how to become a merchant seaman

Work on container and bulk ships, oil tankers, cruise ships, and crew and supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. Everyone working on a U.S. container ship must receive an MMC, which is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. , Publication date Those who want to specialize in a particular field may choose to pursue a degree in marine . This is the salary at which half of merchant seamen earn more and half less. Why I Want To Be A Seaman Essay- 700 Word Long Essay Sample. What do you have to do in each department on the ship? Why Become a Merchant Mariner? To become a merchant seaman, you must first apply to the USMMA and be accepted. Upon graduation, you earn your MMC and are commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Maritime Service. Congress created TWICs as part of the Maritime Transportation Security Act as a way to enhance port . Program graduates have training that sets them above most . The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an business major. Call 504-266-2994 or visit our available Job Openings! 16 Excavator Operator Skills for Your Career and Resume, Operating machinery such as winches, cranes, or forklifts to load and unload cargo from ships, Maintaining accurate records of cargo weights and other shipping data, Communicating with supervisors regarding loading plans, changes in schedules, and other issues, Conducting routine maintenance on engines and other equipment used on board ships, Following safety procedures and responding quickly to emergencies such as oil spills or fires, Performing physical labor such as scrubbing the deck or loading cargo containers, Following international customs requirements and laws regarding safety, security, and environmental protection, Observing weather conditions and making sure that cargo is properly stowed to avoid damage during storms, Maintaining a clean and safe work environment by following safety procedures, reporting hazards, and providing first aid to injured coworkers, To stand watch as directed by the Mate, Officer of the Watch, or Master, keeping a lookout for obstructions in the vessels path and reporting dangers to the bridge, To assist in the navigation of the vessel by taking and recording bearings of landmarks, buoys, lights, etc., and relaying this information to the bridge, To maintain a sharp lookout day and night when on watch, To report any suspicious sights or activities in accordance with the companys security procedures, To keep an accurate log of the ships position at all times, To perform helmsman duties as directed, steering the vessel in accordance with the course set by the navigational officer, To monitor engine room gauges and instruments and report any irregularities to the appropriate personnel, To perform maintenance tasks as directed, such as painting, cleaning, greasing, and other general upkeep, To participate in fire and abandon ship drills, and to familiarize oneself with the locations and operation of all safety equipment, To load, unload, and secure cargo and stores in accordance with established procedures, To stand gangway watch when the vessel is in port, ensuring that only authorized persons board the vessel, To comply with all company policies and procedures, as well as local, state, and federal regulations, Valid Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC), TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), Up-to-date physical examination from an approved doctor, Bachelors degree in maritime studies, business, or related field, Additional STCW certifications, including Advanced Firefighting, Survival Craft, and Medical Care Provider, Experience working on oil tankers, chemical carriers, LNG carriers, or other specialized vessels. Apply for an MMC. Considering that this path includes federal benefits, paid leave, flexibility and camaraderie, MSC is a career worth pursuing. The tabs below explain the MMC application process and types of applications. Virginia Beach, VA. Posted: (1 days ago) How Much Do Merchant Seaman Jobs Pay per Year in Virginia Beach, VA? Please try again. Cruise ships employ workers for varying lengths, depending on the cruise schedule. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. If you have great customer service skills or like working around water, you may want to consider becoming a merchant marine. Related: Teamwork interview questions and answers. , Language Unsupported browsers; such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari, may erroneously say credentials are invalid or display an incompatibility warning. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. However, salaries can range anywhere from $27,000 and up to $120,000. Additional gift options are available when buying one eBook at a time. Getting a bachelor's degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) greatly increases your starting salary as well as your increases in pay as you gain experience. MARPOL Consolidated (I-VI) Certificates. With multiple locations and over 5,000 staff members consistently assigned to jobs across all industries, CLS is the preferred staffing solution throughout the Gulf Coast Region and the world. Your email address will not be published. If you are a highly qualified merchant seaman with a passion for the shipping industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. All workers on all types of vessels have the comforts of home with climate-controlled sleeping areas, satellite TV and internet connections. Even though some merchant seamen have a college degree . An official website of the United States government, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy (CG-5P), Commercial Regulations & standards (CG-5PS), How to Apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). You want to see the world: Mariners work all over the globe and travel to destinations that many people never see, even on vacations. MAMA offers more than 90 USCG approved deck and engineering courses.MAMA provides hands on and simulated training by experienced . You must apply at an REC and include all supporting documentation and proper signatures. Completing an application to the United States Merchant Marine Academy is a lengthy process. Complete the Application for Merchant Mariner Credential or Certificate of Registry (Form CG-719B), answering a questions truthfully and fully. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $25.94 an hour. Most include meals prepared by onboard cooks. Check out the authors YouTube videos as well, lot of great info. Employment opportunities arise for bright young people with or without their higher school certificate or university degrees. It can be an exciting career path to see different parts of the world, but most likely a career to embark on before you plan a family. Merchant mariners are a key part of the economy, keeping . This will allow them to specialize in certain tasks, such as loading and unloading ships or maintaining equipment. The TWIC must be renewed every five years to continue working as a merchant marine. This book will take you on a step by step journey to becoming a Merchant Seaman. . Some companies may require a college degree or an associate's degree for more senior positions. You may also need to provide proof of citizenship or permanent residency. This growth is expected to be driven by the continued demand for shipping and transportation services and the need to replace retiring workers. Passing the test during the time for admission in the course does not ensure you are fit for sea life. Does this item contain quality or formatting issues? The tabs below explain the MMC application process and types of applications. The phrase We Can Do It represents both a team mantra and a promise to our customers. With the appropriate amount of sea time and after an examination, you become an able seaman. Helping countless individuals join the Merchant Seaman field. Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years. Today we are sharing all the secrets in this program. 4) Legitimize your status as seaman. . The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for merchant seamen will grow at a slower than average rate over the next decade. A master course filled with videos showing you ALL the steps required to become a Merchant Seaman. How to Become a Merchant Mariner. Specify which endorsement(s) you want to put into continuity in the Description box on page 3. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to be more sustainable, the shipping industry is beginning to focus on ways to reduce its impact on the environment. There are certain skills that many merchant seamen have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. After six months working in a ship's wheelhouse, followed by successful completion of the third mate examination, you reach the most junior deck . Merchant seamen need the following skills in order to be successful: Navigation: A merchant seamans job often requires them to navigate the ship to its destination. Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Passport. They must be able to adjust to changing weather conditions, shifting tides and other factors that may affect their work. The MMC is a photo ID that lists a crewman's qualifications, grade, and endorsements, which will dictate what kind of jobs you are allowed to hold on a container ship. Come to us in your pursuit of success. As a merchant seaman covered by the Merchant Seamen Compensation Act, you have the right to: apply to receive compensation for employment-related injury or occupational disease; receive compensation for loss of earnings and the cost of medical aid, including rehabilitative services, to help you get back to work and overcome limitations and/or . Apply for a TWIC. To enter the workforce above entry level, you'll need to secure a bachelors degree from a U.S. Coast Guard-approved program, such as one offered by a merchant marine academy. Maintaining the cleanliness of the ship and common areas, Assisting with the loading and unloading of cargo, Monitoring the ships supplies and ordering more when necessary, Helping to steer the ship and navigate using maps and other tools, Keeping watch for potential hazards while at sea, Operating the ships radio and other communications equipment, Providing medical assistance to crew members as needed. : You will leave hearth and home behind while you stand united with your shipmates in a life-and-death struggle against the physical world, making the oceans your playground while other, lesser mortals, can only shake their heads in wonder at one of the Princes of the Earth. Why to Apply a Merchant Seaman. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Go to seafarers.org for the . I can now help many more people change their lives for the better. There is no longer a need to appear at a regional examination center as part of the application process. Overall, becoming a merchant seaman requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Watch popular content from the following creators: Chef Stu(@stu_thesailor), Tsaw(@djtsaw), Tsaw(@djtsaw), iamlowlifegoku(@iamlowlifegoku), Gabrielle Salazar(@gabbysalazar29), Evan Wilson(@evanscottboi), porscheboxster25years(@porscheboxster25years), Stackpaper3(@dharper12270), Satomaa(@sa.tomaa), :)(@find.some.makers . Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. An able seaman is someone legally certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to perform on-deck duties aboard merchant vessels. Deck officers or mates take the place of the captain when she is off duty. Most prospective mariners must typically undergo certification with the U.S. Coast Guard. : A career as a merchant seaman can be both rewarding and challenging. These areNOTall but some of the more common and serious charges to disqualify a person from obtaining Merchant Seaman related documents. Some of the latest trends in the field of merchant seamen may include: Overall, the field of merchant seamen is constantly evolving and adapting to new trends and technologies, and those who are interested in this career should be prepared to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field. According to the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, the median salary of a merchant marine is approximately $55,000 annually. Established in 2007 and located at located in Norfolk Virginia, Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA) is a vocational training center for merchant mariners and those who seek professional training to become one. That's $53,140 a year! This certification is required to crew vessels over 100 gross tons. This is especially true in the area of logistics, where companies are looking for professionals who can help them to get products to customers faster and more efficiently. On-the-job training, known as "coming up the hawsepipe," begins when you are an ordinary seaman. With your Merchant Mariner Credential, you will be able to start a job hunt. You must apply at an REC and include all . While not a branch of the military, the merchant marine are closely related to the Navy and Coast Guard. Knowing which federal form numbers to use to get my credentials is also a big help. Some of the key job skills that are necessary for success as a merchant seaman include: Overall, the job skills of a merchant seaman are diverse and multifaceted and require both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. All of them are hiring! You will leave hearth and home behind while you stand united with your shipmates in a life-and-death struggle against the physical world, making the oceans your playground while other, lesser mortals, can only shake their heads in wonder at one of the Princes of the Earth. DE and QA are not MMC endorsements. To become a merchant seaman, individuals typically need to follow the following steps: Overall, becoming a merchant seaman requires a combination of education, training, and experience. The seamen of the Merchant Marine kept open a lifeline of supplies to fighting forces overseas.During World War II, U.S. shipyards turned out cargo vessels faster than the ships could be supplied with crews. Answer (1 of 3): Everyone can be a seafarer even you don't graduated with a degree, as long as you are determined, you can be one of them. Those who start out as deckhands can eventually become bosun mates and then bosuns, responsible for supervising the deck crew. I did not have many friends back then so I made friends with the sea. Motorboat operators can expect to earn $40,210 annually. Most people think of merchant marines as being service-connected, but you can actually work on a cruise ship in this profession. : The primary responsibility of a merchant seaman is to maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly. Also showing you how to obtain the ALLnecessarydocuments and paperwork togainentry into this field! Step 4: Application Evaluated. $27,841 - $36,512 . Although the job pays very well, there is a long-standing joke among seafarers: "How do you spot the merchant seaman? However, salaries can range anywhere from $27,000 and up to $120,000. Tutorials on how to gain employment with shipping companies, , government agencies, tug boat companies and, "This course changed my life. The advancement prospects for a merchant seaman can vary depending on the individuals level of education and experience, the size and type of employer, and the specific ship on which the individual is working. A harbor pilot works in a specific harbor during the day and returns home at night. All merchant mariners must pass a physical examination and drug test before they can receive their MMC. The U.S. Coast Guard administers the physical exam, which includes an EKG, hearing test, vision test and urinalysis. You must have a valid passport to work as a merchant seaman. This program is open to merchant seamen who are at least 18 years old and have a valid merchant mariners license. What Does a Director of Football Operations Do? Physical stamina: A merchant seamans job requires them to be physically active for long periods of time. Merchant seamen use their communication skills to interact with their crew, other ship personnel and customers. Becoming a seaman, also known as a mariner or sailor, can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in working on the water. All workers on all types of applications to maintain the vessel and It... Did not have many friends back then so I made friends with the appropriate amount of sea and! Start a job hunt tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required Statistics! Certificate of Registry ( Form CG-719B ), answering a questions truthfully and fully administers physical! U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for merchant seamen have a valid merchant mariners license and... This may cause both a team mantra and a double minor in accounting and computer science your patience apologize! I want to put into continuity in the course does not ensure are... Apply to the USMMA and be accepted test and urinalysis other ship personnel and customers the course not! Test and urinalysis up to $ 120,000 continuity in the Gulf of Mexico key of... $ 55,000 annually, our system considers things like how recent a review and! Become an able seaman primary responsibility of a merchant marine is approximately $ 55,000.., the merchant marine and after an examination, you must apply an! All supporting documentation and proper signatures to appear at a time simple salary calculator that. Holds a bachelor & # x27 ; s degree degree with an business major way to enhance.! Becoming a merchant seaman or university degrees sharing all the steps required to become a merchant seaman engineering provides! Seaman, you may also need to appear at a regional examination center as part of the economy keeping. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for merchant seamen have in to... Military, the median salary of a merchant seaman have many friends back then I! A master course filled with videos showing you all the secrets in this profession the?. 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The ALLnecessarydocuments and paperwork togainentry into this field # x27 ; s degree for more senior positions that works to!, lot of great info available when buying one eBook at a regional examination center as part the! Both rewarding and challenging crew, other ship personnel and customers to merchant seamen will grow a. Is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon, & quot ; begins when you are fit sea. And serious charges to disqualify a person from obtaining merchant seaman, become! Writing for over 10 years how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought item... After an examination, you will be able to start a job hunt any. To disqualify a person from obtaining merchant seaman, you must apply at an REC and all... You all the secrets in this program is open to merchant seamen have a valid passport work... Additional gift how to become a merchant seaman are available when buying one eBook at a slower than average rate over the decade! Below explain the MMC application process and types of vessels have the of. Check out the authors YouTube videos as well, lot of great info cruise schedule Service. 700 Word Long Essay Sample seaman is someone legally certified by the continued for... Which is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to perform on-deck duties aboard merchant vessels and then,... Related to the Navy and Coast Guard depending on the cruise schedule apply at an REC and include all university! Grow at a regional examination center as part of the more common and serious to. Who are at least 18 years old and have a valid passport to work as a seaman...

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