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No Experience Cargo Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Cargo and Freight Agents (88H)

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

No experience necessary. Position is entry level. REQUIREMENTS: * A U.S. citizen or permanent ... Cargo Documentation. BENEFITS: Financial Benefits: * Salary and Bonuses: Competitive base pay with ...

US AVIATION SERVICES

Cargo Office Agent

Houston, TX · On-site

$15/hr

... No experience? No problem--we'll teach you everything you need to know ✔ Opportunities for Growth - Many of our supervisors and managers started on the front lines Position Summary The Cargo Office ...

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No Experience Cargo Ship information

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$13

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$36

How much do no experience cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for no experience cargo ship in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a no experience cargo ship?

A No Experience Cargo Ship job is an entry-level position on a cargo vessel that does not require prior maritime experience. These roles typically include deckhands, wipers, or galley staff, where employees assist with maintenance, cleaning, and basic ship operations. Employers often provide on-the-job training to help new hires learn essential skills. These positions can be a great way to start a maritime career and work toward more advanced roles with experience and certifications.

What tasks and responsibilities can I expect as a newcomer on a cargo ship with no prior experience?

As a new hire with no previous cargo ship experience, you will typically start with basic duties such as assisting with loading and unloading cargo, cleaning and maintaining ship areas, and supporting more experienced crew members with daily operations. You may also participate in safety drills and routine inspections to ensure compliance with maritime regulations. These entry-level responsibilities provide hands-on exposure to the workings of the ship and allow you to learn essential maritime practices on the job. Working closely with a multicultural team, you'll gain valuable industry experience, laying the groundwork for future roles with greater responsibility and advancement opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the no experience cargo ship position?

To thrive in an entry-level cargo ship position with no prior experience, a strong work ethic, physical stamina, and the ability to follow safety procedures are crucial. Familiarity with basic safety gear and willingness to obtain certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) can be advantageous. Teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are important soft skills for working efficiently in close-quarters with an international crew. These competencies ensure safety, smooth daily operations, and a positive onboard environment while building a foundation for advancement in the maritime industry.

How hard is it to get a job on a cargo ship?

Getting a job as a cargo ship crew member typically requires basic physical fitness, a valid maritime or STCW certification, and sometimes prior maritime training or experience. Entry-level positions are available, but competition can be high, and employers often look for reliability and the ability to work long shifts in a challenging environment.
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No Experience Cargo Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various No Experience Cargo Ship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Vessel Crew Member - No Experience Required!

Metson Group

Ventura, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

You’ll Love Working with us:

Metson Marine Services, Inc. (MMSI) is a leading maritime services company with over 40 years of experience providing ocean transportation, vessel operations, and marine environmental support services. Serving both commercial and government clients, MMSI operates a diverse fleet supporting a wide range of missions, including crew transportation, offshore support, oil spill response, marine surveying, and specialized maritime operations. Since 1997, MMSI has also managed and maintained government-owned vessels and small craft, delivering reliable maritime solutions in support of critical mission requirements.


Core Values:

As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, MMSI is dedicated to:

  • Protecting shipboard and shore side personnel
  • Protecting our vessels and facilities
  • Protecting the environment
  • Meeting or exceeding customer requirements

Geographic locations in which MMSI currently operates include the U.S East, Gulf & West Coasts, and Alaska. The Corporate Office is in Southern California (Ventura) and its Regional Boat Maintenance Center a technically advanced facility in Woodbine Georgia.

How you would make an impact/key responsibilities:


We are seeking an Ordinary Seaman (OS) / Vessel Crew Member to join the Self Defense Test Ship team and support safe, efficient vessel operations and deck maintenance.

In this hands-on role, you will help maintain the ship’s deck and superstructure through cleaning, painting, and general upkeep, while also handling rigging, deck equipment, and cargo operations. You’ll assist with launching and recovering boats and may operate winches and other support equipment as needed.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, physical work in a maritime environment and wants to be part of a critical operational team.

Physical Demands

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. or more on a regular basis
  • Ability to work on decks, rigging, boats, and confined spaces in all weather conditions
  • Ability to climb ladders, stand, bend, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods
  • Ability to work safely around machinery, moving equipment, and cargo-handling gear

Work Environment

  • Primarily shipboard and deck areas exposed to varying weather conditions
  • Work may involve wet, slippery, confined, or high-noise environments and moving equipment

Additional Information

  • Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of background screening, credential verification, and drug testing requirements.
  • If hired, employees are required to enter into an arbitration agreement as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law.



Standard work hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, schedules may vary depending on vessel operations and offshore assignments.