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This site offers the opportunity to travel while making excellent money living and working on ships as a U.S. Merchant Mariner in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Get complete assistance with a career in the Maritime industry. No Experience is required, Male or Female. Make the Transition from Military to Mariner and start your sailing career as a rated Mariner.
The U.S. Merchant Marine is a unique occupation that many will say that once you have experienced it you will not want to do anything else. Experience the freedom of making a great living traveling and working on the water with quality time off. Take advantage of temporary shortages of Rated and Licensed U.S. Mariners and move up quickly!
Take a few minutes to read this site in its entirety (4 pages/tabs) then feel free to call me for a Q&A and to confirm your eligibility. Many of your questions are answered in this site.
As a Mariner you can work alongside the Navy on Naval supply ships in the department of defense. Oceanographic ships are great jobs that travel to great places and pay well. Tugboat jobs will keep you closer to home. Work in the Gulf of Mexico on crew and supply vessels running supplies to oil rigs. These are short rotations. You can Work and live in Alaska on the Marine Highway System. You can work and live in Hawaii on an American flagged cruise ship. There are also opportunities working for the inland Cruise lines.
Cost / Fees (Go to the fees page on this site for a breakdown of fees and to view the minimum cost to obtain this )
There is no previous experience required to enter this field. Male or female can obtain the necessary credentials and employment as an entry level Mariner in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
There is no age limit. If you can pass a general physical and work with no limitations you can ship out well into your senior years. I have many clients that started in there 60s and 70s.
There are several ways to enter this field. You can go through a Maritime Academy and upon completing a four-year program you will graduate as a Licensed Officer / Mariner. There are also one-year apprenticeship programs available that if selected, and upon completion, (usually 8 months) you will receive job placement.
With my assistance, you can obtain the required credentials / ratings and employment without going to an academy or apprenticeship program.
This is a Second Chance Industry. If you made some mistakes in life this occupation will allow you to have a thriving Maritime career with no boundaries. There are waiting periods for many convictions. If you have paid restitution and enough time has passed you can do this. Call me for questions or concerns.
Alternative to joining the Service. This is another option to serve your Country by working as a Mariner for the Department of Defense.
Previous shipboard experience / Prior Military Shipboard Experience You can transition that experience into ratings in the U.S. Merchant Marine. My service assist with all Ratings, Training and Certifications.
Prior Navy or Coast Guard
Your sea experience / duty assignments may transition into ratings as a U.S. Merchant Mariner. If you served in either the deck or engineering departments, you may be sitting on a treasure of sea time.
Duty assignments that transition: BM, OS, EN, BT, DC, CG, QM, RD, SM, TT, GS, GSE, GSM, GM, HT, MK, MR, QM, DS, HT and MM, will transition. Good cooks are always in great demand!
Veterans With Disabilities
You can obtain a 10-point preference working with the Department of Defense and other federal Maritime companies. If you’re able to work without limitations, this is a great opportunity.
How you were discharged from the service is not relevant when it comes to obtaining the credentials, ratings, and employment as a U.S. Merchant Mariner. Merchant Mariners are civilians.
Active Military / Veterans Receive Hiring Preference!
Once you obtain your rating you will have more control over your time away, and your preferred location in the world. You can also include your spouse in your travel experiences.
There is no way to know how long you will be gone until you are hired by a Maritime company. You could be expected to ship for up to four or more months at a time with some companies. You will be on a rotation.
If you prefer not to be away for that long of a period, then you work on inland waters, such as the Gulf of Mexico, the rivers, and great lakes. These are generally short rotations.
I will say this, when just starting out, you don't want to turn down any opportunities, so be prepared to leave home for an undisclosed amount of time.
U.S. Merchant vessels have nice living conditions. In most cases you will have your own stateroom and bathroom. Ships have a crews lounge with books and movies. Most ships have a workout room / spa. Laptops are advisable to have with you on board. Many ships have satellite access / Internet. Food is provided with choices and as much as you want. You can gain weight if you’re not careful!
How you are paid when on a vessel will vary. Some pay daily rates, and some pay hourly or a base salary. You work seven days a week on a vessel, so there is always going to be overtime!
Basically, you will at least double your base salary with the overtime. If a company lists that their base salary is $30,000 a year, then you will actually make around $60,000 or more with your overtime. It is easy math to see that the $ is in the OT.
Base pay at a daily rate as ENTRY LEVEL Mariner varies from $200 to $300. Rated Mariners double that and more.
Direct deposit is how most companies will pay you. Most companies offer vacation pay when you’re in between rotations. Most offer benefits for permanent employees and their families.
When you’re on a ship and off work (your working day is done), you can go ashore and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Go see the sites, and enjoy yourself. Just be back for work on time the next day! That's what is great about this job!
You also get periods of time off. Most people never get to enjoy a month or two off at a time. Also, as previously stated, this job is one of the few jobs that will help you save money since everything is provided!
There are three departments on most ships.
The Steward Department:
Any entry-level Mariner can qualify for this department. If you have cooking experience, cook jobs are plentiful and in demand. This department maintains the interior of the ship, cleans, takes care of ship supplies, and of course, food preparation.
Be prepared to have to start in the Steward Dept. with some companies. You can transfer to the Deck or Engine Dept. from within.
The Deck Department:
Entry-level jobs in this department are ordinary seamen or deckhands. The Deck dept. maintains the exterior of the ship, like chipping and painting, for instance, stand navigational watch on the bridge, assist with cargo movement, and is responsible for getting the ship to its destination.
The Engine Department:
Entry-level jobs in this department are wipers and engine utilitymen. The Engine Department takes care of the engines and all mechanical equipment on board.
The way you move up in rating and pay scale is through sea time in a department. The engine room has the most ratings, and you can move up very quickly. In just six months of sea time, you can obtain your first rating and double your income.
This not just a job, it's an adventure for sure !