United States Merchant Marine: Join the Fleet and Serve the Nation

The United States Merchant Marine offers a unique opportunity to serve the nation while advancing your career. With over 200 years of history, the Merchant Marine has played a vital role in the country's economic and military success.

The Merchant Marine is a civilian fleet that operates under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It's responsible for transporting goods and supplies across the globe.

As a member of the Merchant Marine, you'll have the chance to work on a variety of vessels, including container ships, tankers, and cargo ships. These ships travel to almost every country in the world, providing a unique perspective on global trade and commerce.

The Merchant Marine offers competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.

The United States Merchant Marine has a rich and storied history that spans centuries. On June 12, 1775, the first wartime role of an identifiable United States merchant marine took place in Machias, Maine, where citizens captured the British schooner HMS Margaretta.

The merchant marine played a crucial role in the American Civil War, with civilian mariners earning the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal in the Iraq War. During World War II, 3.1 million tons of merchant ships were lost, and mariners died at a rate of 1 in 24, the highest rate of casualties of any service.

The merchant marine was active in subsequent wars, including the Korean War, where 540 vessels were activated to support military forces, and the Vietnam War, where ships carried 95% of the supplies used by the American armed forces.

The Revolutionary War marked the first wartime role of an identifiable United States Merchant Marine. On June 12, 1775, a group of citizens in Machias, Maine, captured the British schooner HMS Margaretta after being given an ultimatum: load the ship with lumber for British barracks or go hungry.

The citizens chose to fight, and their actions predated both the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy, which were formed in 1790 and 1775, respectively. The Continental Congress issued Letters of Marque to privateers, who interrupted the British supply chain along the eastern seaboard and across the Atlantic Ocean.

The privateers played a significant role in the war, and their actions paved the way for the modern United States Merchant Marine. The Merchant Marine's contributions during the Revolutionary War set the stage for their future roles in supporting military operations and providing humanitarian assistance.

Here's a brief timeline of the Merchant Marine's early wartime contributions:

The 19th and 20th centuries saw the merchant marine play a crucial role in several wars, including the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Merchant ships were a key part of the Allied effort in both World Wars, with 3.1 million tons of ships lost in World War II alone.

During World War II, mariners died at a rate of 1 in 24, the highest rate of casualties of any service. This is a staggering statistic, and it highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the merchant mariners who served during this time.

The merchant marine also played a significant role in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In the Korean War, the number of ships under charter grew from 6 to 255, and in the Vietnam War, ships crewed by civilian seamen carried 95% of the supplies used by the American armed forces.

Here are some key statistics on the role of the merchant marine in these wars:

The merchant marine has also played a crucial role in supporting emergency shipping requirements in several crises, including the Berlin crisis of 1961 and the Suez Canal closing in 1956.

The Merchant Marine is not a military branch, but it's often mistaken for one. It's a disciplined organization with leadership hierarchies, codes of conduct, and legislative backing.

The key difference is that Merchant Marines are civilians, not military personnel. They must follow special laws and regulations designed for merchant mariners and enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Merchant Marine vessels often run more efficiently than standard commercial vessels, and all crew members must be ready to change course and support a U.S. mission anywhere in the world.

Becoming a member of the US Merchant Marine can take a few months for those who join as a seaman.

The process involves passing required courses and rigorous exams to receive the necessary credentials.

Those who join as an apprentice will likely train for more than two years, with much of that time spent at sea.

Attending a maritime academy is required for those interested in becoming officers, and this can take four years or more to complete.

The United States Merchant Marine fleet is a vital part of the country's maritime industry, but its numbers have been dwindling over the years. As of 2005, there were 245 privately owned American-flagged ships of 10,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT) and over, with 153 of those meeting the Jones Act criteria.

The federal fleet, managed by the Military Sealift Command (MSC), is a significant player in the industry, with up to 95% of all supplies needed to sustain the U.S. military moved by MSC. The MSC operates approximately 120 ships with 100 more in reserve.

The National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) acts as a reserve of cargo ships for national emergencies and defense, with 251 ships as of 2006, down from 2,277 ships at its peak in 1950.

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) operates approximately 120 ships, with 100 more in reserve, and employs over 8,000 civil service or contract merchant mariners.

These ships are equipped to transport a wide range of goods, including equipment, fuel, ammunition, and other essential supplies for the US military.

Up to 95% of all supplies needed to sustain the US military can be moved by Military Sealift Command, making them a crucial part of the country's defense operations.

The National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) has 251 ships staged at various locations, including the James River, Beaumont, and Suisun Bay fleet sites.

The NDRF fleet was once much larger, peaking at 2,277 ships in 1950, but has since been reduced.

As of 2006, the United States merchant fleet had 465 privately owned ships of 1,000 or more gross register tons.

The fleet is comprised of various types of ships, including 291 dry cargo ships, 97 tankers, and 77 passenger ships.

Of those American-flagged ships, 51 were foreign owned, a reminder that even within the US fleet, there are international influences at play.

Seven hundred American-owned ships are flagged in other nations, a trend that highlights the complexity of global shipping.

The World War II era was the peak for the U.S. fleet, with U.S. carriers representing about 43 percent of the world's shipping trade in 1950.

By 1995, the American market share had plunged to 4 percent, a stark contrast to the fleet's former glory.

A diminishing U.S. fleet contrasts with the burgeoning of international sea trade, with the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker fleet reaching 370 vessels as of 2007.

A fleet is a group of ships and vessels that work together to accomplish a common goal, and in the case of the US Merchant Marine, it's a massive operation with more than 10,000 ships and vessels.

The US Merchant Marine fleet has three main departments: Deck, Engine, and Steward, where mariners can serve and spend their careers.

Licensed mariners are professionals with advanced training in their field, requiring a special designation (a license) to provide critical functionality to Merchant Marine Operations.

To become a licensed mariner, one must attend a maritime academy and earn a degree, as well as advanced credentials. There are seven maritime academies located across the country.

Licensed mariners are trained for several years to meet minimum standards and must pass an extensive examination administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. This examination spans five days and is a crucial step in becoming a credentialed officer.

To advance in grade, such as to 2nd Mate or 2nd Engineer, licensed mariners must have sea time in the prior grade and additional endorsements and testing are required.

Here are the types of licenses and certifications for mariners:

Unlicensed mariners are the backbone of the Merchant Marine workforce, an army of skilled and newly trained workers with little or no prior experience afloat.

Licensed (Unlimited Tonnage) officers are trained at maritime academies or by accumulating sea-time on an unlimited tonnage ship.

To become a Licensed (Unlimited Tonnage) officer, you must pass an extensive examination administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, which spans five days.

This examination is a culmination of years of training, including sea-time as a rating on an unlimited tonnage ship and passing certain training courses.

Upon meeting all requirements and passing the final license examination, new deck officers are credentialed as third mates or third assistant engineers.

To advance in grade, such as to 2nd Mate or 2nd Engineer, you'll need to accumulate more sea time in the prior grade and complete additional endorsements and testing.

Licensed (Unlimited Tonnage) officers are senior leaders on vessels, directing the organization and making key decisions.

They require a special designation, a license, and significant maritime-related experience and knowledge to provide critical functionality to Merchant Marine Operations.

There are seven maritime academies located across the country where Licensed (Unlimited Tonnage) officers can earn a degree and advanced credentials.

Unlicensed mariners are the backbone of the Merchant Marine workforce, an army of skilled and newly trained workers with little or no prior experience afloat.

These mariners hold certifications rather than licenses, though they can and often do advance into the licensed ranks.

They are skilled and newly trained workers who can advance into the licensed ranks with experience.

To apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), you'll need to show proof of passing a series of tests, including drug tests and medical examinations that assess your physical fitness, vision, and hearing.

You'll also need to provide proof of your citizenship. This is a crucial step, as the MMC is only issued to U.S. citizens.

Applicants must also demonstrate the required experience, which is a key factor in obtaining an MMC.

You can join the Merchant Marine at just 16 years old, which is the minimum age requirement. Some shipping companies may not accept workers who are not yet 18 years old.

There is no upper age limit for joining the Merchant Marine, so people can join even after retiring from other careers.

The Seamen's Act of 1915 was a game-changer for American Merchant Marine seamen. It significantly improved working conditions, thanks to the efforts of International Seamen's Union president Andrew Furuseth and Senator Robert M. La Follette.

The Act abolished the practice of imprisoning seamen who deserted their ship, which was a major improvement. It also reduced penalties for disobedience, regulated working hours both at sea and in port, and established minimum food quality standards.

Seamen's working hours were regulated, with specific rules for both sea and port time. Lifeboats were required, and a minimum percentage of seamen had to be qualified able seamen. The Act also mandated that a minimum of 75% of the seamen understand the language spoken by the officers.

Here's a breakdown of the key provisions of the Seamen's Act of 1915:

The passage of the Seamen's Act of 1915 was attributed to labor union lobbying, increased labor tensions before World War I, and heightened public awareness of safety at sea following the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is the highest award for valor that can be bestowed upon members of the United States Merchant Marine.

It's equivalent to the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the US.

The Medal is awarded for extraordinary heroism, and it's not just a recognition of bravery - it's a testament to the selflessness and sacrifice of those who serve in the Merchant Marine.

In World War II, several Merchant Marine veterans received the Medal for their heroism, including Paul Buck, who was a captain at the time of his death.

Edwin Joseph O'Hara, a USMMA midshipman, also received the Medal posthumously for his actions during the war.

Francis A. Dales, another USMMA midshipman, was awarded the Medal for his bravery as well.

These individuals, and many others like them, demonstrate the high level of skill and dedication required to serve in the Merchant Marine.

Here are some of the notable recipients of the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal:

To become a Merchant Marine officer, you have several education and training options. You can attend one of the six state maritime academies, which offer the same training and licensing opportunities as the Federal USMMA.

These academies operate their own training ships, which are owned by the U.S. Government and loaned to the academy. The ships serve as training laboratories during the academic year and are sailed on by cadets during training cruises.

Alternatively, you can participate in an apprenticeship program, such as the MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP), which takes about two years to complete. This program involves 26 weeks of classroom education and 360 days of sea time, providing hands-on experience and qualifying you to sit for mate-level licensing exams.

Some of the state maritime academies include:

Keep in mind that attending a state maritime academy does not automatically guarantee a commission as a military officer, but it does provide a path to becoming a Strategic Sealift Officer in the Navy Reserve.

Becoming a merchant mariner requires a combination of education, training, and certification. There are several paths to becoming a mariner, and the time it takes can vary depending on the route you take.

You can start by attending a state maritime academy, which offers the same training and licensing opportunities as the Federal USMMA. These academies operate their own training ships, which serve as laboratories during the academic year and are sailed on by cadets during training cruises.

If you prefer a more flexible option, you can participate in an apprenticeship program, such as the MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP). This program takes around two years to complete and involves a combination of classroom education and sea time.

To become a merchant mariner, you'll need to undergo certification with the U.S. Coast Guard. This typically involves getting a physical and drug screening, applying for a TWIC, and obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

Here are the basic steps to become a merchant mariner:

By following these steps and obtaining the necessary certifications, you can start your career as a merchant mariner.

To become a merchant mariner, you'll need to pass a vision test and a physical fitness test. The physical fitness test will assess your strength, agility, and flexibility.

Mariners must demonstrate strength, agility, and flexibility, as determined by the examining medical professional. If the medical professional doubts your ability to perform essential shipboard functions or meet the demands of an emergency response, or if your body mass index is 40 or higher, they may require a demonstration of specific abilities.

You'll need to have at least 20/40 corrected vision in one eye to pass the vision test. This means you'll need to be able to see objects clearly at a distance of 20 feet with corrective lenses.

Engineering, tankerman, radio operator, and MODU standards require at least 20/50 corrected vision in one eye. This is a slightly lower standard than the deck standards, but still requires good vision to perform these roles safely.

A workforce is essentially the group of people employed by a company or organization to perform specific tasks. There are roughly 13,000 mariners working in the Merchant Marine workforce.

These mariners are employed by commercial companies or the federal government. Commercial companies employ roughly 7,500 professional mariners to operate their ships.

The federal government employs another 6,000 mariners, mostly operating vessels in the Military Sealift Command.

As a Merchant Mariner, you can choose from three career paths: engineering, deck, and steward's departments. These choices determine your requirements for the merchant mariner credential (MMC).

The engineering department includes engineers, electricians, mechanics, and oilers, who ensure the machinery on a vessel operates correctly. Members of the deck department, including merchant seamen and lifeboatmen, assist with the day-to-day functions of the ship. The steward's department provides the ship's food.

The Merchant Marine pays well, especially for entry-level work. The median pay for a tugboat deck officer is $400 a day. The median income for a mariner is just over $54,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here are the three career paths in the Merchant Marine:

Choosing your career path is a crucial step in becoming a merchant mariner. You have three possible options: the engineering, deck, or steward's department.

The engineering department is a great choice for those who enjoy working with machinery and problem-solving. Members of the engine department, which includes engineers, electricians, mechanics, and oilers, make sure the machinery on a vessel operates correctly.

In contrast, the deck department is perfect for those who enjoy working outdoors and being part of a tight-knit team. Members of the deck department, including merchant seamen and lifeboatmen, assist with the day-to-day functions of the ship.

The steward's department is ideal for those who enjoy cooking and providing excellent customer service. Members of the steward's department provide the ship's food.

Here's a breakdown of the different departments and their roles:

Your chosen career path will determine your requirements for the merchant mariner credential (MMC), so it's essential to decide early on.

The median salary of a merchant marine is around $55,000, but pay can range from $27,000 to $120,000.

Entry-level work in the Merchant Marine pays very well, with a median pay for a tugboat deck officer of $400 a day.

There is no centralized organization that sets a pay scale for merchant marines, so pay varies across different sectors and with education and experience.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for a mariner is just over $54,000 per year.

Pay can vary significantly depending on the training received and the specific role within the Merchant Marine.

The National Archives at St. Louis holds a wealth of records related to the United States Merchant Marine.

These records can be found in Record Group 26: Records of the U.S. Coast Guard. You can contact the National Archives at St. Louis at [email protected] for more information.

If you're researching Merchant Marine personnel, you'll want to know that records of licenses issued to officers from 1910 to 1946 are available.

The National Archives Identifier for this record is 567476.