Structure

Life aboard a vessel follows a structured environment with clear roles and responsibilities, much like the military. Veterans adapt quickly to the chain of command and daily routines, giving them a head start in understanding maritime operations.

Leadership Experience

Veterans often bring hands-on leadership experience, having managed teams in challenging environments. This background translates seamlessly into maritime roles where crew coordination and decisive leadership are essential for smooth operations.

Specialized Skills

Many military roles provide technical training in areas like navigation, engineering, and logistics — skills that align directly with maritime industry needs. Veterans enter the field with a strong foundation, making them highly competitive candidates for a range of positions.

Sea Service Credit

For those with military sea time, the U.S. Coast Guard may apply that experience toward earning a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). This can significantly shorten the path to higher-level licenses, allowing veterans to advance faster than civilian counterparts.

The Veteran Advantage

American flag flying against blue sky representing veterans transitioning to maritime careers

From Veteran to Mariner

Your service has equipped you with skills that are highly valued in the maritime industry — discipline, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure. Whether you’re seeking adventure, stability, or a new sense of purpose, the U.S. Merchant Marine offers a rewarding career path where your experience matters. Step aboard and discover how your next mission could be on the water.

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A Career Beyond the Ordinary

For veterans seeking more than a desk job, the maritime industry offers a life of adventure and purpose. Every day brings new challenges — navigating dynamic waterways, operating powerful vessels, and working as part of a close-knit crew. The call of the sea offers a sense of freedom and excitement that few land-based jobs can match. It’s a career where no two days are the same, where the horizon is always changing, and where your skills and experience are put to the test in real-world situations. For those who’ve served, the maritime industry offers not just a job, but a new mission — one that’s as captivating as it is rewarding.

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Get Started on Credentials

The maritime industry is ready for you when you are. Follow the link to get started on your credentials and join the industry!

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Transfer Your Military Sea Time to a Merchant Mariner Credential

1. Gather proof of your sea service: request a Transcript of Sea Service (TOSS) or History of Assignments using Standard Form SF‑180. Specify that it’s for a Merchant Mariner Credential and include evaluations/FITREPs to document watchstanding duties and sea time. Download the form here:

2. Collect supporting documents: obtain your DD‑214 and any training records. The DD-214 is your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It is essential for verifying military service and is often required when applying for maritime credentials. Navy or Coast Guard recruit training can count toward basic safety training. Request your DD-214 here:

3. Choose a Regional Exam Center (REC): select a U.S. Coast Guard REC and review their application checklist for your desired endorsement or follow our Get Your Credentials process.

4. Complete required screenings: schedule a DOT‑approved drug screen and apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

5. Apply for your MMC: submit Form CG‑719B with your sea‑service documentation and medical certificate (CG‑719K) to the REC. Veterans may qualify for Able Seaman or QMED endorsements based on their ratings.

6. Take any required training: enroll in STCW Basic Training or request credit for equivalent military training.

SF-180 Form

DD-214