Launch Your Shore-Side Career: Become a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator

Are you a maritime professional looking to transition from the bridge to a pivotal administrative role? The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is currently looking for experienced mariners to join the National Maritime Center (NMC) as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck). This is a rare opportunity to apply your years of experience at sea to help regulate and improve the standards that guide the next generation of mariners.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will perform essential tasks that keep the maritime industry running safely. Key duties include:

Curriculum Evaluation: Reviewing and assessing maritime technical subject matter in various training courses.
Competency Assessment: Evaluating whether prospective instructors and examiners meet the technical proficiency standards for the industry.
Policy Implementation: Providing recommendations for improving course approval processes based on current regulations.
Authoritative Communication: Preparing technical responses for Congressional inquiries and public questions regarding training qualifications.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must meet strict federal standards. You must be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid or previous Merchant Mariner credential (2nd Mate AGT or Master 1600 tons or military equivalent). Additionally, you need one full year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.

Comparison of Qualifications

Feature	Requirement	Note
Citizenship	Required	U.S. Citizen only
Experience	GS-11 Equivalent (1 year)	Specialized maritime sector experience
Resume Limit	2 Pages	Hard limit, no exceptions
Education	Not required	Proof of credentials is mandatory

Salary Overview

The GS-12 position offers a highly competitive salary range of $89,508 to $145,468 per year, depending on locality and experience. Newly appointed federal employees may also be eligible for recruitment incentives of up to 21.69% of the salary, subject to a 12-month service agreement.

Benefits

Beyond a strong salary, federal employment with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides:

Insurance: Extensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement: Defined benefit pension plan plus a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous leave and flexible schedules.
Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional training.

Application Tips

Focus Your Resume: With a two-page limit, prioritize relevant maritime achievements over unrelated work.
Use Clear Formatting: Follow the 10pt font and 0.5-inch margin rules strictly.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to complete the USA Hire assessment; failing to complete this within the required testing window will disqualify your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many openings are available? A: There are currently 2 openings for this position.

Q: What is the application deadline? A: The announcement is open until October 2, 2026, with rolling cut-off dates every 30 days.

Q: Can I apply for multiple locations? A: Yes, the position has multiple duty stations across the U.S. You may apply and indicate your preferences as prompted.

If you have the technical maritime expertise and a passion for public service, the U.S. Coast Guard wants to hear from you. This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to influence the safety and standards of the entire American maritime industry. Apply today to secure your future in the federal sector.

Why This Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck) Job Matters

Advance your maritime career with the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator—your expertise helps shape the safety and standards of the nation's maritime industry.

Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck) Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard (National Maritime Center) is seeking a skilled Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator to join their team. This pivotal role involves assessing maritime technical curricula, evaluating the competence of instructors and examiners, and providing high-level technical guidance to uphold the integrity of the U.S. Mariner Credentialing Program. If you possess deep knowledge of shipboard operations and a desire to contribute to national maritime security, this GS-12 position offers a unique opportunity to influence industry standards from within the federal government.

Requirements for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Must hold (or have held) a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential as 2nd Mate (Any Gross Tons or higher), Master 1600 tons (or higher), or military equivalent DWO 1600 GRT.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.
Ability to pass a background investigation.
Submission of a resume no longer than two pages.
Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Preferred Qualifications for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck)

Comprehensive knowledge of shipboard operations and navigation.
Experience drafting technical correspondence for the maritime industry.
Expertise in interpreting and applying federal and international maritime laws and regulations.
Strong analytical skills for curriculum assessment and process improvement.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and locality pay.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave accrual.
✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development training.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for eligible candidates.

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

Application Steps for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck) Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50s, transcripts, or veteran preference documents.
Submit your application through the online link before the established cut-off dates.
Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the notified timeframe.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the specialized experience requirements without simply copying language from the announcement.
Format your resume clearly with 10pt font and at least 0.5-inch margins to stay within the two-page limit.
If you require a Reasonable Accommodation for the assessment phase, request it immediately upon application.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessment, though many complete it faster.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible, as unreadable files will lead to automatic disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, this specific GS-12 position requires specialized work experience and does not allow for education to be substituted for that experience.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

The USAJOBS system will prevent submission, or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration. Please keep your resume concise.

Is a security clearance required?

No, a security clearance is not required for this role, though all candidates must successfully pass a standard background investigation.

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The National Maritime Center, part of the U.S. Coast Guard, is the backbone of the U.S. Mariner Credentialing Program. Its mission is to ensure that mariners operating in U.S. waters are highly qualified, safe, and competent. As a civilian employee of the Coast Guard, you will play a vital role in safeguarding national interests and ensuring that maritime training programs meet rigorous federal standards.