Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Careers
The Big Picture: Maritime Careers Overview
The maritime industry offers careers across every skill area—both on the water and on shore. Examples include:
- Vessel-based: Deckhands, engineers, captains, pilots, cooks
- Port & terminal operations: Crane operators, forklift drivers, cargo planners, security officers
- Shipbuilding & repair: Welders, pipefitters, marine electricians, naval architects
- Dredging & marine construction: Heavy equipment operators, project managers
- Maritime logistics: Dispatchers, supply chain coordinators, freight forwarders
- Environmental & safety services: Spill response teams, marine biologists, safety officers
No. Careers are available on the coasts, the Great Lakes, and along inland waterways like the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Many communities far from the ocean have active maritime industries.
Yes. Shipping moves over 90% of global trade, and U.S. maritime employers face worker shortages across vessel crews, skilled trades, and logistics.
Not for many roles. Plenty of jobs are open with just a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Roles like marine engineering, naval architecture, or management may require a degree or technical certification.
It depends on the role and location. Many entry-level jobs start above minimum wage, and skilled trades and licensed mariners can earn six-figure salaries with overtime.
Life on a Vessel
- Watch = Your shift on a vessel.
- 12’s: 12 hours on, 12 off (common on harbor boats; crews usually go home afterward).
- Square: 6 on, 6 off (common for live-aboard vessels).
- Varied: 8 on/6 off or other patterns depending on company policy.
- Hitch = Consecutive days on board before time off. Common examples: 14/14, 28/28, 10/5, 14/7. Schedules with more “on” time often mean more paid days.
- Live-on vessels: Crews sleep, eat, and relax on board for the duration of their hitch. Amenities may include private/shared rooms, internet, exercise equipment, movies, and books.
- Fleet/harbor vessels: Crews stay local and usually go home after each watch.
- Deckhand (entry-level): Handles lines, tow work, and maintenance
- Mate: Oversees deck work and assists with navigation
- Engineer: Maintains and repairs equipment
- Tankerman: Transfers liquid cargo (requires USCG credential)
- Licensed career path: Apprentice Mate → Mate (Pilot) → Master (Captain)
Some vessels employ a cook, while others rotate cooking duties among the crew.
Crews swap shifts by inspecting equipment, passing along updates, and loading supplies. Transportation home is typically provided by the company (car, van, or plane).
Yes, during off hours. However, phone use is restricted while working or in hazardous areas.
New hires typically complete:
- A physical exam and drug screening (federal DOT rules apply)
- Vision, hearing, and strength tests
- Respirator fit testing for certain jobs
Getting Started & Advancing
- TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential): Required for access to secure areas
- MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential): Required for licensed vessel positions
- Specialty certifications for trades or equipment operation
- Schedule an appointment at a TSA TWIC office
- Bring required ID, pass a background check, and pay ~$125 (often reimbursed by employers)
- Apply for entry-level roles such as deckhand, terminal laborer, or shipyard helper
- Join an apprenticeship program through a union or employer
- Attend a maritime academy, trade school, or community college with maritime programs
Yes. Many ports, shipping companies, and training centers offer internships, summer jobs, and job-shadowing opportunities for high school and college students.
By gaining sea time or work experience, earning additional credentials, and taking specialized training, you can move into higher-paying technical, supervisory, or management roles.
