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Merchant Mariner Credential Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Merchant Mariner Credential information

See Indiana salary details

$25.7K

$49.7K

$67.1K

How much do merchant mariner credential jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant mariner credential in Indiana is $49,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $57,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a merchant mariner credential get paid?

A merchant mariner credential itself does not determine salary; earnings depend on the specific maritime role, experience, and vessel type. Entry-level positions may start around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced mariners can earn over $100,000 with additional certifications and specialized skills.

Is it hard to get a merchant mariner credential?

Obtaining a merchant mariner credential requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, passing written exams, and completing a drug test. The process involves gaining relevant sea service experience and obtaining necessary certifications, which can take several months depending on individual circumstances.

What are the typical work environments and schedules for someone holding a merchant mariner credential?

Individuals holding a Merchant Mariner Credential can expect to work in a variety of maritime environments, such as cargo ships, passenger vessels, towboats, or offshore supply vessels. Schedules often involve extended periods at sea, sometimes ranging from a few days to several months, followed by periods off duty. Work is typically organized in shifts or 'watches' to ensure 24-hour operations, and the onboard environment requires teamwork and adaptability to confined living conditions. Collaboration with crewmates and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential parts of daily responsibilities. This career offers unique travel opportunities and the experience of close-knit teamwork while facing the challenges of life at sea.

What is a merchant mariner credential?

A Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is a certification issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that qualifies individuals to work aboard commercial vessels. It serves as an official identification and ensures that mariners meet necessary training, medical, and security requirements. Jobs with an MMC can include deckhands, engineers, captains, and other maritime roles on cargo ships, ferries, tugboats, and other vessels. The type of work depends on the endorsements a mariner holds, such as Able Seaman or Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED). To obtain an MMC, applicants must complete training, pass a medical exam, and undergo a background check.

What can I do with a merchant mariner credential?

A merchant mariner credential allows individuals to work aboard commercial vessels in roles such as deck officer, engineer, or crew member. It certifies their qualifications to operate ships, perform safety procedures, and handle navigation and cargo tasks in the maritime industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the merchant mariner credential position?

To thrive with a Merchant Mariner Credential, candidates need a solid understanding of nautical operations, navigation, safety protocols, and must meet medical and physical standards as set by the U.S. Coast Guard. Familiarity with vessel communication systems, safety equipment, and compliance documentation is essential, and holding the official MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential) is mandatory. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working effectively in sometimes challenging maritime environments. These skills ensure not only individual safety and regulatory compliance but also contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of vessel operations.

What are popular job titles related to Merchant Mariner Credential jobs in Indiana? For Merchant Mariner Credential jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Mariner Credential jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Mariner Credential jobs in Indiana are:
Merchant Mariner Credential jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Credential job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,709 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Line Haul Towboat Pilot

Evansville Marine Service

Evansville, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel.
  • Responsible for aiding in the safety of all coworkers.
  • Report any and all hazardous or unsafe conditions and making corrections when able.
  • Make and break tow for customer vessels and other EMS boats.
  • Pick up and deliver barges to and from customer docks.
  • Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment.
  • Participate in all drills and safety meetings.
  • Learn and perform assigned duties in emergency situations.
  • Learn when to use PPE and know the right type(s) to use for any task.
  • Ordering stores and supplies on a regular basis.
  • Taking on fuel, water, oil, etc.
  • Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees.
  • Conduct daily safety inspections of equipment and vessel structure, including walking and visually inspecting the exterior of each deck, the engine room, the wheelhouse, and any other areas of the vessel that are critical to the safety of the vessel and the crew.
  • Assist new crewmembers on tow for training purposes, including donning PPE, which may include a personal flotation device (PFD), as well as eye protection, face protection, splash protection, foot protection, hearing protection, or hand protection, depending on the task.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Speak, read, and write English well enough to maintain vessel logs, read training materials, and follow written instructions.
  • Climb at least 3 sets of stairs or ladders in short succession (from wheelhouse to engine room).
  • Hear and respond to radio communications with significant background noise.
  • Lift, pull, push, and carry ship's stores, vessel's rigging and other equipment up to 70lbs over distances of up to 1000'.
  • Perform general vessel maintenance in tight quarters, including stooping, crouching, and crawling while using hand tools and power tools.
  • Routinely walk and maintain balance across uneven, slippery, or unstable surfaces without assistance
  • Step over high doorsills, bullrails, and other structural obstacles.
  • Walk up or down a ramp with an incline of up to 10° (17% grade), and length up to 100'

EMERGENCY DUTIES
In addition to the routine physical standards above, a Pilot may face emergency situations that require brief but intense physical activity during drills and training. As mariners, we are our own First Responders, and must be able to:
  • Participate in drills that may include carrying firefighting equipment up several flights of stairs, retrieving objects from the water, and carrying dewatering pumps in a short amount of time.
  • Assist an injured person from a barge to the boat.
  • Carry a 40lb extinguisher up one or more flights of stairs.
  • Crawl on all fours across steel decking to escape a smoke-filled area.
  • Extract an unconscious person from a vessel in distress.
  • Hear, and rapidly respond to, alarms, bells, and whistles.
  • In short succession, carry a 50lb de-watering pump, carry a 5g gas can, and carry accompanying hoses (20-30lbs each);
  • Set up and start the de-watering pump and effectively operate a firehose under high pressure.
  • Retrieve an unconscious adult from the water and onto the boat.
  • Throw a 5lb ring buoy at least 25' and retrieve it with an adult attached.
  • Unface and face-up the boat alone to retrieve unconscious or immobile victims from the water or from a barge.

This list is not exhaustive. Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the vessel to which they are assigned, and those duties may include assisting other teams at EMS as needed.
Requirements
  • Applicants must possess a valid Merchant Mariner's Credential with a Western Rivers endorsement, a valid Medical Certificate, a valid TWIC card, and at least a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
  • Applicants must meet the Physical Requirements and be able to perform the Emergency Duties itemized above.
  • Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment DOT 5-panel Urine Drug Test.

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