How to Become a Merchant Marine

The U.S. Merchant Marines are made up of individuals who work on U.S. civilian-owned American flagged vessels that are responsible for transporting services, goods and people to markets outside the country, for the purposes of commerce. Merchant marines travel by ocean, sea, river, canal or lake to get merchandise to various places of port. This line of work can be profitable, as well as adventurous, and there are always jobs available, if you are qualified, capable and willing to take on the necessary responsibilities.

Things You'll Need

• Seaman's papers
• Graduation from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, if applicable
• Union card

Instructions

1. Get in top physical shape. Your duties as a merchant marine may require you to do a great deal of physical activity, including standing, lifting and carrying heavy cargo. You need to be in excellent health so that you will be able to endure long months at sea and many hours on duty, in less than comfortable circumstances. Go to the U.S. Public Health Service office in your area to get all necessary health certifications.

2. Decide what type of position you desire, as the U.S. Merchant Marines have different jobs. Positions may include captain, chief officer, second officer, office apprentice, radio officer, seaman, able-bodied seaman, purser, engineer, utility man, steward and cook.

3. Get your seaman's papers from the U.S. Coast Guard. Check your local telephone directory for a U.S. Coast Guard center or visit the Coast Guard's official website to find out more information about what the requirements are for obtaining the documentation you need to work as a merchant marine.

4. Become a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, should you desire to be an officer. To qualify for entrance, you must be an American citizen, between the ages of 17 and 25, of good character, physically fit, able to pass a security background check and have good grades. The challenge is to get a member of Congress from your state to nominate you. Each Congressperson is limited to nominating 10 candidates annually to attend the academy. After you get the nomination, then you can submit your completed application to the academy.

5. Contact the Seafarer's International Union and get your union card, then locate a union hiring hall in an area that has a maritime port. This is one of the best places to be when available merchant marine positions are announced. You will need to hang around the hiring hall on a fairly regular basis when you are looking for work, because jobs go to people who are present when availabilities arise.

Tips & Warnings

• Be certain that you can deal with being at sea for extended periods of time.

• Being a merchant marine can sometimes be a dangerous job.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• U.S. Coast Guard
• Seafarers International Union