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Merchant Mariner information

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$17.5K

$40.6K

$86K

How much do merchant mariner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant mariner in the United States is $40,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,000.00 and $43,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 long shifts in a maritime environment. Certification and training in safety protocols are typically required for this role.

Is Merchant Marine hard to get into?

Getting into the Merchant Marine can be competitive and requires meeting physical fitness standards, obtaining relevant certifications such as STCW, and passing background checks. Candidates often need to complete maritime training programs and gain experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships.

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

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 disqualifies you from MMC?

A Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) can be denied or revoked if an applicant has a criminal record, especially for serious offenses, or fails to meet medical and physical fitness requirements. Additionally, providing false information on application materials or failing background checks can disqualify an individual from obtaining or maintaining an MMC.

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.

Can a merchant seaman make over $100,000?

Merchant seamen, especially those with advanced certifications and experience, can earn over $100,000 annually, particularly in senior roles such as chief mate or captain. High-paying positions often require extensive sea time, specialized skills, and the ability to work long schedules on ships or offshore platforms.

What is a Merchant Mariner job?

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.

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Merchant Mariner jobs near you
Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck)

Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck)

US Department of Homeland Security

New York, NY

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 279 rated public sector bodies

Job description

This vacancy is for a GS-2101-12, Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, NMC MARINER COURSE APPROVALS BRANCH.
Qualifications:

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis:

  • Demonstrating serving aboard a vessel or directly supporting afloat operations, applying knowledge of shipboard operations, marine navigation, and the roles responsibilities of vessel personnel to perform assigned duties;
  • Drafting professional correspondence and preparing technical materials tailored to the maritime industry; AND
  • Interpreting and applying international and U.S. laws, regulations, and policies.
NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
Selective Placement Factor(s) must be met in order to receive further consideration. You will be given the opportunity to address these when you apply on-line.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Student Loan - Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent or term position may be eligible for student loan repayment up to $10,000 (pre-tax) for one calendar year. More than one loan may be repaid if the combined repayments do not exceed $10,000. Receipt of this incentive will require a three-year service agreement.

Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003

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