What does a merchant mariner do?

What is a Merchant Mariner?

In the United States, a merchant mariner is an individual who is engaged in commercial maritime activities and holds a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This credential serves as a license and certification that allows them to work in various roles aboard commercial vessels operating in U.S. waters and on the high seas. Merchant mariners can serve on a wide range of vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, container ships, passenger vessels, and offshore drilling rigs.

To obtain the MMC, individuals must meet specific requirements, which may include completing relevant training and sea service hours, passing written exams, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards. The credential is divided into different categories based on the type of vessel and the duties the mariner is qualified to perform, such as deck officers, engineering officers, able seamen, and more. The U.S. merchant mariner industry is critical for supporting both domestic and international trade, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and people, and plays an essential role in national security and emergency response efforts.

What does a Merchant Mariner do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a merchant mariner can vary depending on their specific role and position aboard a commercial vessel. However, some common responsibilities include:

• Navigational Operations: Deck officers and other crew members involved in navigation are responsible for safely piloting the vessel, adhering to navigational charts, avoiding hazards, and ensuring the vessel follows the intended route.
• Cargo Handling: Merchant mariners involved in cargo operations oversee the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring it is stowed securely and following proper safety protocols.
• Engineering Operations: Engineering officers are responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the vessel's engines, machinery, and electrical systems to ensure smooth operation throughout the voyage.
• Watchkeeping: Mariners often work in shifts, and watchkeepers are responsible for maintaining a constant lookout for potential dangers, monitoring the vessel's systems, and reporting any issues to the appropriate authorities.
• Safety and Emergency Response: Ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew is paramount. Mariners must be familiar with safety procedures, conduct regular safety drills, and respond effectively to emergencies, including man overboard situations, fires, and abandon-ship scenarios.
• Environmental Compliance: Merchant mariners are required to follow environmental regulations, preventing pollution and ensuring the proper disposal of waste.
• Communication: Effective communication is crucial on a ship. Mariners must maintain clear and efficient communication with the vessel's crew, port authorities, and other vessels in the area.
• Adherence to Regulations: Mariners are obligated to follow international and national maritime laws and regulations, as well as any specific rules established by the company or vessel they are serving on.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Accurate record-keeping is essential for various aspects of maritime operations, including logbooks, cargo manifests, and crew records.
• Vessel Maintenance: Merchant mariners may be involved in routine maintenance tasks, such as painting, cleaning, and general upkeep of the vessel.

Types of Merchant Mariners
There are several types of merchant mariners, each with distinct roles and responsibilities aboard commercial vessels. Here are some of the key types:

• Deck Officers: Deck officers, also known as navigation officers, are responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. They include positions such as Captain, Chief Officer (First Mate), Second Officer, Third Officer, and Deck Cadets. Deck officers are in charge of overseeing navigation, piloting, cargo handling, and safety protocols on the deck.
• Engineering Officers: Engineering officers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel's engines, machinery, and electrical systems. They include positions such as Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, and Engineering Cadets. Engineering officers ensure that the vessel's propulsion and auxiliary systems function correctly throughout the voyage.
• Able Seamen (ABs): Able Seamen are skilled and experienced deckhands who assist in various deck operations, such as mooring, rigging, and cargo handling. They work closely with deck officers and play a critical role in the overall seamanship of the vessel.
• Ordinary Seamen (OSs): Ordinary Seamen are entry-level deckhands who assist the ABs and perform general maintenance tasks on deck.
• Qualified Members of the Engine Department (QMED): QMEDs are engineering department personnel who possess specific skills, such as electrical, mechanical, or refrigeration expertise. They support the engineering officers in maintaining and operating the vessel's machinery.
• Stewards and Galley Staff: Stewards and galley staff are responsible for food preparation, housekeeping, and providing hospitality services to the crew and passengers.
• Pumpman and Boatswain: Pumpmen handle cargo pumps and related operations, while boatswains oversee the deck crew and manage equipment and rigging.
• Chief Cook and Cooks: The chief cook oversees the galley and meal preparation, while additional cooks assist in the food preparation and service.
• Medical Personnel: Some larger vessels may have medical personnel on board, such as ship's doctors or medical officers, to provide medical care and assistance to the crew.
• Radio Officers: Although less common due to advances in communication technology, some vessels may have radio officers responsible for maintaining communication equipment and ensuring proper radio procedures.

What is the workplace of a Merchant Mariner like?

The workplace of a merchant mariner revolves around life at sea aboard commercial vessels engaged in various maritime operations. From cargo ships transporting goods across oceans to passenger vessels offering cruises and offshore support vessels servicing oil and gas platforms, the types of vessels and their purposes are diverse, and so are the work environments they present.

One of the defining aspects of a merchant mariner's workplace is the extended periods spent at sea. Crew members typically work in shifts or watches, where they are on duty for a set period and then have time off to rest. Depending on the voyage's duration, mariners can spend several weeks or even months at sea before returning to shore for leave or rest. Living quarters aboard ships can vary significantly, with officers enjoying more comfortable and private accommodations, while lower-ranking crew members may share smaller cabins and facilities. Adaptability to close living conditions and the ability to get along well with fellow crew members are essential traits for a merchant mariner.

The work routine of a merchant mariner follows a watch system, where crew members are assigned specific duties during their watch hours. This watch schedule ensures continuous monitoring and efficient operation of the vessel. Teamwork and effective communication are vital in the maritime workplace, as crew members must collaborate closely to ensure the vessel's safety, handle cargo efficiently, and respond promptly to emergencies. Safety is a paramount concern in the maritime industry, and strict protocols and drills are conducted regularly to prepare the crew for any eventuality. Mariners must also be adaptable to weather conditions, as they face a range of challenges from calm seas to rough waters, storms, and extreme temperatures during their time at sea.

While at sea, vessels make port calls for various purposes, including loading and unloading cargo, taking on fuel and supplies, and allowing crew members some time to rest and explore new places. In port, mariners may have the opportunity to experience different cultures, but they must also be mindful of their responsibilities and the vessel's schedule.

Advancements in technology have equipped modern vessels with sophisticated navigation systems, communication equipment, and machinery, enhancing the efficiency and safety of maritime operations. However, regardless of the vessel's technological capabilities, adherence to international and national maritime laws and regulations is crucial for a merchant mariner.