Why Maritime?
Your Gateway to a Secure and Rewarding Future
The maritime industry keeps the world moving by carrying 91% of all goods while powering over 800,000 U.S. jobs. Itʼs an industry built on stability, high pay, and limitless opportunity, offering a place for students, veterans, and career changers to build a future they can be proud of.
Vital to the World
91% of all goods travel by water, making maritime work essential to everyday life.
Nationwide Impact
Over 800,000 U.S. jobs across every region, with demand continuing to grow.
High Demand
The tugboat, towboat, and barge industry employs 70,000 mariners and is actively hiring.
Economic Powerhouse
Contributes more than $100 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Where You Can Work
Maritime careers stretch from Americaʼs lakes, inland rivers to the vast expanse of the worldʼs oceans, offering opportunities across every corner of the industry.
Where You Can Work
Maritime careers stretch from Americaʼs lakes, inland rivers to the vast expanse of the worldʼs oceans, offering opportunities across every corner of the industry.
Inland Waterways
From transporting goods to supporting passenger travel, inland waterways offer rewarding maritime careers that keep commerce and communities moving. Whether working as a deckhand, pilot, engineer, or in port operations, these roles provide hands-on experience, long-term stability, and the opportunity to play a vital part in the nation’s transportation network.
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a hub for shipping, trade, and transportation, offering diverse maritime careers both on the water and ashore. From sailors, engineers, and captains navigating massive freighters to skilled professionals in port management, logistics, and ship maintenance, these careers provide stability, advancement, and the chance to be part of a vital industry that drives the region’s economy.
Coastal Ports
Coastal ports are gateways to global trade, creating thousands of maritime careers that keep goods and people moving. From longshore workers and crane operators to ship pilots, logistics coordinators, and port security professionals, these roles offer opportunities to build a career in an industry that powers commerce and connects communities worldwide.
Offshore Operations
Offshore operations offer dynamic career opportunities in energy, shipping, research, and support services at sea. From working on supply vessels and drilling rigs to roles in engineering, safety, and maintenance, these careers provide hands-on experience, competitive pay, and the chance to be part of vital industries that drive innovation and global commerce.
Governmental Agencies
Government agencies offer maritime professionals the chance to serve the public while safeguarding waterways, supporting national security, and managing vital marine resources. Careers span from Coast Guard officers and environmental specialists to port inspectors, policy advisors, and engineers—providing stability, purpose, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on maritime safety and sustainability.
Around the Globe
Maritime careers span the globe, connecting people, goods, and economies across every ocean and port. From working on international shipping routes and cruise lines to roles in port management, offshore energy, and marine research, these careers offer travel, cultural exchange, and the chance to contribute to one of the world’s most essential industries.
Who This Industry Is For
The maritime industry is open to anyone ready for a stable, well-paying career—no matter where youʼre starting from.
Who This Industry Is For
The maritime industry is open to anyone ready for a stable, well-paying career—no matter where youʼre starting from.
Pathways Into Maritime
Thereʼs no single way to launch a maritime career. Whether youʼre coming straight from high school, have a GED, or bring years of work experience, thereʼs a place for you in this dynamic industry. Maritime offers clear pathways to leadership and specialized roles, often with advancement in just a few years.
Perks of the Industry
Maritime careers provide a great income, stability and purpose.
What Youʼll Help Deliver
Maritime careers are at the heart of a global logistics network that keeps the world in motion. Ships and barges transport the bulk of the worldʼs cargo, linking seamlessly with rail and trucking systems to deliver goods to every corner of the map. Maritime professionals play a vital role in making global trade possible.
When you work in maritime, youʼre part of delivering:
Pathways Into Maritime
Thereʼs no single way to launch a maritime career. Whether youʼre coming straight from high school, have a GED, or bring years of work experience, thereʼs a place for you in this dynamic industry. Maritime offers clear pathways to leadership and specialized roles, often with advancement in just a few years.
Perks of the Industry
Maritime careers provide a great income, stability and purpose.
What Youʼll Help Deliver
Maritime careers are at the heart of a global logistics network that keeps the world in motion. Ships and barges transport the bulk of the worldʼs cargo, linking seamlessly with rail and trucking systems to deliver goods to every corner of the map. Maritime professionals play a vital role in making global trade possible.
When you work in maritime, youʼre part of delivering:
