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Internship Merchant Marine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Internship Merchant Marine information

See salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do internship merchant marine jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship merchant marine in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Merchant Marine vs Deck Cadet?

AspectInternship Merchant MarineDeck Cadet
Required CredentialsBasic maritime training, STCW certificationSTCW certification, maritime academy attendance
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, training vesselsOnboard ships, training ships
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, maritime training programsShipping companies, maritime academies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Internship Merchant Marine and Deck Cadet roles both involve maritime training and onboard experience. The main difference is that internships are often short-term training programs, while deck cadet positions are part of a formal maritime education pathway leading to certification. Both roles prepare individuals for careers in the merchant marine industry, with similar credentials and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Merchant Marine, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Merchant Marine, you need foundational maritime knowledge, basic seamanship, and often enrollment in a maritime academy or completion of relevant coursework. Familiarity with navigation systems, shipboard safety protocols, and sometimes STCW certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, efficient vessel operations, and successful integration into the shipboard environment.

What are Internship Merchant Marine positions?

Internship Merchant Marine positions are training roles designed for students or recent graduates interested in a maritime career. These internships provide hands-on experience aboard ships or at ports, allowing interns to learn about navigation, cargo operations, safety procedures, and ship maintenance under the supervision of experienced professionals. The goal is to give interns practical knowledge and skills that can lead to future employment as a merchant mariner. Internships may vary in duration and specialization depending on the company or educational program. Completing such an internship is often a valuable step toward obtaining required maritime certifications.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect during a Merchant Marine internship?

During a Merchant Marine internship, you can expect to assist with a variety of duties such as ship maintenance, navigation watchstanding, cargo operations, and safety drills. Interns often rotate through different departments, including deck, engineering, and sometimes the galley, to gain broad exposure. You'll work closely with experienced officers and crew, learning both practical seamanship and regulatory compliance. The environment is typically fast-paced and requires adaptability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety protocols.
What cities are hiring for Internship Merchant Marine jobs? Cities with the most Internship Merchant Marine job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Marine jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Merchant Marine jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Merchant Marine jobs include:
2026 Cadet Program for Pre-Registered Students

2026 Cadet Program for Pre-Registered Students

G&H Towing Company

Galveston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Since 1934, G&H Towing has provided harbor ship escorts, docking, and undocking, in the ports of Galveston, Houston, Texas City, Corpus Christi, and Freeport, Texas on behalf of tanker, bulk, and container customers. At G&H Towing we value our people and invest in their growth, our fleet, and safety measures. We are proud of our people, and the generations of families that have been part of the G&H team.


The job posting is open to pre-registered students referred by local High Schools and Universities participating in the summer Internship program for 2025.

Job Responsibilities

  • Adhering to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI), Per 46 C.F.R 140.210 (1)
  • Cleaning and scouring machinery spaces and equipment
  • Cleaning living quarters, including their personal quarters, wheelhouse, galley,
  • Complying with this Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) and with all applicable regulations
  • Conducting machinery maintenance
  • Duties as directed by the Chief Engineer, unless serving at DEU for deck duties, in which case they must report to the OICNW.
  • heads and passageways
  • Maintaining engine room cleanliness by practicing good housekeeping and by keeping the engine room neat, clean, and free from slipping or tripping hazards (such as fuel on deck)
  • Making up the lines for vessel handling
  • Minimizing any distractions from safely performing their duties per 46 C.F.R. 140.210 (5) ensuring the Officer in Charge of a Navigation Watch (OICNW) is made aware of all known aspects of the condition of the vessel
  • Reporting unsafe conditions to the Master or OICNW and for taking early and positive action to prevent accidents
  • Responsible and accountable to the chief engineer when not under the operational direction of the Master or OICNW
  • Responsible for the overall safety of the crew and for preventing environmental pollution incidents
  • Standing lookout per 46 C.F.R 140.630
  • Stopping work whenever he/she feels that the evolution is dangerous and that hazards cannot be mitigated, then they are responsible for implementing stop work responsibility as outlined in TSMS Section 6.8 Stop Work Responsibility

Required Licensure & Certifications

  • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
  • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Medical Certificate
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration

Working Conditions

  • Out-of-region travel may be required to work at any port in which G&H Towing operates
  • Work schedule will be assigned based on business needs, workdays will typically be 7 days on and 7 days off
  • Work will be primarily performed on the vessel with additional shoreside seminars and or training