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Offshore Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Offshore Trainee information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$43K

$62.7K

How much do offshore trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for offshore trainee in California is $42,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,600.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by an offshore trainee during the initial months on the job?

As an Offshore Trainee, you may find adapting to the offshore environment challenging at first, especially with the extended shifts, confined living quarters, and strict safety regulations. Working at sea requires strong teamwork and communication skills, as you'll frequently collaborate with diverse crew members from different backgrounds. You'll also need to quickly learn industry-specific procedures and equipment handling, often under the supervision of experienced professionals. Overcoming seasickness, adjusting to the rotational work schedule, and maintaining a high level of alertness are common hurdles during your initial months.

What is the difference between Offshore Trainee vs Offshore Junior Engineer?

AspectOffshore TraineeOffshore Junior Engineer
Required CredentialsDiploma or Bachelor's in Engineering, training programsBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, onboard vessels, offshore platformsOperational offshore platforms, maintenance sites
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, maritime, renewable energy sectorsOil & gas, offshore construction, energy industries

Offshore Trainees are typically entry-level individuals undergoing training with basic qualifications, focusing on learning and skill development. Offshore Junior Engineers are more experienced, with relevant degrees, responsible for assisting in technical tasks and operations offshore. Both roles are integral to offshore industries but differ mainly in experience and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an offshore trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or relevant technical qualification, basic mechanical or electrical knowledge, and a strong commitment to safety standards. Familiarity with offshore safety certifications like BOSIET/FOET, and the use of equipment such as cranes, hand tools, and safety monitoring systems, is often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability to changing environments, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure safe operations, efficient learning, and smooth integration within offshore teams in a challenging and dynamic environment.

What is an offshore trainee?

Offshore trainees are entry-level workers who are undergoing practical training and gaining experience in offshore environments, such as oil rigs, wind farms, or marine vessels. Their main role is to learn the skills and safety procedures required to work safely and effectively in offshore operations. Trainees often work under the supervision of experienced professionals and rotate through various tasks to build their knowledge. This position is designed to prepare individuals for more specialized or permanent roles in offshore industries. Offshore trainees must usually complete safety certifications and demonstrate their ability to adapt to challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Offshore jobs in California? The most popular types of Offshore jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Offshore Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Offshore Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Offshore Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,960 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Curtin Maritime is looking for the next generation of seafaring innovators!


Paid training for your career development!

Work 6 months a yearwhile earning$80,000k+once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level! As your experience grows, so does your pay. Many of our crew members make well over $100k each year (while working only part of the year).


Who we are:

Curtin Maritime is an industry disruptor creating great changes by our core values of; efficiency, innovation and integrity. We are a young company experiencing a rapid growth that is looking to expand while still maintaining our small company values. We are known as a industry leader with high quality and well maintained tugs, barges, and cranes. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the great opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing locations on earth.


What we're looking for:

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an engineer on tug, barge, or crane. Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew. We're looking to hire the best and the brightest talent, folks that are looking for long term career, not a job.


Where we work:

Our headquarters are in the Port of Long Beach, and most entry level employees are based there. Entry level employees work Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Our crews have the great privilege of serving our customers from some of the greatest locations, primarily: the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf of Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, the coast of California, and the remote islands of the Pacific Rim. Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ready to travel as needed.


A Disclosure:

The work is hard, the hours are long. The travel (while exciting at first) can be draining. A career at Curtin Maritime will be the most demanding thing you've ever done. It will also be the most rewarding and fulfilling.


What we offer:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.


Next Steps:

If you're up to the challenge, apply below. The application has some questions, applicants that do not answer, or provide single word answers will not be considered. Our team tries to read every application within 24 hours and reply. (If we decide not to move forward with your application, don't feel discouraged. Our hiring needs are constantly evolving, apply again later) If we like what we see, we will set up a phone screen or interview (if we really are interested, we may just cold call you). We try and perform panel-style interviews with folks from different departments involved. We generally make an employment decision within 24 hours of the interview and get a written job offer over within a week. From there, our People Services department will handle the pre-employment process.


Good Luck!