As the markets of the world become increasingly interconnected, the maritime industry will play a larger role in transport of goods. The maritime industry basics include regulatory bodies, security and commerce associations and the technological advances available to companies that ship these products. Whether your company wants to enter the industry or use it services, a basic overview can provide a macroeconomic perspective of the opportunities and challenges contained therein.

The basic maritime industry trends are moving towards consolidation and the implementation of better technology. One of the main challenges for this industry is the security of shipping within certain parts of the world. When impoverished coastal countries struggle economically, it can spur piracy within the maritime industries. Add in the fact that global regulations are a work in progress and you can have some industry instability. Therefore, before you enter the industry, you need to review the following basic aspects of maritime shipping:

1. Evaluate the basic security, economic and legal issues in the maritime industry.

2. Contact the bodies that govern the industry for a basic shipping industry analysis.

3. Review basic maritime industry trends in technology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Examine all aspects of ocean transport regulations and commerce

Before you enter into a shipping contract or start a shipping business, it's important to have information about the maritime industry in regards to the current laws, security issues and commerce opportunities. All of these issues are fundamentally important to any company that uses maritime commerce shipping companies. If your company can evaluate the current status of each, it'll go a long way to understanding maritime industry basics.

I recommend: Have your legal advisor review the existing Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide as it relates to your company. Contact the Maritime Security Council for the present shipping safety conditions. Speak to a representative at the Chamber of Marine Commerce for the basics on economic conditions within the industry.

Give the international maritime business industry regulators a call

You really can't get more basic than learning the shipping regulations within the industry. There are two main authorities that govern the commerce in the United States--customs and port authorities. Between these two organizations, you should be able to get a clear understanding of any basic regulatory requirements of the shipping industry.

I recommend: Make contact with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security and the American Association of Port Authorities. Be sure that you know these bodies' prime objective is to keep ports safe. Commerce is important, but it's secondary to border safety, so keep this in mind when viewing their regulations.

Review the latest maritime industry software advances

As with most industries, technology is reshaping the way in which players do business. In fact, technology isn't a luxury, but a necessity when it comes to maritime industry basics. To get a proper overview of the basics within this industry, reviewing the technology available is paramount.

I recommend: Speak to ABS Nautical Systems for basic software trends in the maritime industry, such as programs offering fleet management solutions. Transas Group not only offers fleet management systems, but also electronic cartography, coastal surveillance and training simulators, among other things, in its various software for the maritime industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to ask for reference information about the maritime shipping company prior to entering into any contract. While a company may seem reputable, you're entrusting this company with the safety of your products during shipping.

Maritime industry reports suggest that now is a good time to find opportunities as an entrepreneur, for new revenue streams for existing businesses and for careers in the maritime industries. With international maritime business at an all-time high, new routes for trade are opening up. Trends in the maritime industry suggest that avenues for savvy start-ups are growing, while more jobs are available in areas including logistics, maritime patrols and in all aspects of shipyard work.

Shipping industry analysis puts environmental information about the maritime industry at an all-time high with predictions of continued growth. It is a good time to find investors for maritime industries start-ups that serve the industry with maritime industry software, green research and development and ocean transport. And while the maritime industry is rife with ocean transport regulations that vary from country to country, training is widely available for those who are looking for a growth career move.

1. Start a business in ocean cleanup and research following maritime industry trends

2. Find new routes for trade as international maritime business increases

3. Begin a new career building software for the maritime industry

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Act now if you've ever considered starting a business in the maritime industry

As the United States government, among other countries worldwide, allocates funding for ocean cleanup and research, now is the time to take that leap into the maritime industry. Maritime industry reports say that the oceans are in a critical state and need immediate attention. If you can bring any kind of maritime industry analysis to the table, you can tap into the vast amount of resources that are being recommended privately and publicly to save the earth's resources.

I recommend: Join the Ocean Futures as Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Jacques Cousteau, begins his worldwide collaborations with other marine scientists and those who can provide maritime industry software. Contact Project Senso which is a venture capitalist firm offering funding to maritime industry start-ups.

Increase your international trade with maritime industry information you can use

With international ocean transport regulations and ocean freight regulations so cumbersome, it would be wise to hire a consultant to help you sort through all the shipping regulations so that you can begin to ship your goods overseas in a timely manner. A professional who can save you from having to learn a whole new maritime language should do the shipping industry analysis for your company.

I recommend: Maritime Advisors has a combined experience of more than 400 years in the maritime industries. They serve clients in the U.S. and worldwide. Market Research.com provides in-depth research papers and maritime industry reports on a fee basis. Their maritime industry analysis could prove invaluable to your efforts to grow.

Find work in one of the many growing fields in maritime industries

Whether you can design software for the maritime industry or you want to join one of the major shipyards in the country, it is a good time to look for information about the maritime industry. Even as fuel prices rise, there will always be a need for workers in the maritime industries. Look for your company to become a sub-contractor in this growing field.

I recommend: Findmaritimejobs.com posts job openings for everything from tugboat captain to shipyard worker and from marine engineer to mate on a yacht. Marine Industry Careers is a company served by and for the marine industry exclusively. Both can help your company find openings you can fill in the marine industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you take the plunge as a worker or entrepreneur, take a summer off and volunteer with one of the maritime industry trends setters, emerging green maritime organizations exploring the sea if you are new to the water.

Maritime industry information is prevalent, easy to find and essential for anyone who wants to work in a job that is related to the ocean. There are many aspects to this high dollar type of commerce, so it is important for you to focus on your specific field and make sure you have all the latest knowledge available.

Participating in the maritime industry involves a lot of hard work and dedication. Many of the jobs are very difficult and should only be held by people who have a true love of the sea. Aside from learning to do all the hands-on duties for a maritime career, there are several other things that anyone interested in this profitable industry should do:

1. Stay abreast of all current and upcoming trends in the maritime industry.

2. Know about the shipping regulations that may affect your business.

3. Utilize maritime industry software to keep your company operating at peak efficiency.

4. Keep up with all necessary information about the maritime industry to stay on top of the game.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Train for a job in the maritime industry

Every position that falls within the ocean based commerce will involve a good deal of training and education. Most people spend years attending classes to become prepared for this type of career and continue with their education throughout their careers. You have the option to take courses in an actual class setting or to do some studying online. Check around to find the type of training that is most suitable for you.

I recommend: Take classes on working in maritime industries from Cal Maritime Extended Learning or SUNY Maritime College. Get training online from the West Coast Maritime Institute.

Keep up with maritime industry trends

Once you get involved in the industry, it is essential to stay informed about all current practices by reading maritime industry reports and learning about future practices and methods of operation. Don't let essential data escape your notice, be aware and prepared for what's going on and what's happening next.

I recommend: Read about all the trends surrounding maritime industry education and training at MarketResearch or Global Trends Investments.

Learn about ocean transport regulations

Ongoing maritime industry analysis by federal agencies regularly brings about changes in the shipping regulations within the maritime industries. It will be your responsibility to make sure you are always up to code when transporting good overseas. By putting in a small amount of time you can always ensure that you are following the law and adhering to any statutes that could affect your business.

I recommend: Learn more about the regulations that govern oceanic transportation from the Federal Maritime Commission or the DGI Training Center.

Continue your maritime industry education and training

Maritime employers will benefit when they send the members of their staff to training courses and industry related seminars. The more training your people have, the better they will be able to do their jobs. Watch for opportunities that will be mutually advantageous in improving their skill set and therefore your business.

I recommend: Check into professional mariner courses from TRL. Review upcoming seminars from Keefe Kaplan Maritime or Lloyd's Maritime Academy in England.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep up with all shipping industry analysis to maintain a better understanding about how the entire business is doing.
• •  Stay updated on all ocean freight regulations so you do not inadvertently incur any fees or penalties.

Navigating through the maritime industry requires a working knowledge of the terms used within the industry. People in the industry may talk about admiralty law or a harbor pilot, but if your business contact with the maritime industry doesn't know the language, it may sound like jargon.

Learning the words frequently used in the maritime industry will help your business deal more effectively with any of its maritime needs. Use this guide as a jumping-off point for learning the maritime industry's key terms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

American Association of Port Authorities

The American Association of Port Authorities is a trade organization that represents the needs of port authorities throughout North and Latin America and the Caribbean.

I recommend: The American Association of Port Authorities explains the purpose of the organization, as well as its structure and history.

Admiralty law or maritime law

Admiralty law, also referred to as maritime law, is the part of international law dealing with maritime commerce.

I recommend: On its website, Maritime Legal Resources explains maritime law and its jurisdiction. This site also discusses the history of maritime law.

Manning scales

Manning scales refers to staffing requirements while at sea. Manning scales determine how many crew and officers, as well as what type of crew and officers, a vessel must carry.

I recommend: To learn more, visit The Transportation Institute, which explains the manning scales, as well as the different classifications of crew and officers.

Containership, container ship, container vessel

A ship that transports cargo packaged in separate containers is a container ship.

I recommend: GlobalSecurity.org explains more about container ships and how they work.

Harbor pilot

As a vessel approaches port, the captain will hand over the helm to a harbor pilot, a local pilot familiar with the local waters. Unlike the captain who has transported the vessel for the majority of the trip, a harbor pilot will board the vessel a few miles out from the port and bring the ship to port.

I recommend: Popular Mechanics offers an inside look at the job of a harbor pilot in its interview with Jeff McAllister.

International marine signal flags

Mariners use international marine signal flags to convey messages to other ships. The flags can mean anything from 'yes' or 'no' to 'I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear.'

I recommend: MaineHarbors.com explains the meanings of international marine signal flags.