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Merchant Seaman Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman. Required Qualifications: * Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman. Required Qualifications: * Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate ...

Kokosing

Deckhands/Skilled Laborer II

Colonial Heights, VA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an ...

New

Kokosing

Deckhands/Skilled Laborer II

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an ...

Kokosing

Deckhands/Skilled Laborer II

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an ...

New

All JobsMerchant Seaman JobsMerchant Seaman Jobs in Virginia

Merchant Seaman information

See Virginia salary details

$20.4K

$54.5K

$122.1K

How much do merchant seaman jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant seaman in Virginia is $54,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,442.00 and $60,296.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant seaman?

A Merchant Seaman is a professional mariner who works on commercial vessels that transport goods, passengers, or perform specialized maritime services. They can work on cargo ships, tankers, ferries, or offshore supply vessels. Their duties vary by position but may include navigation, engine maintenance, cargo handling, and ship upkeep. Merchant Seamen are essential to global trade and often spend weeks or months at sea. They must meet training and certification requirements set by maritime authorities.

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

To thrive as a Merchant Seaman, you need strong seamanship skills, a basic understanding of maritime operations, and must hold required certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and a valid seafarer’s medical certificate. Familiarity with navigational equipment, safety gear, and shipboard systems is crucial for daily duties. Teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for working efficiently in confined quarters and diverse crews. These competencies ensure safety, operational effectiveness, and smooth collaboration aboard vessels on extended voyages.

What are some typical challenges faced by merchant seamen while working at sea?

Merchant Seamen often face challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to different time zones, and living in close quarters with crew members from diverse backgrounds. The job can involve physically demanding work, changing weather conditions, and the need to maintain strict safety protocols at all times. Additionally, adjusting to a rotational work schedule and handling the isolation of extended voyages can be demanding. However, many find that the global travel experience, camaraderie among crew, and opportunities for career advancement make the career rewarding.

How much does a merchant seaman get paid?

A merchant seaman's salary varies based on experience, rank, and the type of vessel, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 per month. Entry-level positions usually start around $2,500 to $3,500 monthly, while experienced officers can earn over $6,000 to $8,000 monthly, often supplemented by overtime and benefits. Certifications such as STCW are required for employment in this field.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Merchant Seaman jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Merchant Seaman job openings:

Merchant Seaman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Seaman job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,547 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Mate

McAllister Towing

Norfolk, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work.

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking highly qualified Mate to join our team.   Duties and responsibilities are outlined below: 

Mate: 

Description/Job Summary:

The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug.  The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions.  The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.   

Preferred Experience:

  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:

  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate license
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Tractor tug/Z drive experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • STCW 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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