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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