Merchant marine officer salary in 2021

Merchant marine officer: Key Features, The Work, 2021 Salary, Prospects 

What does a merchant marine officer do?

Merchant marine officers work on cargo and passenger ships registered in the U.S. They are generally responsible for supervising crewmen who operate and maintain the ships. As the highest ranking officer, the captain has complete authority and responsibility for the ship’s operation and for the safety of the crew, passengers, cargo, and vessel. Officers serving under him are usually divided into two departments, deck officers and engineering officers. Engineering officers oversee operation and maintenance of engines and other machinery, while deck officers supervise such operations as piloting the ship and maintaining weather decks and the hull. 

How to become merchant marine officer?

Officers must be licensed and are required to pass examinations given by the U.S. Coast Guard. The usual entry route for officers is to complete a four year college program at a merchant marine academy. These programs provide valuable background instruction as well as preparation for the licensing examinations. It is also possible, however, to become eligible to take the officer’s licensing examination after gaining three years’ service as a merchant marine sailor

How much do merchant marine officers make? (2021)

Employment opportunities are expected to be limited because the number of officer candidates graduating from academies is forecast to be more in some years than the numbers that are likely to be needed. Income advancement potential for officers is very high. Junior officers (except pursers) usually begin at about $45,000 to $50,000 a year base pay and for those who advance to captain, earnings are $75,000 plus a year. 

The average salary for a merchant marine officer in 2021

Annual Salary $63,500
Monthly Salary  $5,150
Weekly Salary $1,400
Hourly Salary  $24

Merchant Marine Officer Requirements

Entry Requirements in Prior Experience: 

Though most officers are graduates of merchant marine training academies, it is possible for a sailor to apply for a junior officer’s license after gaining three years experience at sea. Career changers who have the necessary experience may still want to consider entering a training academy, because licensing examinations usually require some formal training. Any amount of previous experience at sea, either in the military service or aboard smaller, commercial vessels, may give career changers an advantage when applying to the training academies. 

Entry Requirements in Personal Qualities: 

Career changers interested in becoming merchant marine officers should have strong leadership qualities and be able to handle a great deal of responsibility. Their ability to make sound judgments, especially during emergencies, can affect the lives of crewmen and the safety of the ship. Career changers should also like the seagoing life. They can expect to be away from home for months at a time and during these periods they will have only their shipmates and the ship itself for company. Though some officers do spend most of their time below decks, work as a merchant marine officer usually involves exposure to the elements and generally demands a hardy disposition. 

In addition to meeting citizenship and general health requirements, officer candidates must also meet minimum age requirements. Junior officers (third mates,third assistant engineers, and radio operators) must be at least 19 years old. All other officers must be at least 21 years old. 

Merchant Navy ranks and salary , Merchant Marine


Entry Requirements in Training and Education: 

The surest route to becoming a merchant marine officer is through an established training program, such as that offered by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or by one of the six state merchant marine academies. In addition to providing valuable classroom instruction and actual seagoing experience, these four year college programs help prepare students for the demanding officer’s license examinations given by the Coast Guard. Candidates for radio officer are also required to have a first or second class radiotelegraph license (issued by the Federal Communications Commission) before they can get a merchant marine officer’s license.

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