The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center is seeking experienced U.S. Merchant Mariners for shoreside federal positions that support the credentialing, training, and examination of the nation’s maritime workforce.
The National Maritime Center (NMC) is recruiting credentialed deck and engine officers, as well as armed services veterans with comparable maritime experience, for positions in the GS-12 to GS-14 pay grades. Depending on grade, step, and locality, salaries may range from approximately $89,000 to more than $187,000.
For mariners considering a transition ashore, these positions offer an opportunity to continue serving the maritime industry while applying real-world experience to the development and assessment of future mariners.
Opportunities in 13 States
NMC is recruiting for positions in Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
The work includes evaluating and approving mariner training courses, developing examinations, supporting credentialing standards, and helping ensure mariners are prepared to meet the demands of today’s maritime industry.
These roles allow experienced mariners to bring practical shipboard knowledge into the federal credentialing process. That perspective is essential to NMC’s mission and to the continued strength of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Supporting the U.S. Maritime Workforce
The U.S. maritime system depends on a skilled and properly credentialed workforce. More than 207,000 professional U.S. merchant mariners support commerce, transportation, national security, and emergency response across the nation.
NMC plays a central role in that system by evaluating mariner qualifications, supporting credentialing requirements, and helping maintain professional standards across the maritime workforce.
This hiring effort also supports broader national efforts to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry, including expanding mariner training and education. To meet that need, NMC is looking for professionals who understand the maritime environment firsthand.
A Shoreside Career That Keeps You Connected to the Industry
Many mariners eventually look for shoreside opportunities that provide a more predictable schedule while allowing them to stay connected to the profession. NMC positions offer a way to use sea time, credentialing experience, and operational knowledge in a stable federal career.
For deck and engine officers, these roles provide a direct way to shape the future of the maritime workforce, support credentialing modernization, and help prepare the next generation of U.S. mariners.
How to Apply
Candidates must hold, or have previously held, a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Credential as a deck or engine officer or have equivalent experience in the U.S. armed forces.
Positions are being advertised through USAJOBS. Interested applicants should visit the NMC jobs page or search USAJOBS for current NMC openings. New positions are updated frequently, and applicants are encouraged to check back regularly.
To explore current openings, visit: NMC Jobs