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Merchant Mariner Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

QMED/Wiper

Panama City, FL · On-site

$225.98/hr

Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an entry level QMED/Wiper for shipboard positions at Tyndall ... Current Merchant Mariners Document with the Ordinary Seaman/Wiper/Oiler rating and a minimum of one ...

Bowhead

QMED/Wiper

Panama City, FL

$225.98/day

Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an entry level QMED/Wiper for shipboard positions at Tyndall ... Current Merchant Mariners Document with the Ordinary Seaman/Wiper/Oiler rating and a minimum of one ...

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Merchant Mariner Entry Level information

What is a merchant mariner entry level?

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 as a merchant mariner entry level?

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.

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.

How much does an entry-level merchant mariner make?

An entry-level merchant mariner typically earns 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 training.

How to become a merchant mariner entry level with no experience?

To become an entry-level merchant mariner with no experience, applicants typically need to complete a maritime training program such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and obtain necessary certifications like Basic Safety Training. Some employers offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships, and a valid medical certificate and physical fitness are also required for licensing and employment onboard vessels.
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Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Entry Level job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution.

QMED/Wiper

Bowhead

Panama City, FL • On-site

$225.98/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
QMED/Wiper (TYAFB-2026-25973):
Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an entry level QMED/Wiper for shipboard positions at Tyndall Air Force Base, Tyndall, FL.
Responsibilities
The QMED/Wiper is the engineering department utility man and performs a variety of tasks including:
  • Primarily works at the engine department cleaning, painting, oiling and greasing of machinery equipment and assisting in repair. as well as to keep the vessel clean and conduct general maintenance.
  • Oils and grease moving parts of engines and auxiliary equipment. May stand engine room watches and/or lookout watches, scale and chip paint, paint, handle lines in the mooring of the ship, and assists in the actual tying up and letting go of the vessel.
  • Assists in handling and operation of all deck gear such as topping cradling and housing of the booms and may assist in carpentry work.

The QMED/Wiper assists the Engineer in the following:
  • Scales, buffs, and paints decks and structures.
  • Sweeps and washes deck; splices wire and rope.
  • Breaks out, rigs, overhauls, and stows cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear; secures cargo; launches and recovers boats.
  • May rig and operate hydrographic and other specialty winches; handle and stow oceanographic explosives; and stage and stow beach support equipment.
  • When assigned to watch duty, performs a variety of duties, including looking for obstructions in path of vessel, steering vessel, serving on security patrol, and standing gangway watch.

Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Current Merchant Mariners Document with the Ordinary Seaman/Wiper/Oiler rating and a minimum of one (1) year experience.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) required.
  • Must have a valid / current U.S. Passport.

Desired health and safety certifications include:
  • Basic First Aid
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

SUPPLEMENT SKILLS INCLUDE:
  • Communication skills including the ability to provide explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background experience in the subject matter.
  • Writing skills necessary to communicate technical information.
  • Strong interpersonal/team skills and the proven ability to often deal with situations where immediate low-level satisfactory resolution of issues must be achieved.

Target salary is $225.98/day commensurate with experience
Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Physical Demands: The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to: dock, port, bay, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is:
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle, move, manipulate or feel objects, talk and/or hear.
  • Frequently required to stand and/or walk and routinely required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Routinely required to stand, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or squat.
  • Frequently lifts and /or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 75 pounds.
  • Occasionally lifts and/or moves 75-100 pounds with the assistance of deckhands and/or heavy lifting equipment

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