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Merchant Mariner Entry Level information

What is a Merchant Mariner Entry Level job?

A Merchant Mariner Entry Level job involves working on commercial vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, or tugboats, assisting with deck operations, maintenance, and safety procedures. Responsibilities typically include cleaning, securing cargo, standing watch, and helping with navigation and engine room tasks. Entry-level positions, like Ordinary Seaman or Wiper, require a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and basic safety training. This role is a starting point for a maritime career with opportunities for advancement through experience and licensing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Merchant Mariner Entry Level position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merchant Mariner Entry Level, you need basic seamanship skills, physical fitness, and a high school diploma, along with a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with shipboard safety procedures, deck operations, and basic navigation or engine room tools is highly beneficial. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are key soft skills for those entering this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications ensure safety, efficiency, and smooth operations while living and working aboard commercial vessels.

How much do entry level merchant mariner make?

Entry-level merchant mariners typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the vessel type, location, and certifications held. Starting salaries can increase with experience, additional certifications, and specialized skills such as navigation or safety procedures.

What types of schedules and living arrangements should I expect as an entry-level merchant mariner?

Entry-level merchant mariners typically work in shifts, often known as 'watches,' which can include nights, weekends, and extended periods at sea lasting several weeks or months. While on board, you will live in shared quarters with fellow crew members and have access to communal dining and recreation areas. It's common to experience a unique camaraderie as you work closely with a small, diverse team under varying weather and working conditions. Adjusting to life at sea, including limited personal space and extended time away from home, is one of the main challenges of the role, but it also offers the chance to travel internationally and build valuable maritime experience for career advancement.

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Merchant Mariner Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Entry Level job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Intermediate & Experienced Inland Deckhand

Intermediate & Experienced Inland Deckhand

Kirby Corporation

Channelview, TX • On-site

$228/day

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Deckhand participates in the general maintenance of an inland pushboat and barges, works with lines and hard rigging and observes the transfer of products on the barges.
This positions is for those with a minimum of 6 months experience working on an inland pushboat. Those with limited or no experience should apply for the Entry Level Inland Deckhand position.
Responsibilities
SAFETY
  • Inland Deckhands are responsible for supporting the vessel master in the safe and efficient operation of Kirby's boats and barges.
  • Kirby employees are responsible for the adherence to safety rules, and safety instructions from Managers and Supervisors as a requirement for employment with Kirby.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Attach and remove line and cables to and from the vessel, barges, docks and locks
  • Handle lines 4 to 8 times during loading and discharging in order to adjust for the changing height of the barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel
  • Maintain vessel by performing scheduled maintenance and housekeeping such as sweeping, washing the vessel, chipping rusted metal, priming and painting
  • Make minor repairs using tools such as hammers, fire axes and ratchets, hand winches, stripping pumps, needle guns and grinders
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the vessel master (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing clothes)

Qualifications
EXPERIENCE
  • Basic computer skills knowledge required.
  • 12 months of consecutive work experience preferred.
  • 6 months minimum experience on an inland pushboat required

EDUCATION
  • High School or GED required

WORK CONDITIONS
  • Must be able live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family.
  • Work schedule and hours determined by boat. Typical work schedule is a 2 for 1 schedule up to 30 days, with a 12 hour work shift including holidays.
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold.
  • Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.
  • Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from company defined hub cities.

COMPENSATION
  • $228+/DAY, PLUS BENEFITS (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION/401K, ETC.)

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Valid TWIC card must be in hand prior to applying. Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
  • Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 10
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 10
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements
  • Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
  • Valid state issued birth certificate required.
  • Valid social security card required
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
  • Must be able to meet standards of Criteria Skill Assessment (online)
  • Must be able to read and write English
  • Ability to understand written and verbal orders
  • Must not be color blind

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Walk - Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day
  • Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
  • Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)
  • Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet, and carry weight while climbing
  • Grip/Hold/Pull - Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs
  • Lift - Must be able to lift 75lbs.
  • Lift & Carry - Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs for approximately 350 feet
  • Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners credential. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye
  • Hearing - Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements
  • Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required
  • Smell - Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors
  • Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 75%
  • General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.
  • Equipment - Must be able to wear a negative or positive pressure respirator, PVC foul weather gear, personal flotation device, rubber gloves and boots.
  • Ability to use firefighting / spill containment equipment

Apply