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Merchant Mariner Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Merchant Mariner information

See Indiana salary details

$16.7K

$38.6K

$81.8K

How much do merchant mariner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant mariner in Indiana is $38,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23,800.00 and $41,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a merchant mariner a good job?

A merchant mariner is a professional who operates and maintains ships involved in commercial transportation. The job offers opportunities for travel, good pay, and benefits, but also involves long periods away from home, physical demands, and safety risks. It requires certifications such as STCW and a strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

What does a merchant mariner do?

A merchant mariner operates and maintains ships that transport goods and passengers across waterways. They perform tasks such as navigation, cargo handling, safety procedures, and vessel maintenance, often working in shifts on ships or in port facilities. Certification and safety training are typically required for this role.

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

To thrive as a Merchant Mariner, you need strong navigation, vessel operations, and seamanship skills, usually supported by a high school diploma and completion of maritime training programs. Certification through the U.S. Coast Guard, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and relevant STCW endorsements, is typically required along with proficiency in shipboard technology and safety systems. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills due to the collaborative and dynamic nature of life at sea. These abilities ensure safety, efficiency, and seamless operations aboard vessels of all sizes and mission types.

What is a typical work schedule like for a merchant mariner?

Merchant Mariners often work in rotating shifts, which can include long periods at sea—sometimes weeks or months at a time—followed by extended time off on shore. Schedules can vary based on the type of vessel and voyage, but most mariners follow watch systems to ensure 24/7 vessel operations. This lifestyle requires adaptability to irregular hours and the ability to work well within a close-knit crew. Over time, seafarers may advance to higher-ranking positions such as Chief Mate or Captain, depending on experience and certifications. You’ll enjoy a unique work-life rhythm and the opportunity to travel widely while developing diverse maritime skills.

What is a merchant mariner?

A Merchant Mariner is a professional who works on commercial ships transporting goods, passengers, or performing specialized maritime services. They can serve in various roles, including deck officers, engineers, and crew members, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of vessels. Merchant Mariners may work on cargo ships, tankers, passenger vessels, or offshore supply vessels, often spending weeks or months at sea. They require specific maritime training, certifications, and credentials issued by the U.S. Coast Guard or relevant authorities. The job demands physical endurance, technical knowledge, and the ability to work in challenging environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Mariner jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Merchant Mariner jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Merchant Mariner jobs in Indiana? For Merchant Mariner jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Mariner jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Mariner jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Merchant Mariner jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Merchant Mariner job openings:
Merchant Mariner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,629 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Line Haul Towboat Pilot

Evansville Marine Service

Evansville, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 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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