Entry Level
This section contains official references to help you find information on training requirements and the U.S. Coast Guard Checklists that detail the requirements for the issue of documents or licenses. It also outlines the MITAGS courses that satisfy these requirements.
Entry in the U.S. Merchant Marine requires minimal training. In fact, you are not required to have previous experience working on a vessel. However, you must apply for a Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) if you have plans to work on sea-going (not inland) vessels.
Important Note
Additional training may be required, including the completion of Basic Safety Training (BST). Completion of the above-referenced minimum standards will permit you to work in an entry-level position as an Ordinary Seaman (deck hand) or Wiper (engine hand).
Unfortunately, there are more job seekers than there are positions available. To improve your chances of employment, please consider the completion of the following training programs:
v Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch.
v Survival Craft.
v Advanced Fire Fighting.
v Able-Bodied Seafarer.
v Tankerman Person-in-Charge Assistant.
References
Most of the general requirements for entry level mariners are detailed in 46 CFR, Part 12 (Certification of Seaman). Specifics on the training requirements can be found in the U.S. Coast Guard Policy Letters and Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC), which can be found online. For your convenience, there is a link to the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (USCG-NMC) in the "Useful Links" section at the bottom of this page.
Additional Information
For the latest course convening dates, please visit the "Schedule and Registration" section of this website. This section also includes an alphabetical "Course Description List." For more information, please contact the following:
v Mr. Victor Tufts,Program Manager
Telephone: (410) 859-5700, Extension 3531
E-mail: vtufts@mitags.org
Useful Links:
