JUST a quick glance at the local Yellow Pages tells you if you want to work around the sea, you're living in the right part of the country.

Yacht-brokers, boatbuilders, chandlers, haulage, mechanics, clothing, safety equipment, PR, marketing, deep-sea diving, imports/exports, security, electronics, mine surveying, pollution control the list of companies dealing in marine-based work is virtually endless.

And as Seawork 2006, the largest international commercial maritime exhibition and business forum ever held in a European working port, arrived in Southampton for three days this week, the chance to find the job you've always dreamed of is right on your doorstep.

Now in its ninth year, Seawork for the first time boasts a Maritime Jobs Fair enabling the public to find out about jobs being advertised as well as advice on marine careers and courses.

Southampton's historic reputation as an international port has seen many generations of families grow up around the docks.

Even though the golden age of the docks may have passed, the modern and diverse range of employment opportunities flourishing in the maritime industry means the city's celebrated shoreline attracts thousands of people here to work.

The UK's biggest cruise provider, Carnival UK, which runs P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Ocean Village and Cunard Line, has nearly 1,000 shore-based employees alone, making it one of the Southampton's primary employers.

Jane Wilson, Seawork exhibition manager, admits people don't necessarily realise what is out there for them.

"A career in the maritime sector can offer someone immense job satisfaction.

"There are opportunities to travel the world, learn and develop new skills and interact with people from all walks of life," she says.

"I think the average person in Southampton has no idea there are so many interesting and diverse jobs available to them."

Last year Seawork attracted almost 5,500 visitors to view 370 stands and exhibitions, making it a must-do event on the commercial maritime industry calendar.

This year that figure is set to break 6,000, with an estimated £10m generated in the local economy as visitors stay in hotels and splash out in restaurants and bars.

Jane added: "The Southampton Boat Show is a public event and extremely high-profile, but Seawork, being a commercial event, is not widely known about, yet it brings so much revenue to the city."

n The fair, which runs until the end of tomorrow, takes place at Seawork stand number 203 (Canary Islands Fruit Terminal) and anyone looking for work or a career change can visit the fair for free. Jobcentre Plus hosts the fair, with Southampton Solent University, the University of Southampton, the Marine Centre of Vocational Excellence and key maritime employers. A free shuttle bus will be running from the station or parking costs £5 on site. For more details visit www.seawork.com.

Karenza Morton