United States Coast Guard
The Education Arm of the Workboat -

MARAD
Located on the Property of Foss Maritime,

USCG Checklists
Located in Baltimore, MITAGS offers the full


 

Contact a Workboat Academy Counselor for assistance getting your U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (Z-Card)

MARKETABILITY METER
Prior to Reviewing the Avenues Available to begin your career as an Ordinary Seaman we highly recommend you review our Career Guidance  page  to ensure that you wish to pursue this career objective.  Make sure you also visit our 'Jobs On-Board' page to review what companies are looking for.  Note:  This page is meant as guidance only, and by no means represents the only options of entering the Merchant Marine. 
                                                                                                                   Overview: The Ordinary Seaman is the entry level position aboard a Tug / OSV.  Given that there is currently not a  Coast Guard requirement for vessels to carry Ordinary Seaman, competitive pressures have eliminated most jobs at this level.  That being said, for the individual that is passionate and persistent to work at this level, there is a good chance an opportunity will arise.   We have identified below, some avenues available to you to become an Ordinary Seaman in the United States Merchant Marine.  - It may be prudent to contact the company you are interested in asking them what they are looking for in an Ordinary Seaman.

Download the USCG Checklist for this position



 
                                                                                                                  Hit the Streets:  At a minimum, you will be required to have in your possession a Valid Merchant Mariners Document (Z-Card) and a Passport wouldn't hurt.  There are a 'few' organizations out there that will hire you on the spot, and provide the necessary training for you.  This generally requires knowing someone... however, persistence pays off. 

Minimum Training Option:  In addition to a Merchant Mariner Document (Z-Card) and a passport, you will be required to have an STCW (Standards of Training and Certification of Watchstanders) Certificate.  This requires the following Course(s):

  1. Basic Safety Training - 5 Day Program (see school links to left to find offerings.

Full Training Option:  These optional programs will make you more marketable to the company.  They increase the ability for you to do other jobs within the organization (i.e. Tankerman Duties/Lookout) as well as demonstrating to the company that you have taken the extra step to meet their needs.
  1. Basic Safety Training - 5 Day Program
  2. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (Lookout Duties Only) - 2 Day Program
  3. Tankerman Assistant - 5 Day Program