At the beginning of the paper a few basic characteristics of occupation in general are set forth through seven determining components (skill, knowledge, vocation, economic value, social status, moral principles and legal regulation), Further on through these seven components a more detailed explanation is given of the maritime occupation itself. Since the last of these components, which is legal regulation, has been gaining importance during last decades, there is a special chapter containing a concise review of the main international conventions adopted by ILO and IMO concerning seamen's occupation and maritime safety, as well as their implementation in the national legislation of the Republic of Croatia.