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Merchant Marine Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PRWT Services, Inc.

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Be alert to security violations and suspicious behavior * Respond appropriately to emergency ... Merchant Marine Credentials, any endorsement Other Requirements: * References and verification of ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

$32 - $45/hr

Merchant Marine Academy * Military Class A or C Schools Security Clearance * Must be a U.S. Citizen and will be subject to a security investigation * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret ...

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How much do merchant marine security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine security in the United States is $26.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant marine security?

A Merchant Marine Security job involves protecting vessels, crew members, and cargo from threats such as piracy, terrorism, and theft. Security personnel enforce safety protocols, monitor surveillance systems, conduct inspections, and respond to emergencies. They work under international maritime laws and may collaborate with law enforcement or military forces. Strong situational awareness, physical fitness, and knowledge of security procedures are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in merchant marine security?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Security professional, you need knowledge of maritime security protocols, emergency response procedures, and basic seamanship, often supported by certifications like STCW and security training such as the Vessel Security Officer (VSO) endorsement. Familiarity with access control systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help individuals excel in this field. These capabilities ensure the safety of crew and cargo, support regulatory compliance, and foster a secure seafaring environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by merchant marine security personnel while working onboard ships?

Merchant Marine Security professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying threat levels in international waters and responding quickly to potential security breaches. Working within diverse crews and limited resources, they must maintain constant vigilance, enforce security protocols, and manage incidents ranging from unauthorized access to safety drills. The confined, at-sea environment means teamwork and clear communication are crucial for resolving issues effectively. Adapting to changing regulations and continuous training are also integral to staying prepared for new risks.

How do you get into merchant marine security?

To enter merchant marine security, candidates typically need to obtain relevant maritime security training and certifications such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Maritime Security Awareness or Vessel Security Officer (VSO) credentials. Prior experience in maritime operations, security, or law enforcement can also be beneficial, along with a valid seafarer's medical certificate and background check.

Is merchant marine security a good career?

Merchant marine security involves protecting cargo ships and maritime assets, requiring knowledge of security protocols and maritime regulations. It can offer stable employment, opportunities for advancement, and work in international environments, often with specialized training and certifications. The career demands physical fitness, vigilance, and the ability to work long hours at sea.
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Merchant Marine Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Security job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,353 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Vessel Traffic Management Specialist

United States Coast Guard - ABILITY Job Fair

Port Arthur, TX • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

This vacancy is for a GS - 2150 - 11, Vessel Traffic Management Specialist located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, USCG MARINE SAFETY UNIT PORT ARTHUR in PORT ARTHUR, Texas and Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas.Qualifications:

Basic Requirements: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience or substitution of education for experience or combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:
EDUCATION:

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

EXPERIENCE:

General Experience (for GS-5 positions): For positions in this series other than Marine Transportation, experience that provided a general knowledge and understanding of traffic or transportation programs or operations. For Marine Transportation positions, experience must have been related to determining the terms and conditions for shipping cargo, coordinating storage, scheduling and shipment of goods and ship logistic requirements, such as berths, bunkers, crane service, and computing costs for cargo shipment.

Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5):
  1. 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.

    or

  2. Ship chartering negotiation or administration, such as:
    • Chartering commercial ships and space.
    • Reviewing and approving ship operating and damage expenses and marine insurance premiums.
    • Investigating ocean carrier claims for ship damage.
    • Reviewing and recommending action on cargo shortage and damage claims.
    • Analyzing and applying appropriate precedents and regulations.
    • Establishing rates with commercial carriers for special cargoes according to market conditions.
    • Analyzing statements of ship operating costs, and preparing estimates to adjust rates or determine the most economical method of transportation.

AND (in addition to the above requirement)
To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

  • Working in a maritime transportation operations center applying Federal, State, and municipal regulations governing vessel movement and port safety
  • Independently gather and analyze navigation and traffic data to assess risk, determine safe routing, and support operational decisions
  • Interpret and apply directives and policies to develop and disseminate real-time safety guidance to participating vessels
  • Coordinate traffic management actions with supervisory personnel and partner agencies to ensure compliance and maintain efficient vessel flow
NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.Employment Type: OTHER

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