Merchant mariners are civilian professionals who operate and maintain a wide variety of commercial and government-owned vessels. They are responsible for transporting cargo and passengers across domestic and international waters. Their work is a component of the global supply chain, ensuring that goods from raw materials to finished products reach their destinations safely. Although they are civilians, merchant mariners can be called upon to support military operations by transporting personnel and supplies during a national emergency.
The General Role of a Merchant Mariner
A merchant mariner’s primary function is to facilitate maritime commerce by operating vessels on oceans, lakes, and rivers. This involves a broad range of duties centered on the safe navigation of the ship, the secure handling of cargo, and adherence to international and domestic maritime laws. They are tasked with everything from plotting courses and avoiding navigational hazards to overseeing the loading and unloading of goods in port.
Unlike military branches, the Merchant Marine is a private industry focused on commercial transport, and its members operate under a strict hierarchy. The mariner’s role extends beyond transportation; they are responsible for the continuous maintenance and operation of the ship’s systems to ensure the vessel remains seaworthy.
Common Merchant Mariner Positions
A commercial vessel is a complex workplace that requires a diverse team of specialists to operate smoothly. The crew is organized into three distinct departments, each with its own set of responsibilities and a clear chain of command. This division of labor ensures that all aspects of the ship’s operation are managed effectively.
Deck Department
The Deck Department is responsible for the navigation of the vessel and the handling of its cargo. The Captain, or Master, holds ultimate command and is responsible for the safety of the ship, its crew, and its contents. The Chief Mate acts as the Captain’s second-in-command and manages cargo operations and supervises the deck crew. Other deck officers, such as the Second and Third Mates, are responsible for navigational watches and maintaining safety equipment.
Unlicensed deck crew members include the Able Seaman (AB) and Ordinary Seaman (OS). ABs perform a variety of tasks, including steering the vessel, standing watch, and assisting with mooring operations. They also conduct maintenance like painting and chipping rust. The OS is an entry-level position, focused on cleaning, maintenance, and learning the skills required to advance.
Engine Department
The Engine Department manages the ship’s propulsion and auxiliary systems. This includes the main engines, electrical generators, fuel systems, and all mechanical equipment on board. The Chief Engineer oversees the department and is responsible for the performance and maintenance of all machinery. Assistant Engineers manage specific systems and stand watches in the engine room, monitoring gauges and ensuring everything runs within safe parameters.
Unlicensed personnel in this department include the Oiler and Wiper. Oilers are responsible for lubricating the moving parts of engines and other machinery to prevent wear. Wipers are the entry-level position in the engine room, tasked with keeping the machinery spaces clean and assisting engineers with maintenance and repairs.
Steward’s Department
The Steward’s Department is responsible for the health and well-being of the crew by managing all culinary and housekeeping duties. On larger vessels, this department is led by a Chief Steward, who plans menus, orders supplies, and supervises the galley staff. The Chief Cook and other culinary personnel prepare meals for the entire crew on a vessel that operates 24 hours a day.
This department ensures that living quarters, common areas, and storerooms are kept clean and sanitary. They manage the ship’s provisions, ensuring there is enough food and water to last the duration of the trip, often with reserves for unexpected delays.
The Work Environment and Lifestyle
Life as a merchant mariner is defined by a rotational schedule, which can mean spending weeks or even months aboard a vessel before returning home for a substantial break. This lifestyle offers the benefit of uninterrupted time off but also presents the challenge of being away from family and friends for long stretches.
The specific work environment can vary significantly depending on the type of vessel. A mariner might serve on a massive container ship on transoceanic routes, a tanker transporting oil, a bulk carrier moving grain, or a smaller vessel operating on inland waterways. While at sea, life is structured around watch schedules, with crew members on duty for set hours, followed by periods of rest. Modern vessels are equipped with advanced technology for navigation and communication, which has improved safety and efficiency.
How to Become a Merchant Mariner
There are two primary pathways to begin a career as a merchant mariner in the United States. One route involves attending a state or federal maritime academy. These four-year programs provide an education in marine engineering or nautical science, leading to a bachelor’s degree and a U.S. Coast Guard license as a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer.
The alternative path is to start in an entry-level position and work up through the ranks, a process known as “hawsepiping.” An individual can begin as an Ordinary Seaman or Wiper and, with sufficient sea time and by passing required examinations, can earn an officer’s license. All U.S. mariners must obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) from the Coast Guard and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Essential Skills and Qualities
A career at sea demands a specific set of personal attributes beyond technical knowledge. Mariners must possess strong problem-solving skills to address mechanical failures or unexpected navigational challenges that can arise far from shore. The ability to work effectively as part of a team is important, as crew members live and work in close quarters for extended periods.
Physical stamina is needed to handle the demanding labor and long hours. Mental resilience is paramount to manage the isolation of life at sea and the high-stakes nature of the work, and a hands-on aptitude for mechanical systems is an advantage.