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Merchant Marine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA ยท On-site

$18/hr

Merchant Marine Credentials, any endorsement Other Requirements: * References and verification of work history * DMV records check * Fingerprint-based criminal history records check * Drug screening ...

Marine Oiler

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Candidate(s) selected for the Marine Oiler position through this posting will be hired on a ... The license or Merchant Mariner's Document with endorsement must be maintained for the duration of ...

Candidate(s) selected for the Marine Oiler position through this posting will be hired on a ... The license or Merchant Mariner's Document with endorsement must be maintained for the duration of ...

Candidate(s) selected for the Marine Oiler position through this posting will be hired on a ... The license or Merchant Mariner's Document with endorsement must be maintained for the duration of ...

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsement and medical certificate must be maintained for ... MARINE OILER(FERRY OPERATIONS) - 91547 Qualifications 1. Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard ...

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsement and medical certificate must be maintained for ... MARINE OILER(FERRY OPERATIONS) - 91547 Qualifications 1. Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard ...

$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 ...

Marine Oiler

Staten Island, NY ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsement and medical certificate must be maintained for ... MARINE OILER(FERRY OPERATIONS) - 91547 Qualifications 1. Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard ...

$24.50 - $29.25/hr

The Marine Mechanic will be responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining, and ... U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential or Merchant Mariner Document with a Qualified Member ...

Showing results 41-60

Merchant Marine information

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$10

$26

$38

How much do merchant marine jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine in the United States is $26.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work as a merchant marine?

A Merchant Marine needs strong seamanship, navigation, and mechanical knowledge, often supported by completion of maritime academies and possession of relevant licenses such as those issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Familiarity with shipboard machinery, navigation systems like ECDIS, and safety protocols is essential. Adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are valuable soft skills for thriving in the dynamic maritime environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe operations, efficient voyages, and effective collaboration under challenging conditions at sea.

What are the typical working conditions and schedule like for merchant marines?

Merchant Mariners often work on ships for extended periods, typically following a rotational schedule such as several weeks or months at sea followed by time off. The work environment can be demanding, involving long shifts, confined living quarters, and exposure to varying weather conditions. Daily responsibilities include operating and maintaining the vessel, performing safety drills, and collaborating closely with other crew members to ensure smooth shipping operations. Despite these challenges, the role offers unique opportunities for travel, camaraderie, and career advancement within the maritime industry.

Is it hard to get a merchant marine job?

Getting a merchant marine job can be competitive and requires relevant certifications such as STCW and maritime training. Experience, physical fitness, and the ability to work long hours in challenging environments are also important factors in securing employment in this field.

What exactly do the merchant marine do?

The merchant marine is composed of civilian ships and personnel that transport goods, cargo, and passengers across international and domestic waters. They operate and maintain ships, often requiring certifications and training in navigation, safety, and seamanship, and work in various environments including ports and open seas.
More about Merchant Marine jobs

What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine jobs?

Cities with the most Merchant Marine 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 jobs?

States with the most job openings for Merchant Marine jobs include:

Infographic showing various Merchant Marine job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

This vacancy is for a GS - 2150 - 11, Vessel Traffic Mgt Spec located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, SECTOR NEW ORLEANS WATERWAYS MANAGEMENT DIVISION in NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana.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:
Degree: 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:
  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 meeting one of the the above Basic (IOR) Requirements)

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 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