technical officer onboard or maritime communication trainer. Specializing in safety and emergency systems or moving into other technical roles within shipping and the shipping industry is also possible. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the image and transmission technician profession, no specific forecast exists for ship radio telegraphists due to limited data, but there are a total of 620 job openings in the group. Future prospects are influenced by technological development and the need for secure communication at sea, which suggests continued demand for skilled professionals, although the number of positions remains limited.

Frequently asked questions about ship radio telegraphists

• What does a ship radio telegraphist earn?
  - The average salary is 41 700 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employer.
• What education is required to become a ship radio telegraphist?
  - Maritime radio telegraphist training with an international certificate, often GMDSS.
• Are there gender differences in salaries for ship radio telegraphists?
  - Yes, men earn 44 700 SEK while women earn 37 800 SEK, which means women earn approximately 85% of men's salary.
• What is the job market outlook for ship radio telegraphists?
  - There are 620 job openings within the profession, but no exact forecast for specifically ship radio telegraphists.
• What benefits are common in this profession?
  - Free travel, onboard meals and accommodation, and extra shift compensation are common.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a ship radio telegraphist?
  - The highest salary is 47,200 SEK, and the lowest is 35,200 SEK per month.