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Merchant Marine No Experience Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ladgov Corporation

Percussion Tutor

Kings Point, NY · On-site

Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY 11024, United States. Job Type: Part time. Qualifications: * 2 years of professional experience in music education teaching high school or college and ...

Ladgov Corporation

Percussion Tutor

Kings Point, NY · On-site

Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY 11024, United States. Job Type: Part time. Qualifications: * 2 years of professional experience in music education teaching high school or college and ...

OneWater Marine

Marine Technician

Destin, FL

Proven experience as a marine technician or similar role preferred * Marine Technician ... Note This in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the ...

OneWater Marine

Marine Technician

Destin, FL · On-site

Proven experience as a marine technician or similar role preferred * Marine Technician ... Note This in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the ...

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Merchant Marine No Experience information

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$11K

$38.5K

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

As of Sep 2, 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 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.

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 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.

Is it hard to get a job in Merchant Marine?

Getting a job in the Merchant Marine can be competitive and often requires relevant certifications such as STCW and maritime training. Entry-level positions may be available with minimal experience, but advancing typically involves gaining sea time and additional qualifications.

What disqualifies you from being a Merchant Marine?

Disqualifications for becoming a Merchant Marine include having a criminal record, failing medical examinations, or not meeting age and physical fitness requirements. Additionally, applicants must pass background checks and obtain necessary certifications such as a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

What is the easiest job to start at with no experience in the merchant marine?

The entry-level position of Ordinary Seaman (OS) is often the easiest to start with no experience in the merchant marine. It typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve completing basic safety training such as STCW certification. This role provides on-the-job training and is a common starting point for those new to maritime work.
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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:

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Merchant Marine No Experience jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine No Experience job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,613 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

MATE TUG CLASS I

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Detroit, MI

$48.44 - $56.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Serves as Mate, of a diesel, Class I, tugboat over 65' feet in length, and displacing 500 gross tons, and has up to 2000 horsepower engine(s) or more.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Ensures vessel is prepared to sail at the scheduled time, is seaworthy, properly crewed and fitted to accomplished assigned mission.
  • Serves as timekeeper for the crew members and assists the Master to evaluate the crew's performance.
  • Navigates the vessel during assigned watch.
  • Observes weather conditions, forecasts, barometer, wind velocity, and other weather indicators to determine suitableness for operation.
  • Works from plans or field notes showing location and extent of work to be performed in removing shoals from channel. Locates area and makes necessary arrangement for accomplishing work.
  • Enforces safety regulations and instructs crew both on safety work procedures and work practices peculiar to floating plant.
  • Assigns port watches for safety and security of vessel and creates the schedule and insures equitable assignment of these duties to employees.
  • Sets port watch schedule for safety and security of vessel. Ensures equitable assignment/rotation of workers.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: a Mate of Self-propelled vessels not including auxiliary sail of less than 500 gross register tons (GRT)upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters (or greater/equivalent).
  • Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent).
  • Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Radar Observer (Unlimited)
  • This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R. Individual must pass drug test.
  • This position requires a pre-employment physical exam AND annual physical due to the physical requirement of the position.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state issued motor vehicle driver's license.
  • This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification.
  • This position requires incumbent to wear safety equipment and/or use personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
  • This position requires Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) up to 75% of duty time.
  • Shift work is required during open-water (lake) towing operations.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) MATE TUG CLASS I ~ without more than normal supervision.I have the ability to perform operations of a vessel. I can perform common maintenance to deck machinery. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT
    • Work requires moderate physical effort when lifting up to 40 pounds for loading supplies, winch controls, and performing miscellaneous duties. Work requires walking up and down stairs and ladders, bending, reaching, and standing for long periods. Moderate effort is required during general maintenance work. Coordination of hands, eyes, body, and legs in needed to work safely on wet decks especially when anchored in exposed locations during storms. Close hand and eye coordination is required when operating controls to maneuver vessel and tows in traffic and in confined or narrow areas.

  • WORKING CONDITIONS
    • Work is performed inside and outside of the pilot house, on deck and in other locations of the vessel where there is danger of slipping and falling overboard and drowning. There is exposure to traffic hazards, especially during foggy and inclement weather including high winds, rough seas, and strong currents and at night; A life jacket is worn at all times while on deck. When making repairs employee is exposed to injuries resulting from working around moving machinery and in cramped quarters and may be exposed to fumes from the oil and lubricants used, danger of burns, irritation from grease and oils, bruises, and strains.
    • Responsible for operating vessel through channels, rivers and open water under conditions such as combative winds during open lake towing missions and crane operation; extreme currents in river system operations; open water operation to include over 50 miles from nearest harbor or safe refuge; critical open water operation subject to rapidly changing weather conditions, water levels, high waves, and potential for significant changes in under-keel clearance due to sudden lake level fluctuations; navigating under ice conditions during strike operation in early and late operating seasons; and operating narrow channel areas, congested vessel traffic, small shallow harbors.

Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) 24 Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

The following special programs/incentives may be offered if it is in the best interest of the government:
  • Advanced in-hire (offered to new to federal service employees only)
  • Advanced Leave Accrual (offered to new to federal service employees only)
  • Permanent Change of Station entitlement (PCS)
  • Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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About Army Corps of Engineers

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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