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Merchant Marine No Experience Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MARINE SURVEYOR

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $98K/yr

Seagoing experience as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine. * For GS ... Education There is no educational substitution for a GS-0873-12. There is no educational ...

... an entry level Merchant Mariner document, requiring no experience and no examination. It does ... Marine Engineers * Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers * Supervisory * Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland ...

Working knowledge of the repair and maintenance of marine engines, systems, generators, and ... an entry level Merchant Mariner document, requiring no experience and no examination. It does ...

Bank Teller

Gulf Shores, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

... banking experience and a commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals, we encourage you to apply and become part of our growing team. Why Choose Merchants & Marine Bank?

Be Seen First

No experience? We will train you! We have positions available including Boat Delivery Prep and Cleaning, New Boat Rigging, and Marine Technicians. We offer clean, comfortable working conditions in ...

High School Diploma or GED preferred; equivalent experience or training may be considered. * Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of ...

High School Diploma or GED preferred; equivalent experience or training may be considered. * Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of ...

High School Diploma or GED preferred; equivalent experience or training may be considered. Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of ...

Bank Teller

Gulf Shores, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

... banking experience and a commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals, we encourage you to apply and become part of our growing team. Why Choose Merchants & Marine Bank?

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Merchant Marine No Experience information

See salary details

$11K

$38.5K

How much do merchant marine no experience jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant marine no experience in the United States is $36,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $37,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant marine with no experience?

Merchant Marine jobs with no experience are entry-level positions on commercial ships such as cargo vessels, tankers, and passenger ships. These roles, like Ordinary Seaman (OS) or Wiper, do not require previous maritime experience and serve as a starting point for a career at sea. Duties often include maintenance, cleaning, assisting with cargo operations, and supporting the crew. Entry-level workers receive on-the-job training and can advance to higher positions with experience and additional certifications.

What is the difference between Merchant Marine No Experience vs Merchant Marine Deckhand?

AspectMerchant Marine No ExperienceMerchant Marine Deckhand
Required CertificationsBasic STCW certifications, no prior experience neededSTCW certifications, some maritime experience preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, onboard ships, training providedOnboard ships, hands-on work, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageFamiliar for newcomers, entry point into maritime industryExperienced role, stepping stone to higher deck roles

Merchant Marine No Experience positions are designed for newcomers with minimal or no prior maritime background, often providing training and certifications on the job. Merchant Marine Deckhands typically require some experience or certifications but serve as a more hands-on role on ships. Both roles operate in similar environments onboard vessels, but Deckhands carry more responsibilities. The No Experience role is ideal for those starting their maritime career, while Deckhands are for those seeking to advance within the industry.

What can I expect from the training and onboarding process when starting as a merchant marine with no prior experience?

When starting as a Merchant Marine without previous experience, you can expect to undergo structured training that covers essential safety procedures, maritime regulations, and basic shipboard duties. Most entry-level positions require completion of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Safety Training, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on drills. Onboard, you'll typically be mentored by experienced crew members and gradually take on more responsibilities as you build your skills. The work environment is highly collaborative, and teamwork is key to daily operations, so you'll quickly become familiar with the routines and expectations of life at sea.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a merchant marine with no prior experience?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine with no experience, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and the ability to obtain entry-level credentials like the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Familiarity with basic safety training, shipboard operations, and maritime regulations is gained through completing the required Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses. Strong work ethic, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working in challenging, confined environments at sea. These qualifications and skills ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth vessel operations, especially for those new to the maritime industry.
More about Merchant Marine No Experience jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine No Experience jobs? Cities with the most Merchant Marine No Experience 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 Merchant Marine No Experience jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchant Marine No Experience jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine No Experience jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine No Experience jobs are:
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine No Experience job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,613 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Marine Transportation Supervisor (Vessel Master) - SME

Department of Transportation

Massena, NY

$125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

543rd of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the Office of Lock Operations and Marine Services, Marine Services Division, Massena, NY. You will serve as a working supervisor of the Marine Services Division with major responsibilities for the Corporation’s marine vessels, floating plants, aids to navigation, and hydrographic surveys.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

  • Experience as Vessel Master operating and maintaining vessels, in addition to overseeing shipping channel maintenance, maintaining aids to navigation, responding to emergencies on the water, conducting ship inspections, or investigating vessel incidents/accidents.
  • Experience with various maritime operational practices, procedures, regulations, and policies such as American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) rules and guidelines, or similar, sufficient to assist others on the requirements.
  • Experience operating “Z-drive,” or similar azimuth drive propulsion systems for towing vessels.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. Computer Skills - Use computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
  3. Information Management - Identify a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organize and maintain information or information management systems.
  4. Teamwork - Encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; foster commitment and team spirit; work with others to achieve goals.

For all types of consideration, 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.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials, or you will be rated ineligible.  Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Education:Individual Occupational Requirements:

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, nautical science, marine affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, or other fields related to the position. For Marine Transportation Specialist positions, education obtained in a Federal, State, or other accredited Merchant Marine Academy is qualifying. 

OR

For Marine Transportation positions, experience in:

  • Planning, directing, and supervising cargo or bulk petroleum movements such as: 
  • Embarkation and debarkation, cargo loading and discharge.
  • Formulating marine transportation itineraries and routings according to commercial cost factors and tariffs.
  • Formulating marine transportation traffic plans for personnel and cargo.
  • Scheduling ships.
  • Developing, analyzing, or evaluating cargo lift capabilities.
  • Preparing statistics for planning operations of ships, or formulating budgetary estimates of cargo transportation costs.
  • Serving as a licensed merchant marine deck or engine officer or naval deck or engine officer.
Employment Type: OTHER

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