Become a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator with the U.S. Coast Guard

Are you an experienced maritime engineer looking to transition your career from the engine room to the regulatory boardroom? The U.S. Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, is offering a unique opportunity for a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) in Miami, Florida. This role is pivotal in maintaining the safety and professionalism of our nation's maritime industry by ensuring that training programs meet the highest global standards.

Job Responsibilities

As a Course Evaluator, you serve as the subject matter expert for engine-related maritime operations. Your daily tasks will include:

Curriculum Approval: Assessing maritime training programs to ensure they meet federal and international compliance.
Regulatory Interpretation: Analyzing maritime laws and policies to provide authoritative guidance.
Technical Communication: Preparing professional correspondence and explaining complex requirements to both internal staff and external maritime stakeholders.
System Integrity: Developing solutions to resolve issues in course approval and licensing processes.

Comparison of Maritime Roles

Feature	Shipboard Engineer	Course Evaluator
Environment	At Sea	Office / Regulatory
Primary Focus	Operations & Maintenance	Standards & Compliance
Impact	Vessel Safety	Industry Training Standards
Schedule	Rotational	Standard Federal Hours

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet strict qualification standards. These include:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Credentialing: You must hold or have previously held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential (2nd Assistant Engineer Unlimited or higher, or 3rd Assistant Engineer with specialized experience).
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 equivalent level.
Document Compliance: Your resume must be two pages or less and must not contain prohibited personal identifiers.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this GS-12 position is between $95,326 and $123,927 annually. Beyond the competitive base salary, employees enjoy:

Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
Potential for student loan repayment up to $10,000.
Recruitment and relocation incentives of 10% for eligible new hires.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Highlight your actual experience with maritime technology and STCW standards.
Avoid Copying: Do not copy the job description into your resume. Use your own words to describe your accomplishments.
Assessments: Prepare for the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments; they are a critical component of your application package.

Serving as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator is an ideal way to influence the future of maritime education. If you possess the required engineering background and a passion for regulatory compliance, apply today to help the U.S. Coast Guard maintain its high standards of excellence.

Why This Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Matters

Help shape the future of maritime safety as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator for the U.S. Coast Guard—where your technical expertise drives industry standards.

Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) in Miami, Florida. In this role, you will act as a subject matter expert, ensuring that maritime training programs for engine personnel meet rigorous U.S. and international regulatory standards. By evaluating course curricula and providing technical guidance, you will directly contribute to the safety and competence of the global maritime workforce.

Requirements for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)

U.S. Citizenship
Must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential as a 2nd Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) or higher, or a 3rd Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) with specific engine experience.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal sector.
Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.
Must not include sensitive personal information (SSN, DOB, photos) on your resume.
Resume must not exceed two pages in length.

Preferred Qualifications for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)

In-depth knowledge of STCW (1978) international credentialing requirements.
Experience with engine department shipboard operations and maintenance on vessels of at least 4,000 horsepower.
Proven ability to interpret and apply complex maritime laws and regulatory policies.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
Experience in technical curriculum development or maritime training evaluation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave policies
✓Tuition reimbursement programs
✓Student loan repayment eligibility (up to $10,000)
✓Fitness and wellness programs
✓Relocation and recruitment incentives for qualifying candidates

💡 How to Apply Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job

Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Review the document submission requirements, ensuring your resume is exactly two pages or less.
Complete the required online assessments by the specified cut-off dates.
Submit your resume, SF-50 (if applicable), and transcripts via the online application link.
Monitor your status and correspondence through your applicant portal.

💡 General Tips

Do not copy and paste the job announcement description into your resume, as this will result in disqualification.
Ensure your resume clearly highlights your specific maritime experience and dates of employment.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessment once you receive the notification.
Proofread all documents to ensure they are legible and clearly formatted.
Check your application status regularly to avoid missing follow-up emails regarding interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the cut-off dates for application review?

Applications are reviewed in cycles. The cut-off dates for the current opening are May 16, June 16, and July 16, 2026.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The system will reject or flag applications with resumes exceeding two pages. Ensure yours is concise and meets the formatting guidelines.

Is there a student loan repayment program for this role?

Yes, newly appointed permanent or term employees may be eligible for student loan repayment up to $10,000 for one calendar year.

Does this position require a security clearance?

*A: No, a security clearance is not required for this role, though a background investigation is mandatory.*

What is the closing date for applications?

*A: The position is open until July 16, 2026.*

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and is a critical component of the Department of Homeland Security. Their mission is multifaceted, ranging from maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations to the protection of global shipping lanes. As a civilian employee, you join a team dedicated to safeguarding national interests and ensuring that those working on U.S. vessels are trained to the highest levels of proficiency.