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Civilian Mariner information

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$27.5K

$56.7K

$60.5K

How much do civilian mariner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian mariner in the United States is $56,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a civilian mariner?

Civilian mariners, also known as CIVMARs, are civilian crew members who operate and maintain ships for government agencies, most commonly the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Unlike enlisted Navy personnel, civilian mariners are not members of the armed forces, but they perform essential tasks such as navigation, engineering, and logistics support aboard government-owned vessels. Their work ensures the safe and efficient transportation of military cargo, supplies, and personnel around the world. Civilian mariners typically hold positions such as deck officers, engineers, cooks, and other support roles, and they often spend extended periods at sea.

What are some common challenges faced by civilian mariners working on commercial vessels?

Civilian Mariners often encounter challenges such as adapting to extended periods away from home, working in confined spaces, and managing shift work that can disrupt normal sleep patterns. They must also be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and the need to respond quickly to emergencies at sea. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as mariners regularly collaborate with crew members from diverse backgrounds to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civilian mariner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civilian Mariner, you need a solid understanding of maritime operations, navigation, safety protocols, and often a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent certification. Familiarity with shipboard technology, radar, GPS navigation systems, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working efficiently in diverse crews and challenging environments. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of vessels in both routine and emergency situations.

What is the difference between Civilian Mariner vs Merchant Mariner?

AspectCivilian MarinerMerchant Mariner
Required CertificationsSTCW certifications, CPR, first aidSTCW certifications, Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
Work EnvironmentCommercial ships, cargo vessels, passenger shipsCommercial ships, cargo vessels, passenger ships
Employer & IndustryPrivate shipping companies, cruise linesPrivate shipping companies, cruise lines, freight carriers

Both Civilian Mariners and Merchant Mariners work in the maritime industry, often on similar vessels and requiring comparable certifications. The main difference lies in terminology and credentialing, with Merchant Mariner being the official credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Civilian Mariner is a broader term often used interchangeably but may not specify official certification. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right credentials and employment opportunities in the maritime sector.

How to become a civilian merchant mariner?

To become a civilian merchant mariner, individuals typically need to obtain relevant maritime certifications such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and gain experience through training programs or apprenticeships. They must also pass medical examinations and background checks, and may need to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard or equivalent licensing depending on the country. Skills in navigation, safety procedures, and vessel operations are essential for this career.
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Civilian Mariner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civilian Mariner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)

US Department of Homeland Security

Oakland, CA • On-site

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 297 rated public sector bodies

Job description

This vacancy is for a GS-2101-13, Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, NMC MARINER COURSE APPROVALS BRANCH in Location Negotiable After Selection, United States.Qualifications:Basic Requirements: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience or substitution of education for experience or combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:
EDUCATION:

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position.

or

Experience

Specialized Experience: Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled.

AND

To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

  • Demonstrating afloat experience by providing knowledge of the specific roles and responsibilities of vessel personnel, shipboard operations, and marine engineering systems
  • Having the ability to draft professional correspondence and prepare technical materials tailored to the maritime industry
  • Having the ability to interpret and apply international and U.S. laws, regulations, and policies.
NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education can not be substituted for experience at this grade level.

This position has a Selective Placement Factor. Applicants must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement to be considered eligible for this position. Failure to meet this factor will result in an automatic rating of ineligible.

To qualify, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Pathway: Hold (or have held) a valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) in the grade of First Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) or higher.

  • Military Pathway: Possess equivalent military experience as an Assistant Engineer Officer or Chief Engineer (or higher) AND as a qualified Engineer of the Watch (EOW) on vessels of greater than 4,000 HP.

  • Subject Matter Expert Pathway: Have been employed for two (2) or more years as a civilian Subject Matter Engineer Expert in the Mariner Training and Assessment Division at the National Maritime Center (NMC).

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Student Loan - Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent or term position may be eligible for student loan repayment up to $10,000 (pre-tax) for one calendar year. More than one loan may be repaid if the combined repayments do not exceed $10,000. Receipt of this incentive will require a three-year service agreement.

Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003

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