The Future of Maritime Education
How to Become a Merchant Mariner
10 October 2024
If you’re interested in a rewarding career at sea, becoming a merchant mariner may be the path for you. The U.S. Merchant Marine plays a vital role in the global economy, moving goods, people, and resources across oceans, rivers, and lakes. But how do you become a merchant mariner, and what steps are involved? In this blog post, we’ll explore what it takes to join the merchant marine, the various career options available, and how you can get started on this exciting journey.
What is the Merchant Marine?
Before diving into how to become a merchant mariner, it’s essential to understand what the merchant marine is. The U.S. Merchant Marine is not a military branch, but it works closely with the U.S. Navy in times of national need, especially during wartime. Merchant mariners are civilian sailors who operate and navigate commercial vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, tugboats, and passenger vessels. They ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods and passengers both domestically and internationally.
So, what do merchant mariners do? They help maintain the lifeblood of global commerce by operating vessels that deliver raw materials, finished goods, and essential supplies. From oil and gas to food and manufactured goods, merchant mariners are at the forefront of global supply chains.
Steps to Become a Merchant Mariner
If you’re asking, “How can I become a merchant marine?” or “How to join the merchant marines?”, here’s a straightforward guide:
- Obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
The first step to becoming a merchant mariner is obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), which is essentially your license to work at sea. The MMC is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and is required for anyone looking to work on a commercial vessel. To get your MMC, you’ll need to meet certain merchant marine requirements, which include passing a medical exam, completing the necessary training, and obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Northeast Maritime Institute offers courses that help you meet these requirements. - Enroll in a Maritime Training Program
Depending on your desired role within the merchant marine, you’ll need to undergo specific training. Northeast Maritime Institute offers a wide range of merchant mariner training and certification programs. These programs include everything from entry-level training to specialized courses for officers. To learn more about the training required for merchant mariner certification, visit our page on Licensing and Certification. - Choose Your Path
There are various roles within the merchant marine, and the path you take will depend on your interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in becoming a deck officer, engineer, or able seaman, your training and certification requirements will differ. Researching merchant mariner jobs can help you decide which position is the right fit for you. - Gain Sea Time and Experience
After completing your training, you’ll need to gain experience at sea. The U.S. Coast Guard requires specific amounts of sea time (or time spent working aboard a vessel) to qualify for certain credentials or to advance in rank. The more sea time you have, the more opportunities you’ll have for career growth within the industry. - Obtain Additional Certifications
As you advance in your career, you may need to obtain additional endorsements or certifications. For example, you may need to get certifications in firefighting, lifeboat operation, or radar navigation. At NMI, we offer continuing education and certification courses that can help you stay up-to-date with industry standards.
What Jobs Do Merchant Mariners Have?
Merchant mariners hold various positions aboard vessels, and the jobs can be as diverse as the vessels themselves. Whether you’re wondering “what do merchant seamen do?” or are curious about different merchant marines jobs, here’s a breakdown of the most common positions:
- Deck Department: This department handles navigation, mooring, and general vessel operations. Positions include Ordinary Seaman (OS), Able Seaman (AB), and Deck Officers (Mates).
- Engineering Department: Engineers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel’s machinery. Jobs include Wiper, Oiler, Junior Engineer, and Chief Engineer.
- Steward Department: The steward department takes care of the living quarters, food service, and cleanliness aboard the vessel. Positions include Cook, Steward, and Messman.
Getting Started: How to Join the Merchant Marines
Becoming a merchant mariner is a rewarding and essential career, with opportunities for travel, professional growth, and service to your country. If you’re still asking, “How do you become a merchant marine?” or “How to get a merchant mariner credential?,” the path starts with obtaining the necessary training and credentials. At Northeast Maritime Institute, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from initial training to certification and beyond.
To learn more about merchant mariner credentialing and how you can start your maritime career, explore the resources and programs we offer at Northeast Maritime Institute. Start your journey today and become a part of the proud tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
