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Merchant Marine Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SUNY Maritime College

Battalion Officer

Bronx, NY

... in the Merchant Marine. The School provides a unique, experiential education that prepares ... Regimental Battalion Officers are the direct advisors and mentors to the cadet officers in their ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a ... USN or USCG Officer (03 or higher), Limited Duty Officer (LDO) or Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) with ...

CNIC Careers

ASSISTANT AIRFIELD MANAGER

Coronado, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Experience supervising Operations Duty Officers (ODO's) by setting objectives, evaluating work ... accredited Merchant Marine Academy is qualifying. A transcript must be submitted with your ...

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Merchant Marine Officer information

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$20.5K

$63.6K

$108.5K

How much do merchant marine officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant marine officer in the United States is $63,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a Merchant Marine Officer?

A Merchant Marine Officer’s schedule often involves working in shifts, commonly called watches, which can range from 4 to 8 hours on duty followed by a similar amount of rest. You may spend several weeks or months at sea before returning home for an extended break. The work is highly structured, with clear roles and responsibilities shared among officers and crew, and requires adaptability to changing weather, routes, and operational needs. While at sea, Merchant Marine Officers live aboard the vessel, collaborating closely with engineers, deckhands, and other officers to ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the ship.

What disqualifies you from being a Merchant Marine Officer?

Disqualifications for becoming a Merchant Marine Officer typically include a criminal record, certain medical conditions that impair physical or mental ability, and a failure to meet age or educational requirements. Candidates must also pass background checks, drug tests, and physical examinations, and obtain necessary certifications such as STCW and a valid license. Felony convictions or substance abuse issues can prevent certification and employment in this role.

How do you become a merchant marine officer?

To become a merchant marine officer, you typically need to complete a maritime academy or obtain a relevant license from the U.S. Coast Guard, which involves passing written exams, physical fitness tests, and sea service requirements. Candidates also need to gain relevant certifications such as STCW and accumulate sea time to qualify for licensing and advancement in the field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Merchant Marine Officer?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Officer, you need expertise in navigation, maritime operations, and vessel management, typically gained through a maritime academy degree and U.S. Coast Guard licensing. Familiarity with navigational systems (like ECDIS and GPS), radar, and safety equipment, along with valid STCW certifications, is critical. Strong leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities set exceptional officers apart. These skills ensure safe and efficient vessel operations, effective crew management, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is a Merchant Marine Officer?

A Merchant Marine Officer is a licensed professional who oversees the operation and navigation of commercial vessels, such as cargo ships, tankers, and passenger ships. They ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods and passengers across domestic and international waters. Duties vary by rank but typically include navigation, cargo management, ship maintenance, and crew supervision. Officers must meet U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements and often attend maritime academies for training. The job involves extensive time at sea and requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

More about Merchant Marine Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine Officer jobs? Cities with the most Merchant Marine Officer job openings:
What states have the most Merchant Marine Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchant Marine Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine Officer jobs are:
Merchant Marine Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,572 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Marine Transportation Supervisor (Vessel Master) - SME

Department of Transportation

Massena, NY • On-site

$125K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 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

542nd of 842 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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