Career Resources
New to the Industry?
What is the Maritime Industry?
Maritime is most everything connected to the sea or waterways throughout the world, especially in relation to navigation, shipping and marine engineering. The industry has a direct impact on much of our everyday lives. Shipping has long been a major mode of transportation, and allowing for the movement of people and goods around the world.
- 74% of the world’s trade is carried by ship.
- 95% of the U.S. international trade is transported by ship.
- 55% of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coastline.
- 60% of the U.S. energy is imported by ship.
What is the Maritime Industry?
Maritime is most everything connected to the sea or waterways throughout the world, especially in relation to navigation, shipping and marine engineering. The industry has a direct impact on much of our everyday lives. Shipping has long been a major mode of transportation, and allowing for the movement of people and goods around the world.
- 74% of the world’s trade is carried by ship.
- 95% of the U.S. international trade is transported by ship.
- 55% of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coastline.
- 60% of the U.S. energy is imported by ship.
What is a Merchant Mariner?
A merchant mariner works onboard a commercial vessel as part of a certified crew, who are responsible for safely operating the vessel. Merchant mariners are required to obtain certification from their countries’ Maritime Administration and meet minimum training, examination and physical requirements. Mariners may choose to work in the deck or engineering departments.
What does a career in the Merchant Marine look like?
Careers as shipboard crew in the maritime industry offers the opportunity for travel and adventure; hands-on work, the chance for upward mobility, a variety of work schedules and substantial pay.
The Commercial Shipping Industry is responsible for over 80% of all goods traded globally and is comprised of over XXXXX vessels trading around the world. The commercial vessel fleet is made up of all kinds and sizes of vessels, including: Cruise Ships, Tankers, Ferries, Tugs and Barges, Offshore Supply Vessels, Cargo Vessels, just to name a few. These vessels may trade locally carrying passengers across busy harbors for work or recreation, or on coastal voyages carrying cargo up and down the coasts or along rivers, throughout bays and gulfs supporting offshore industries or globally, carrying cargo to countries on the other side of the globe. No matter the trading area, to work on commercially trading vessels, crew need to be certified and licensed with the skill level and knowledge to perform at their respective jobs/positions to ensure the safety of the vessel, cargo, passengers, crew and the environment.
Why Become a Merchant Mariner?
- You enjoy working in a hands-on environment
- You want the opportunity to travel and have adventures and the option to work in different areas of the country and internationally
- You are not sure what you want to do with your life, but you enjoy being on the water and the opportunity to make money doing something you enjoy sounds enticing.
- You enjoy working with others as a team
- You are looking for a well-paying career with opportunities for upward mobility and salary increases.
How do you get started?
You will need to obtain your Merchant Mariner Credential and get certified as an Ordinary Seaman if you don’t have any sea time experience OR you can choose Northeast Maritime Institute’s 2 year Nautical Science degree program to expedite to a licensed officer (LINK HERE).
You can choose to work in either the Deck Department or the Engineering Department, depending upon your interest in navigation or mechanical work. There are licensing pathways available for both departments.
Below are diagrams of career advancement opportunities as a certified merchant mariner for both the Deck and Engineer Departments. (Please note these are a snapshot of positions and licenses and do not provide a complete list of all possible license levels and required sea-time and training).
Deck Department
Engine Department
Deck Department
Engine Department
Obtaining Your License
NEMO°’s STCW compliant courses have approvals from the United States Coast Guard and the Dominica Maritime Administration, thus reaching both U.S. citizens and international mariners. To learn more about licensing opportunities through the USCG or Dominica, please use the appropriate link below.
NEMO°’s STCW compliant courses have approvals from the United States Coast Guard and the Dominica Maritime Administration, thus reaching both U.S. citizens and international mariners.
To learn more about licensing opportunities through the USCG or Dominica, please use the appropriate link below.
In need of licensing assistance? Career questions?
Connect with the Registrar at Northeast Maritime Institute
