How to become A Merchant Mariner

There’s more to being a Merchant Mariner than the popular notion of visiting every port and living it up on the high seas. These well-coordinated and dexterous professionals transport cargo and people around the world safely. No wonder captains claim them as their “right-hand persons.”

• Merchant Seaman
• Third Mate
• Shipmate
• Seafarer
• Mariner
• Sailor

What do Merchant Mariners do?

A Merchant Mariner would typically need to:

• Operate and maintain civilian- and government-owned commercial ships to safely transport cargo and passengers via domestic and international water routes
• Ensure the smooth sailing of the vessel while the captain goes off-duty; take over the captain’s role in case of an emergency
• Schedule and oversee the professional duties of their subordinates to ensure they enhance the smooth sailing of the vessel
• Use computers and other devices to determine the ship’s geographical location, speed and course
• Monitor refuelling, stocking, repair, maintenance and security of the vessel; supervise the cleaning of decks, bridges, or other superstructures
• Take care of budgets, accounts and records of stock, cargo and passengers; manage their ratings while providing training and support to officer trainees
• Use various satellite and radar systems and equipment to navigate the ship, if employed as a navigation or deck officer
• Monitor weather and navigation reports and do the needful; manage ship communication systems
• Coordinate the safe loading, storage and unloading of cargo as per standard norms; manage the care and safety of passengers, if required
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of deck machineries such as winches and cranes
• Ensure the regular inspection and maintenance of safety, firefighting and life-saving equipment
• Ensure the maintenance of optimal levels of health and safety on the ship; maintain legal and operational records such as the ship’s log
• Operate and maintain the power generation and distribution systems along with the refrigeration, ventilation, and pumping systems, if employed as an engineering officer
• Keep track of, repair, maintain and upgrade electronic and electric systems onboard and equipment such as air compressors, pumps and sewage plants

Merchant Mariners usually work on air-conditioned vessels with top-notch facilities. Exposure to different weather conditions is expected while on duty. You may travel to several ports, but your ship-board responsibilities and rapid turnaround times in port may curtail any opportunities to go ashore.

Merchant Mariners work long hours on a rotating shift system comprising “watches.”  It may seem relaxing that you work four hours followed by eight hours off, but keep in mind that you will work every day that you are at sea.

The time at sea and leave between voyages will vary from a few days or weeks to several months, depending on the kind of vessel you work on.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Merchant Mariners can boost their job search by joining a marine union, asking their network for referrals, contacting shipping companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. 

Merchant mariners are generally employed by:

• Government-Owned Ships
• Private Shipping Companies
• Oil, Gas & Chemical Tankers
• Bulk Cargo Carriers
• Cargo Container Ships
• Ferries & Cruise Ships
• Coastal Freighters
• Tugboats
• Barges
• Offshore Support Vessels
• Marine Insurance Companies
• Maritime Regulatory Authorities
• Maritime Training & Recruitment Companies
• Port Operations

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Seafarers’ International Union, are crucial for Merchant Mariners interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications. At least 16% of entry-level and veteran Merchant Mariners belong to a union; it helps them get hired for voyages through union hiring halls or directly by shipping companies.

• Physical and mental exhaustion and strain due to extreme weather conditions, irregular hours and emergencies
• Significant negative impact on work-life balance because of the long periods at sea
• The need to be cautious about alcohol and drug use; proof of abuse through random checks can lead to suspension or dismissal
• Probability of occurrence of professional hazards such as fire, collision, sinking and falling overboard
• Possibility of injury when working with machinery, heavy loads, and dangerous cargo

Any academic program for a potential Merchant Mariner is typically task-oriented and typically includes a period of hands-on training in line with the formal training and certification of seamen. As a rule, it should consist of instruction in extinguishing live fires in a simulated setting. In addition, MMCs for specific marine careers require experience at sea.

Eligible seamen choose to acquire their third mate’s licence through on-the-job training as an alternative to cadets’ structured maritime education path. Short training courses may complement their service aboard ships or other vessels at union training facilities or specialised licence-preparation courses offered by commercial licence-preparation schools.

You will gain optimal benefit from your real-time training at sea when it aligns perfectly with your classroom lessons. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Prior work experience as an administrative assistant engineer, deckhand, or mate will make it easier to get a job as a Merchant Mariner. Candidates who have worked in the navy or demonstrate transferable skills from professions such as mechanical engineering may send indirect applications if they can find a company to sponsor subsequent training.

Entry-level mariners will discover that completing an 18-24 month-long intermediate apprenticeship as an able deckhand will facilitate employer-sponsored officer-rating training. Essential prerequisites include secondary level academic knowledge of English and Maths.

Read about the profession and interview experienced Merchant Mariners to understand it as you work towards becoming one.

Although a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) should suffice for an entry-level job, an increasing number of Merchant Mariners are opting for a diploma, an associate, or a bachelor’s degree in naval science, marine technology and operations, marine engineering, or marine transportation.

Your location may offer maritime programmes in middle and high school. The completion of these rigorous academic programmes devoted to maritime studies, science and technology enables graduates to enter maritime service.

Such programmes may qualify you to pursue advanced maritime education in a vocational school, community college, service academy or maritime academy. Check with the local department for technical education for exact details.

High school graduates who attend accredited merchant marine academies may receive an MMC (Merchant Mariner’s Credential) and a BSc (Bachelor of Science) degree. Prerequisites usually include three letters of recommendation and a biographical essay, a fitness assessment, a medical examination and a nomination from an elected government representative.

You may study marine science, operations, navigation, mechanical and marine engineering. Some maritime colleges and universities offer an industry-sponsored foundation degree, HND (higher national diploma) or a degree that facilitates maritime career entry. Contact the education providers for further details.

Candidates who do not have the right qualifications to enter an officer programme directly can complete a one-year pre-cadetship course to help them gain the skills necessary to qualify for a Merchant Mariner course.

High school graduates who attend merchant marine academies acquire an MMC (Merchant Mariner’s Credential), an officer rating and their first merchant marine officer licence (third mate licence).

Prerequisites include a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential) and background screening comprising immigration status check, terrorist watch list check and criminal history check. In addition to proving that you are between 17-25 years, passed drug tests and medical examinations, you must also choose between working in the engineering, deck, or steward’s department.

Candidates who wish to work in international waters must complete training programmes such as the five-day Basic Safety Training course to qualify for STCW (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Merchant Mariners who have myriad opportunities for career advancement within command structures.

Navigation Officers can become Senior Navigation Officers before progressing further to Master or Captain positions. Engineering Officers may rise to the position of Senior Engineering Officer and eventually become Chief Engineer.

You can choose to remain at sea or move onto onshore marine posts where your managerial skills will be used in the fleet, logistics coordination and training, marine, engineering, and general operation.

Opportunities abound in the broader marine industry; you can survey ships to check their seaworthiness, manage ports and harbours, work in maritime law or marine insurance, work for maritime regulatory authorities, or lecture/conduct research in higher education institutions.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Merchant Mariner build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, or self-directed learning. CPD also allows for the regular renewal of desirable certifications.

You must participate in layered periods of progressive classroom training and sea service to acquire a master’s licence and all those that come in between. Senior officers will help you develop additional skills and experience.

Progression to each rank comes with additional academic or vocational qualifications and certificates of competency. You can also avail of training courses in personal safety, safety legislation, and personal survival techniques through colleges, universities and specialist training organisations. Subject-specific refresher courses are yet another option to enhance one’s skills in the field.

It is essential to stay abreast of the latest maritime, legal, commercial, and political developments. In addition, the increased use of computerised systems requires Merchant Mariners to adapt to the technology used at sea.

Before Applying

Make a note of the various prerequisites you must fulfil before becoming a Merchant Mariner. You will have to prove your citizenship status, sea service experience, and pass drug tests and medical exams. 

In addition to passing physical ability, hearing and vision tests, you will also have to establish that you do not suffer from heart disease, psychiatric illnesses, diabetes and sleep apnea, all of which conditions can render you ineligible.

Spoilt For Choice 

Merchant Mariners must make an educated decision about their specific career path before applying for an MMC. You can choose to become part of the deck crew (seamen and lifeboatmen) which manages navigation and cargo operations, the engine crew (engineers, mechanics, oilers and electricians) which takes care of the generating system that propels the ship, or the steward crew which handles meals and living quarters.

There are many seagoing and freshwater vessels Merchant Mariners can work on - tanker ships, international container ships, tugboats, bulk supply ships, salvaging ships, and cruise ships. 

Tanker ships transport petroleum products and other valuable liquid commodities. At the same time, large container vessels carry all types of properly secured and stored manufactured goods to far-flung destinations across the globe.

Tugboats and salvaging vessels differ from deep-sea cargo ships in that they do not carry significant amounts of occasionally flammable goods. In addition, tugboats sail for shorter lengths of time, while salvage vessels sail only in an emergency.

What Do They Mean?

Your average deep-sea ship’s crew may be designated as first, second or third mates, with the first mates having the most responsibility. When they choose to work on smaller freshwater vessels, these highly trained professionals can manage all the duties either with a smaller crew or independently.

Famous Seafarers

The filmmaker Oliver Stone, writers Louis L’Amour and Jack Vance, and playwright David Mamet served in the merchant marine before they embarked on their careers.

The Current Scenario

Demand for iron, ore, grains and petroleum products will drive the employment of Merchant Marines employed by domestic and deep-sea cargo vessels. An increase in computerised monitoring systems in navigation, engine control, watchkeeping, ship management, and cargo handling translates into a need for smaller crews.

Many ships owned by citizens of other countries operate under the Liberian or Panamanian registry to avoid the heavy taxes and intrusive regulations imposed by their home nations.

If you enjoy being on the water so much that you can dedicate your energy and attention to carrying out arduous tasks day after day, every day for weeks and even months on end, then a job as a Merchant Mariner may just be yours.

The sea tests human endurance. It is essential to be physically fit and mentally strong to be prepared for any situation on board.