Transport & Logistics

How to become a Merchant Mariner

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–12 months

Typical pay

$48k–$85k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–3 months

   Get your TWIC and merchant mariner credential

   TSA card plus a Coast Guard MMC application, physical and drug screen.

   ◆ USCG Merchant Mariner Credential

2. 2

   1–2 weeks

   Complete basic safety training

   STCW Basic Training for anything ocean-going; inland work has lighter requirements.

   ◆ STCW Basic Training

3. 3

   3–6 months

   Ship out as an ordinary seaman or deckhand

   Tugs, supply boats and inland barges hire entry level. Hitches run weeks at a time.

   Typical titles at this level

   • Deckhand
   • Ordinary Seaman
4. 4

   1–3 years

   Log sea time toward Able Seaman

   Sea days are the currency of this career; keep your own record of every one.

   ◆ USCG Able Seaman

5. ✓

   Destination

   Merchant Mariner

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