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Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shore Tankerman

Joliet, IL · On-site

$24.25 - $28/hr

Shore Tankerman must be on-call and be able to travel independently. All applicants must have ... S. Merchant Mariner's endorsement as a PIC/DL, and must possess a current, valid TWIC I. Primary ...

Shore Tankerman

Lemont, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Shore Tankerman must be on-call and be able to travel independently. All applicants must have ... S. Merchant Mariner's endorsement as a PIC/DL, and must possess a current, valid TWIC I. Primary ...

Shore Tankerman

Joliet, IL · On-site

$24.75 - $28.75/hr

Shore Tankerman must be on-call and be able to travel independently. All applicants must have ... S. Merchant Mariner's endorsement as a PIC/DL, and must possess a current, valid TWIC I. Primary ...

Independent Merchandiser -Easley

Easley, SC · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

This is a 1099 independent contractor role - not W-2 employment. Work is as-needed gig scheduling; hours and project frequency vary by client, market, and season. CONTINUITY MERCHANDISER NEEDED SRS ...

Merchant Mariner Credential * Merchant Mariner Medical * CPR / First Aid Certification * U.S. Coast ... Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government ...

Independent Merchandiser - Laurel

Laurel, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

This is a 1099 independent contractor role - not W-2 employment. Work is as-needed gig scheduling; hours and project frequency vary by client, market, and season. CONTINUITY MERCHANDISER NEEDED SRS ...

Independent Merchandiser - Laurel

Laurel, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

This is a 1099 independent contractor role - not W-2 employment. Work is as-needed gig scheduling; hours and project frequency vary by client, market, and season. CONTINUITY MERCHANDISER NEEDED SRS ...

Who We Are We are one of the world's largest independent exploration and production companies ... Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) * Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) * Currently ...

Work with contractors, vendors, and port engineers to ensure repairs meet specifications and ... USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with appropriate endorsements (DDE, QMED, or higher) * Strong ...

Showing results 41-60

Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner information

See salary details

$394

$1.1K

$2.1K

How much do independent contractor merchant mariner jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average weekly pay for independent contractor merchant mariner in the United States is $1,089.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $721.15 and $1,211.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor merchant mariner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner, you need a thorough knowledge of maritime operations, navigation, safety protocols, and typically a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with relevant endorsements. Familiarity with shipboard technology, radar systems, GPS navigation, and compliance with international maritime regulations is crucial. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork skills help you excel in challenging environments and coordinate effectively with crew and clients. These competencies are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and lawful movement of goods and personnel at sea.

What is an independent contractor merchant mariner?

Independent contractor merchant mariners are seafaring professionals who work on a contract basis rather than as full-time employees for a single shipping company. They may serve in various roles aboard commercial vessels, such as deck officers, engineers, or crew members, and are hired for specific voyages or periods. These mariners are responsible for managing their own contracts, taxes, and benefits, and they often have greater flexibility in choosing assignments. However, they also bear more responsibility for finding work and maintaining their certifications. Many independent contractor merchant mariners find opportunities through maritime staffing agencies or direct agreements with shipping companies.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner vs Crew Member?

AspectIndependent Contractor Merchant MarinerCrew Member
CredentialsSTCW certifications, Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)Basic safety training, STCW certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOn ships, offshore, maritime industryOn ships, offshore, maritime industry
Employer UsageHired as independent contractor, self-employedEmployed directly or as part of crew, often by shipping companies
Search IntentContractor roles, maritime work, independent maritime jobsShip crew jobs, maritime employment, deck or engine crew

Independent Contractor Merchant Mariners work independently, often contracting directly with shipping companies, and typically hold specific maritime certifications. Crew Members are usually employed by shipping companies or agencies and perform onboard duties as part of a crew. Both roles operate in similar environments but differ in employment status and contractual arrangements.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor merchant mariners, and how can they be managed?

Independent contractor merchant mariners often face challenges such as irregular work schedules, extended periods away from home, and the need to secure their own contracts. Managing these challenges involves maintaining strong professional networks, staying updated with necessary certifications, and being adaptable to varying vessel types and routes. Additionally, independent contractors are responsible for their own benefits and insurance, so proactively managing finances and securing appropriate coverage is crucial for long-term stability.
More about Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Mariner jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Mariner jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Merchant Mariner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,645 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Electronics Technician - Seaward Services - Sea Fighter

Hornblower

Panama City, FL • On-site

$360/wk

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
Seaward Services is seeking an Electronics Officer for the Sea Fighter operation in Panama City, FL. This is a shoreside position for a licensed Merchant Mariner with secret clearance. The Electronics Officer will install, service and repair electronic equipment on board naval vessels.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • The Electronics Technician will be proficient in the use of all electrical and electronic test and monitoring equipment during the performance of repairs and maintenance on electrical and electronic equipment aboard ships, including but not limited to;
    • main propulsion engine
    • diesel and gas turbines
    • engine monitoring and alarm systems
    • fire detection systems
    • bridge control systems
    • Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) equipment
  • The Electronics Technician must have experience in using electronic repair and monitoring tools, such as oscilloscopes, multi-meters and possess good communication skills to interface with a variety of equipment technical representatives.
  • The technician will install, service and repair electronic equipment on board ships. The technician will test, adjust, and troubleshoot components, sub-assemblies, and antennas. They will load, update, and modify software. Technicians will use their knowledge of electronic theory and circuitry to address a variety of technical problems. They will make intelligent use of complex schematics, blueprints, and manuals to accurately achieve assignments.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Must reside in Panama City FL area
  • Systems Engineering experience
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a license or certification as follows:
    • Transportation Worker's Identification Card (TWIC)
    • Basic First Aid
    • Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW-95)
    • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
    • Government Top Security Clearance
    • Merchant Mariner Document (Any unlicensed rating in Deck or Engineering)
  • Integrated Bridges Systems
  • ECDIS
  • Satellite Communications
  • HF and VHF Radios
  • GPS
  • Gyrocompasses
  • Autopilots
  • Sounders
  • PC proficiency
  • Strong knowledge of electronics theory and application
  • Valid FCC General License with Radar Endorsement
  • GMDSS Radio Operator Maintainer License
  • Military experience preferred
  • Prior shipboard watch standing or similar machinery monitoring experience preferred
    #SeawardServices

The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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