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Marine Interdiction Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Marine Interdiction Agent information

What challenges do Marine Interdiction Agents face in maritime environments?

Marine Interdiction Agents often encounter unpredictable weather, changing sea conditions, and the need to quickly assess potential threats in dynamic maritime settings. These challenges require strong situational awareness, adaptability, and teamwork to ensure both personal safety and mission success. Agents regularly coordinate with other federal, state, and local agencies to conduct successful interdictions and must remain vigilant, as maritime operations can involve long hours and unexpected developments.

How do I become a Marine Interdiction Agent?

To become a Marine Interdiction Agent, candidates typically need to meet age, education, and physical fitness requirements, pass a background check, and complete specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Prior experience in law enforcement, military, or related fields can be advantageous, and applicants often need to obtain a security clearance. The role involves working in maritime environments to detect and prevent illegal activities such as drug trafficking and smuggling.

How much do Marine Interdiction Agents make?

Marine Interdiction Agents typically earn a salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and rank. They often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, with opportunities for advancement and specialized training in maritime law enforcement.

What is a Marine Interdiction Agent?

Marine Interdiction Agents are federal law enforcement officers who work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) division. Their primary role is to patrol the nation's maritime borders and intercept illegal activities, such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, and unauthorized entry into the United States. They operate a variety of watercraft and work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to secure U.S. waters. Marine Interdiction Agents must undergo specialized training and are often stationed at coastal locations, ports, and waterways.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Marine Interdiction Agent?

To thrive as a Marine Interdiction Agent, you need strong knowledge of maritime law enforcement, navigation skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, along with U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass rigorous physical and background checks. Familiarity with marine radar, GPS navigation systems, and firearms certification are typically required for effective operations. Outstanding situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help agents excel in high-pressure and rapidly changing environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe and successful interdiction of illegal activities on U.S. waterways.

What is the difference between Marine Interdiction Agent vs Border Patrol Agent?

AspectMarine Interdiction AgentBorder Patrol Agent
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training in maritime law enforcementHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in border security and law enforcement
Work EnvironmentMaritime settings, coastlines, and portsLand borders, checkpoints, and remote areas
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border Protection, maritime enforcementU.S. Customs and Border Protection, land border security

Both roles are part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and involve law enforcement, but Marine Interdiction Agents focus on maritime environments, while Border Patrol Agents operate primarily on land borders. They share similar credentials and training but differ in work settings and specific duties.

More about Marine Interdiction Agent jobs
What states have the most Marine Interdiction Agent jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Interdiction Agent jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Marine Interdiction Agent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Interdiction Agent jobs are:
Infographic showing various Marine Interdiction Agent job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Marine Interdiction Agent with Security Clearance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Hollywood, FL • On-site

$191K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Marine Interdiction Agent - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES! Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those with Merchant Mariner Credentials the exceptional opportunity of a career in law enforcement working with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission protecting America. If you're looking for an exciting and rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move: become a Marine Interdiction Agent. AMO is actively seeking applicants to fill full-time security-based positions with the nation's largest law enforcement organization charged with maintaining the security of our national borders while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES - SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW! Salary and Benefits Begin your career as a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) and make up to $76,745-$142,199per year based on your qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location. Recruitment Incentive: New hires that are eligible may receive a one-time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 after completing Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) (1 year service agreement will need to be completed) (Recruitment Incentive is only available to new Federal employees. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.) Example annual compensation for the first three years at our CAMB and subordinates new-hire locations (RUS + LEAP + 25% Retention Incentive after one year of service). * GS-11 1st year annual pay - $105,931 * GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $137,977 * GS-13 3rd year of annual pay - $164,075 Example annual compensation for the first three years at our Key West, Key Largo, and Marathon, FL new-hire locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP) * GS-11 1st year annual pay - $112,168 * GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $146,946 * GS-13 3rd year of annual pay - $174,739 Example annual compensation for the first three years at our Long Beach, CA new-hire locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP + 25% Retention Incentive after one year of service) * GS-11 1st year annual pay - $121,840 * GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $160,859 * GS-13 3rd year of annual pay - $191,284 This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12 and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52-weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval) and any additional training, licensing, and certification requirements. Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering. Recruitment Incentive (RI) : Upon Entrance on Duty (EOD), you may be eligible to receive a Recruitment Incentive * LEAP: Law Enforcement Availability Pay (25% Everyone) * RI: Retention Incentive (25% for Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) Locations, Key Largo, FL, Key West, FL, Marathon, FL and Long Beach, CA) *Retention Incentive is contingent on eligibility. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources Duty Locations A duty location will be offered after successful completion of the pre-employment process. The duty location listed in the final offer letter may include any geographic location within the Southwest Region, Southeast Region or Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. Note: Your opportunity for final selection is increased based on your flexibility to Enter on Duty at priority duty location. Current possible duty locations include: * Southeast Region: Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Marathon, FL and CAMB: Fajardo, Mayaguez, Ponce, and San Juan PR; and Saint Thomas, VI * Northern Region: Bellingham, WA Limited Duty Locations as of - 12/1/2025 Applying to this JOA does not guarantee any of the locations listed below will still be available once you've completed the pre-employment process. Locations are offered based on the current needs of the service at that time. * Northern Region: Port Huron, MI * Southeast Region: Houma, LA * Southwest Region: San Diego, CA Duties and Responsibilities As a Marine Interdiction Agent, you will perform marine-based law enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States. Typical duties may include: * Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities. * Interpreting radar data to calculate appropriate intercept while tracking vessels and people to a successful interdiction. * Searching persons, vessels, baggage, and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest. * Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence. Qualifications This GS-11 grade level position has a selective factor: As a minimum qualification requirement all candidates must have a qualifying Merchant Mariner Credential. See the U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) section that is listed below for qualifying capacities. You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: * Independently applying advanced skill in controlling/commanding law enforcement scenes to include conducting searches, making arrests, processing arrests and seizure of evidence and property. * Conducting investigative inquiries using various techniques, examining files and records, physical and documentary evidence to identify logical conclusions. * Utilizing cameras and other electronic high-tech surveillance equipment to gather evidence, collect, evaluate, and then preserve that physical and documentary evidence. * Highly skilled in writing comprehensive arrest, criminal and incident reports. * Assisting government or state attorneys in preparation for court cases or grand juries, testifies as a law enforcement officer in court proceedings, and administrative forums. * Considerable experience applying arrest authorities and constitutional law in various alleged criminal situations, or knowledge and experience of CBP laws, regulations, policies, legal precedent. OR GS-11 Education Substitution for experience: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M. OR Combining Experience and Education: A combination of successfully completed post-bachelors' education (above) and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. AND U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC): You must submit a valid, legible copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential at time of application. Your copies must include the expiration and capacity pages of your MMC. * Qualifying Capacities are Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV), Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans), Chief Mate, Second Mate, and Third Mate Unlimited Oceans or Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans) * OR An Accepted MMLD Application: You must submit proof an accepted MMLD application, for a MMC with a qualifying capacity, and a credential status that is in a positive standing. It cannot be pending additional information for MMLD application process. You must have your Official MMC Credential in hand at the time of scheduling and at assessment appointment. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Other Requirements Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). AGE WAIVER: Creditable law enforcement officer service - Covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), or creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(36) (as a Customs and Border Protection Officer) on or after July 6, 2008, may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). Veterans' Preference Eligibility - To ensure compliance with statutes pertaining to the appointment of preference eligible veterans as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board in its decision Isabella v. Dept of State , the maximum age for original appointment articulated above shall not apply to the hiring of individuals entitled to veterans' preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C. 3312. You must submit proof of Veteran's Preference (DD-214 Member 4 Copy) at the time of application. Training: This position has a training requirement. You may be required to successfull

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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003