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Merchant Mariner Unlicensed Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Interlake Steamship Company

QMED

Middleburg Heights, OH · On-site

**MUST HOLD USCG MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTION (MMC) ENDORSEMENT AS QMED TO APPLY!** Job Summary: A QMED is a more experienced unlicensed position in the engine department responsible for assisting with ...

Chevron

Ordinary Seaman

San Ramon, CA · On-site

... all unlicensed personnel employed on the Company's US Flag seagoing vessels. You must hold a current USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials, STCW 95 endorsements (Basic Training and VPDSD endorsement ...

Chevron

Ordinary Seaman

San Ramon, CA

... all unlicensed personnel employed on the Company's US Flag seagoing vessels. You must hold a current USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials, STCW 95 endorsements (Basic Training and VPDSD endorsement ...

gCaptain

Second Electrician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$120K/yr

United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten months ... unlicensed rating. #J-18808-Ljbffr

gCaptain

Refrigeration Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$106K/yr

United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten months ... unlicensed Engine Department ratings). * STCW Certificate endorsed as: Rating Forming Part of an ...

Mormac Marine Group, Inc.

AB Seaman

Cleveland, OH · On-site

All Great Lakes unlicensed seamen must meet the following requirements: * Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential issued by the US Coast ...

Tamus

Chief Electrical Officer

Galveston, TX · On-site

$9.2K/mo

Possession of or the ability to obtain a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner with the ... Related teaching/ instructional experience instructing cadets or unlicensed personnel. Additional ...

Whoi

Marine Electrician R/V Armstrong

Iselin, NJ

$39.38 - $59.07/hr

S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's credential endorsed as a QMED Electrician or 3rd Assistant ... In addition, all unlicensed personnel must have all applicable training as required by the ...

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Merchant Mariner Unlicensed information

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$33K

$107.6K

$149.5K

How much do merchant mariner unlicensed jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant mariner unlicensed in the United States is $107,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant mariner unlicensed?

Merchant Mariner Unlicensed personnel are crew members who work on commercial vessels but do not hold officer positions. They perform a variety of essential tasks such as maintenance, operations, and support duties on deck, in the engine room, or as part of the steward department. These roles are critical for the smooth operation of ships and include positions like able seaman, ordinary seaman, oiler, and steward. Unlicensed mariners must obtain appropriate credentials, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), and meet training and physical requirements set by the U.S. Coast Guard.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchant mariner unlicensed?

To thrive as a Merchant Mariner Unlicensed, you need basic seamanship knowledge, physical stamina, and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) along with a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with shipboard safety equipment, navigation basics, and adherence to safety regulations are typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient vessel operations and compliance with maritime laws and standards.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by merchant mariners unlicensed, and how can they be managed?

Unlicensed Merchant Mariners often face challenges such as extended periods away from home, adapting to rotating shifts, and working in physically demanding conditions. Additionally, they must be prepared to respond to emergencies and adhere to strict safety protocols. Building strong communication skills, maintaining personal fitness, and fostering teamwork are key strategies to successfully manage these challenges and thrive in the maritime environment.

What is the difference between Merchant Mariner Unlicensed vs Merchant Mariner Licensed?

AspectMerchant Mariner UnlicensedMerchant Mariner Licensed
CredentialsNo formal license required, basic safety trainingRequires specific licenses/certifications (e.g., STCW, AB, OS)
Work EnvironmentDeck crew, entry-level roles on ships and vesselsMore advanced roles, including navigation and engineering
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in shipping, cargo, and passenger vesselsNeeded for supervisory, technical, and specialized positions

The main difference between Merchant Mariner Unlicensed and Merchant Mariner Licensed lies in certification requirements and job responsibilities. Unlicensed mariners perform entry-level tasks without formal licenses, while licensed mariners hold certifications that allow them to undertake more advanced and supervisory roles on ships.

What are popular job titles related to Merchant Mariner Unlicensed jobs?

For Merchant Mariner Unlicensed jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Unlicensed job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,594 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Unlicensed Engineer

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Moran Towing Corporation
Transportation and Warehousing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Moran Towing Corporationexternal

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Familiarize with the current operational status of the vessel and report unsafe situations or opportunities for improvement.

  • Complete general and planned maintenance schedules, keep records, and report on fuel and lube oil usage.

  • Supervise the procurement, loading, use, and transfer of water, fuel oil, and lube oil, and work on deck including docking and mooring operations.

Moran Towing rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Moran Towing Corporation (www.morantug.com) has an opportunity available for an Unlicensed Engineer, for Moran Philadelphia. This is a full-time position.
Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider of commercial ship docking services, marine transportation, LNG support operations, environmental recovery, and commercial diving services. While economies, cultures, markets, and technology will always continue to evolve, our steadfast commitment to partnering with our employees and customers to solve our customers' marine requirements has enabled us to stay the course year after year.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Engineer reports to the Captain or his/her designee as appropriate. The engineer has primary responsibility for the maintenance and operation of all machinery, associated systems and spaces.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Familiarizing himself or herself with the current operational status upon joining a boat with the off-going engineer.
  • Properly turning over his/her duties to his/her relief.
  • Reporting unsafe situations or opportunities for improvement.
  • Completing general and planned maintenance schedules.
  • Keeping the Captain and shoreside management apprised of all conditions, including requirements for maintenance, which may adversely affect the vessel or its operating schedule.
  • Maintaining accurate and complete engine log, maintenance, and engine records.
  • Monthly fuel and lube oil reporting.
  • Supervising the procurement, loading, use, and transfer of:
    • Potable and ballast water,
    • Fuel oil,
    • Lube oil.
  • When acting as PIC, complete and sign proper entries on the Declaration of Inspection form, and in the vessels Oil Transfer Procedure.
  • Monitoring the quality and condition of engineering supplies.
  • Maintaining inventories of adequate spare parts and tools.
  • Working on deck, including ship docking and tug mooring operations.
  • Acting as a lookout.
  • Other duties as designated by the Captain or his/her designee.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC), or, if the applicable waterway is exempt from MMD requirements for mariners, the applicant must apply for a MMC within 60 days of their start date.
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • STCW certification (if required for service).
  • USCG 719k Physical examination meeting Merchant Mariner Medical certification.
  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Maritime experience working aboard a vessel.
  • USCG engineering license.
  • Excellent communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Work safely in a marine setting.
  • Walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Frequently reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently crouch or stoop.
  • Climb/descend stairs and ladders.
  • Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 60 lbs.
  • Occasionally enter and work in enclosed spaces.
  • Withstand exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, rain, cold and or/humidity.

IN RETURN, WE OFFER:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Career development opportunities
  • Team-oriented work environment
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
  • Employee Assistance, Health Advocate, and Wellness Programs
  • Generous 401(k) Plan with employer non-elective, matching, and discretionary contributions
  • Company paid Financial Advice Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program

PAY TRANSPARENCY:
Moran Towing Corporation offers generous benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and competitive salaries based on geographic location. Our target pay range for the Unlicensed Engineerposition is $35.00 - $45.00 per hour. This pay range represents Moran's commitment to pay transparency and is a reasonable estimate of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. The final salary for this role will be determined based on careful consideration of a variety of factors, such as the candidate's exact location, experience, and expertise related to the qualifications.
Moran Towing Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.

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