1

Merchant Mariner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Damage Control Officer (DCO)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$163.81 - $200.21/hr

Possess a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date. Position Specific Requirements: Applicants must possess ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Requirements: · Merchant Mariners Credentials (Mate of Towing-Near Coastal) · Valid Driver License · Valid TWIC Card · Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug Screening · ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Requirements: · Merchant Mariners Credentials (Mate of Towing-Near Coastal) · Valid Driver License · Valid TWIC Card · Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug Screening · ...

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

Requirements: · Merchant Mariners Credentials (Master of Towing-Near Coastal 200 GRT) · Valid Driver License · Valid TWIC Card · Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug ...

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

Requirements: · Merchant Mariners Credentials (Master of Towing-Near Coastal 200 GRT) · Valid Driver License · Valid TWIC Card · Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug ...

Deckhand

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

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.

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

Requirements: · Merchant Mariners Credentials (Master of Towing-Near Coastal 200 GRT) · Valid Driver License · Valid TWIC Card · Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Requirements: · Merchant Mariners Credentials (Mate of Towing-Near Coastal) · Valid Driver License · Valid TWIC Card · Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug Screening · ...

United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date. Position Specific Requirements: * MMC endorsed as: * Qualified Member ...

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC). * Mate of Towing Vessel. * Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). * STCW certification (if required for service). * USCG 719k Physical ...

A valid Merchant Mariner Credential is required. Applicants without a valid Merchant Mariner Credential will not be considered. A 200-Ton Master Towing certification is also required. Experience.

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

A valid Merchant Mariner Credential is required. Applicants without a valid Merchant Mariner Credential will not be considered. A 200-Ton Master Towing certification is also required. Experience.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Merchant Mariner information

See Virginia salary details

$17.4K

$40.2K

$85.3K

How much do merchant mariner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant mariner in Virginia is $40,247.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,800.00 and $43,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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. Certification and training are required, and the work environment can be challenging but rewarding for those interested in maritime careers.

Is it hard to get a merchant mariner job?

Getting a merchant mariner job can be competitive and requires relevant certifications such as STCW and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential. Experience, physical fitness, and the ability to work in challenging environments are also important factors in securing employment in this field.

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 most commonly searched types of Merchant Mariner jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Merchant Mariner jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Merchant Mariner jobs in Virginia?

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

What job categories do people searching Merchant Mariner jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchant Mariner jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Merchant Mariner jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Merchant Mariner job openings:

Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,247 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Damage Control Officer (DCO)

gCaptain

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$163.81 - $200.21/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

DUTIES

Average Annual Salary: $182,014 + up to a $11,418 BONUS

This is the average annual salary not the base pay featured in the job opportunity announcement. All calculations include CIVMAR total take-home pay (including overtime, penalty, etc.).

A recruitment incentive is authorized for eligible selectees and requires a service agreement. Please visit https://sealiftcommand.com/recruitment-bonus for details. Incentive is paid as a lump sum at the beginning of employment with the Command. Mixed Work Schedule, VEOA candidates and Annuitants selected for employment are not eligible for recruitment incentives.

The Damage Control Officer is a Civil Service Mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid‑manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations. MSC provides on‑time logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world, in contested or uncontested environments.

  • Damage Control Officers (DCOs) conduct training based upon MSC and USCG training requirements, ship drills, ship inspections and/or casualty investigations for the MSC civil service marine workforce.
  • They may be assigned to a MSC training center, field site, or on an Afloat Training Team.
  • Implement developing/revising training instructions, guides, etc.; participating/conducting training courses; assisting afloat training teams.
  • Act as safety supervisor during field exercises, conducting inspections and drills aboard ships.
  • Write instructional, investigation and/or inspection reports with recommendations; provide technical advice on damage control issues.
  • Maintain and repair school facilities and equipment as necessary.
  • Represent MSC interests at conferences germane to MSC training and readiness.
  • Report to a Damage Control Leader and, when assigned to a ship, to the ship’s Master.
  • Selected candidates required to sail 30‑45 days annually during high relief request seasons and mission contingencies.

Masters and Department heads may add to these duties to clarify specific shipboard tasks.

Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age.
  • Hold a U.S. Passport with a minimum of seven months of expiration date.
  • Have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and/or Department of Defense (DOD) Common Access Card (CAC) with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration.
  • Possess a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date.

Position Specific Requirements: Applicants must possess credentials that will allow them to serve in seagoing positions, minimally, as either Chief Mate or First Assistant Engineer aboard MSC CIVMAR manned vessels. Therefore, each must have a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as:

  • Master or Chief Mate (Any Gross Tons upon Oceans)
  • Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer (Steam, Motor, or Gas Turbine vessels of Any Horsepower).

STCW Certificate that should accompany the Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC). Able Seafarer – Deck or Able Seafarer – Engine.

Applicants with an Engineer's license must also possess at Universal EPA Ozone Depleting Substances certificate. Applicants with a Deck license must also possess a current Radar Observer endorsement.

Although not required for consideration, candidates that hold Tankerman PIC (person in charge)/DL (dangerous liquids), or the appropriate Towing credentials as specified in 46 CFR 15.805(a)(5), Towing Officers Assessment Record (TOAR), possess credentials or certificates demonstrating proficiency with unusual and technical shipboard operations systems and programs such as Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems, salvage operations, cable operations, command ship operations, or foreign naval auxiliary operations shall provide that information on the Application form.

#J-18808-Ljbffr