As the Federal agency responsible for U.S. waterborne interests, MARAD oversees numerous operations worldwide, all of which require a steady stream of skilled and readily available mariners. This means MARAD is tasked with training and educating the next generation of mariners and shoreside workforce to support and enhance the quality of U.S. maritime operations at sea and ashore, covering everything from shipbuilding and port operations to cybersecurity.

According to data from the National WWII Museum, about 243,000 mariners served during World War II. Today’s workforce is only a fraction of these mariners. The need to maintain an adequate workforce in today's military, economic, and political environment remains a constant challenge. To fill the range of maritime-related specialties and career paths, the Maritime Administration actively supports maritime training and education programs designed to prepare a new generation of mariners to take the helm.

Paths to a Maritime Career

There are many paths to becoming a mariner. For some, it begins at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, one of the five service academies. For others, it starts at one of the six State Maritime Academies. For those already serving in the military, the Military to Mariner (M2M) program offers a valuable resource. Additionally, trade unions sponsor schools focused on maritime studies, and many two-year community colleges provide maritime certificate programs. MARAD also connects with K-12 schools, especially at the high school level, to inspire students to pursue careers in the maritime industry. Furthermore, MARAD supports maritime education through its Centers of Excellence (CoE) Program, which networks maritime education and training entities from across the country.

Maritime education options are increasing, with recent estimates indicating more than 500 schools offering some form of maritime study. Need to narrow your search? The Maritime Primary & Secondary Educational Coalition (MPSEC) exists solely to promote interest in maritime education and connect potential students with learning institutions.

Intro to Maritime Careers: Choose Your Pathway

The maritime industry moves 90% of the world’s trade. Whether you want to navigate the open ocean, captain a local tugboat, or build the next generation of ships right here on land, there is a high-paying career waiting for you—often with little to no student debt.

Career Matchmaker: Find Your Immediate Next Step

• "I am still in middle or high school but want to get a head start..." ➔ Your Path: Youth Maritime Exploration. Look into national after-school programs like the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps or Sea Scouts to get hands-on boat training, or explore dedicated Maritime High Schools in your state. You can also look for a nearby Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education that may offer dual enrollment, workforce credentialing, or a maritime related boot camp experience. 

• "I want to travel, make money fast, and skip college..." ➔ Your Path: Entry-level Afloat Mariner. (See 'Earn While You Learn').

• "I want to work with my hands, stay local, and learn a trade..." ➔ Your Path: Ashore Shipyard Trade. (See 'Earn While You Learn').

• "I want a 4-year degree or to be a ship's Officer..." ➔ Your Path: Maritime Academy Graduate. (See Federal & State Education Grants).

• "I am a military veteran looking to transition..." ➔ Your Path: M2M or SkillBridge. (See Veteran & Military Transition Pathways)

• "I want a quick certification to get my foot in the door..." ➔ Your Path: Short-term Workforce Credentialing. (Look into the newly active Workforce Pell Grant Program* for 8-to-15-week certificates).

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Veteran & Military Transition Pathways

• DoD SkillBridge Program: Spend your last 180 days of active duty interning with approved civilian shipyards or maritime logistics companies while keeping your military pay.

• U.S. Coast Guard Military to Mariner Program: Crosswalk your military sea service records to civilian Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC).

• VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): If you have a service-connected disability, VR&E can completely fund maritime trade schools, gear, and licensing.

• VA Education and Training Benefits: Use your standard Post-9/11 GI Bill at certified maritime academies and technical institutions.

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"Earn While You Learn" 

Afloat & Towing Apprenticeships

• SIU Paul Hall Center Apprentice Program: A premier, completely tuition-free training program for entry-level afloat mariners. Includes free room, board, and a guaranteed union job.

• Military Sealift Command (MSC) Careers: Apply directly for immediate, paid entry-level federal civilian jobs (Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, Steward) aboard Navy support vessels.

• We Work The Waterways Career Board: A dedicated career platform for the U.S. inland waterways and tugboat sectors.

• Commercial Tug & Barge Pipelines: Companies like Kirby Corporation, Vane Brothers, and McAllister Towing routinely hire "Green Deckhands" with zero experience and pay for all your on-the-job training and Coast Guard credentialing.

Ashore & Shipyard Union Apprenticeships

• Apprenticeship.gov Search Tool: The U.S. Dept. of Labor portal. Search "Marine Pipefitter," "Shipwright," or "Marine Electrician" to find paid ashore apprenticeships.

• Ashore Trade Unions: Many major coastal shipyards partner with organized building trades. Applying directly to a local union hall often guarantees 100% free training, a paid apprenticeship, and direct job placement. Look into local chapters of:

  • International Brotherhood of Boilermakers: For aspiring shipfitters, welders, and heavy riggers.

  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): For marine electricians and shipyard power technicians.

  • United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC): They represent not just carpenters, but highly specialized marine piledrivers and commercial divers.

Port Operations & Cargo Handling (Longshoremen & Stevedores) 

Working at the ports operating massive cranes, driving terminal tractors, and managing shipping containers is a highly specialized, lucrative ashore career. Entry is managed almost entirely by union hiring halls, where new workers typically start as "casuals" (part-time, day-labor) to earn hours toward full union membership and training.

• International Longshoremen's Association (ILA): The largest union of maritime workers in North America, representing longshoremen on the East Coast, Gulf Coast, Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, and Inland Waterways.

• International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU): Represents longshoremen and port workers primarily on the West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.

• Employer Associations: To find out when a local port is holding a lottery to hire new "casual" workers, you also need to monitor the employer organizations that partner with the unions. Look at the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) for the West Coast, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) for the East and Gulf Coasts.

Federal & State Civil Service Fleets 

If you want federal or state benefits, pensions, and stability, look beyond commercial companies to public fleets:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Hires civilian mariners to operate global oceanographic research and climate vessels.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Employs deckhands for their dredging fleets, as well as ashore Lock and Dam Operators across the inland waterways.

• State Ferry Systems: If you want an afloat career but want to go home every night, look into municipal ferry fleets. Systems like Washington State Ferries or the Alaska Marine Highway System routinely hire entry-level deckhands and wipers with comprehensive state benefits.

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Federal & State Education Grants

• CareerOneStop Local Finder: Funded by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. Visit your local American Job Center and ask for WIOA grants to fund local welding or marine safety certifications.

• U.S. Dept. of Education Grants Portal: High-demand, short-term (8–15 week) technical certificates are eligible for federal funding assistance under the Workforce Pell Grant Program.*

• MARAD Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program: Provides up to $64,000 in tuition assistance over four years at State Maritime Academies for future officers.

• Job Corps Seamanship Programs: Free vocational training, room, and board for eligible youth (ages 16–24) to earn Coast Guard ratings.

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*About the Workforce Pell Grant Program

The program officially launched on July 1, 2026, and operates on a dual-approval system. The federal government provides the funding, but they tasked individual State Governors and State Workforce Boards with approving which specific short-term programs qualify.

The federal government put strict rules on what training programs can accept these funds. The maritime course must meet these criteria:

• Length: It must be between 8 and 14 weeks long (and between 150–599 clock hours).

• Outcomes: The program must prove a 70% completion rate and a 70% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation.

• ROI: The cost of the tuition cannot exceed the "value-added earnings" the student makes after graduating.

• Stackable: The credential earned (like a welding cert or maritime safety credential) must be recognized by multiple employers and be able to transfer or "stack" into future degrees.

Here's what you need to know:

• Visit: StudentAid.gov to fill out the FAFSA to see if you meet the income criteria for the grant.

• Because each state approves its own programs, you need to check your state's specific Department of Higher Education or Workforce Board website. Google: "[Your State] Workforce Pell page" to find the exact list of funded maritime courses near you.

• Check with your local community college or maritime training center's financial aid office to confirm if their course qualifies.

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Disclaimer: The career resources, training programs, and external links listed on this page are provided for informational purposes and their inclusion does not constitute or imply an official endorsement or favoring by the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

Questions?

For questions about MARAD-supported educational and training programs or how to become a United States Merchant Mariner, contact the Office of Maritime Labor & Training at (202) 493-0029 or careersafloat@dot.gov.