Marine / Merchant Navy Officer Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Third Officer position at Maersk Line. With a valid STCW certification, Unlimited Third Mate license, and 18 months of sea time on container vessels, I am eager to contribute to Maersk's world-class fleet operations. During my cadetship and junior officer service, I have: • Completed 12 months sea time on 8,000+ TEU container vessels in trans-Pacific trade • Maintained GMDSS operations and navigational watch keeping to IMO standards • Assisted with cargo operations ensuring proper stowage and vessel stability • Participated in safety drills including fire fighting, abandon ship, and SOPEP procedures • Demonstrated strong bridge team management and communication skills Maersk's position as the global leader in container shipping and commitment to decarbonization deeply inspire me. I am particularly drawn to your investment in crew development and career progression pathways. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to Maersk's operations. Respectfully, James Chen Third Mate (Unlimited) | STCW Certified | Valid Medical Certificate

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Second Officer position with Carnival Corporation. With 4 years of experience as a deck officer and passion for cruise industry excellence, I am dedicated to ensuring safe and memorable voyages for guests. At a premium cruise line, I have: • Served as Third and Second Officer on vessels carrying 3,000+ passengers • Managed navigational watch in congested waters and challenging port approaches • Supervised bridge team operations maintaining highest safety standards • Coordinated with hotel operations on passenger safety and emergency procedures • Achieved zero navigational incidents across 24 months of sea service Carnival's industry leadership and commitment to guest experience deeply attract me. I am particularly interested in your fleet expansion and sustainability initiatives. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my cruise experience can benefit Carnival. Respectfully, Sarah Thompson Second Mate (Unlimited) | Passenger Ship Endorsed | Dynamic Positioning Basic

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Third Engineer position on LNG carriers at Shell Shipping & Maritime. With a valid Third Engineer license, specialized LNG training, and 24 months of tanker experience, I am committed to safe and efficient energy transportation. At a major tanker operator, I have successfully: • Served as Fourth and Third Engineer on chemical and product tankers • Completed Shell-approved LNG cargo handling and IGC Code training • Maintained main propulsion and auxiliary systems to class standards • Participated in vetting inspections with zero non-conformities • Demonstrated strong commitment to Shell's Goal Zero safety culture Shell's leadership in LNG shipping and commitment to energy transition deeply inspire me. I am particularly drawn to your investment in crew competency and fleet modernization. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to Shell's maritime operations. Respectfully, Michael Park Third Engineer (Motor) | IGC Code Certified | Tanker Familiarization

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Chief Officer position at MSC. With 8 years of deck officer experience, Unlimited Chief Mate license, and extensive container vessel operations, I am ready to assume senior deck leadership responsibilities. Throughout my career, I have: • Progressed from Third Officer to Chief Officer on vessels up to 14,000 TEU • Managed cargo operations, stability calculations, and container stowage planning • Led deck department teams of 10+ ratings ensuring maintenance and safety compliance • Conducted ISM audits and port state control inspections with consistently positive results • Mentored junior officers on navigation, cargo operations, and leadership MSC's position as a leading container line and family company values deeply resonate with me. I am particularly interested in your Mediterranean and trans-Atlantic services. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with MSC's standards. Respectfully, Captain Robert Kim Chief Mate (Unlimited) | Ship Security Officer | ECDIS Type Specific

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the Second Engineer position on shuttle tankers at Teekay. With 6 years of marine engineering experience and specialized offshore loading operations training, I am dedicated to maintaining the highest engineering standards. At a tanker management company, I have: • Served as Third and Second Engineer on Suezmax and Aframax tankers • Gained experience with offshore loading systems and dynamic positioning operations • Managed engine room teams ensuring planned maintenance system compliance • Maintained propulsion, cargo pumping, and inert gas systems to class standards • Participated in dry docking projects overseeing major machinery overhauls Teekay's leadership in shuttle tanker operations and offshore logistics deeply attract me. I am particularly interested in your North Sea and Brazil operations. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to Teekay. Respectfully, David Williams Second Engineer (Motor) | DP Basic | Tanker Endorsement

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Deck Officer position at Crowley Maritime. As a US Merchant Mariner with unlimited tonnage license and Jones Act eligibility, I am eager to support America's domestic shipping needs. At a US-flag carrier, I have: • Served on Jones Act container ships and tankers in domestic trade routes • Maintained USCG documentation and TWIC credentials in good standing • Operated in Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Alaska services • Demonstrated flexibility supporting both liner and project cargo operations • Participated in hurricane response and disaster relief missions Crowley's diversified maritime services and commitment to American shipping deeply inspire me. I am particularly drawn to your Puerto Rico services and LNG transportation growth. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to Crowley's operations. Respectfully, Jennifer Martinez Second Mate (Unlimited) | USCG Licensed | TWIC | Jones Act Eligible

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Junior Officer Training Program at Hapag-Lloyd. As a recent maritime academy graduate with cadet sea time and strong academic credentials, I am eager to launch my career with a premier container shipping company. During my maritime education and training, I have: • Graduated top 10% from maritime academy with Bachelor's in Marine Transportation • Completed 360 days of approved sea service as deck cadet on container vessels • Obtained STCW certification including all basic safety training • Demonstrated proficiency in ECDIS, ARPA, and modern bridge equipment • Achieved strong simulator assessments in navigation and cargo operations Hapag-Lloyd's reputation for quality and commitment to officer development deeply attract me. I am particularly interested in your structured career progression and global trade routes. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to beginning my career with Hapag-Lloyd. Respectfully, Kevin Liu Third Mate (Unlimited) | Recent Graduate | STCW Certified

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Chief Engineer position on RoPax ferries at Stena Line. With 15 years of marine engineering experience and extensive passenger vessel operations, I am ready to lead engineering departments to the highest standards. Throughout my career, I have: • Progressed from Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer on passenger ferries • Managed engineering teams of 15+ personnel across multiple vessel types • Maintained propulsion systems including Wärtsilä medium-speed diesels and controllable pitch propellers • Led environmental compliance initiatives including ballast water treatment and emissions reduction • Achieved excellent fleet availability through proactive maintenance management Stena's leadership in sustainable shipping and ferry innovation deeply inspire me. I am particularly interested in your battery hybrid vessels and methanol-powered ships. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can benefit Stena Line. Respectfully, Captain Engineer Thomas Anderson Chief Engineer (Motor Unlimited) | ISM Lead Auditor | High Voltage Certified