The Reference Guide of the US Merchant Marine
Cadets are allowed to work without completing Basic Safety Training because they are not fulfilling a Certificate of Inspection (COI) manning requirement and are considered supernumeraries on the station bill. During Commercial Read More…
An entry-level merchant mariner credential allows for a new mariner enter the stewards’, deck and engine department. A steward’s assistant (SA) works in the galley underneath the chief steward. As Read More…
A merchant mariner credential grants entry to the starting level of the deck, engine and stewards department. The entry-level rating of oiler is the starting rating for the engine department. Read More…
With a TWIC, new employment opportunities arise. A TWIC allows for a worker to access vessels docked in secure port facilities. In addition a TWIC allows an employee to work Read More…
An ordinary seaman (OS) is an unlicensed member of the deck department who holds an entry level merchant mariner credential. An OS does not steer the vessel at the helm Read More…
I interviewed Captain Bolton to give a final look back at his career and gregarious personality. At USmerchantmariner.com, I write people’s stories, not their obituaries. I try to convey the Read More…
Applying for an MMC requires multiple documents to be acquired in advance before the application can be submitted. (1) Apply for your TWIC and include a scanned copy of your TWIC in Read More…
A Transportation Worker Identification Certificate (TWIC) is a federal ID card issued to transportation workers. TWIC holders can access secure port facilities and vessel without escort. A TWIC Card is Read More…
This week I’d like to take a closer look at what shipping out with the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MMP) entails. The MMP—unlike the AMO—utilizes a hiring-hall Read More…
A T-Boat is an inspected vessel under 100 gross tons that carries between 6 and 150 passengers for hire or has overnight accommodations for up to 49 passengers. A vessel Read More…