Launch Your Career: Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator with the U.S. Coast Guard

Are you a maritime professional looking to transition from the engine room to a position where you can shape the future of the industry? The U.S. Coast Guard is currently hiring for the role of Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine). This GS-12 position offers a unique blend of technical oversight and regulatory compliance, ensuring the safety of mariners across the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As a Course Evaluator, you will be the final authority on many aspects of mariner training. Your primary duties include:

Reviewing and approving maritime training courses and instructor programs.
Ensuring all training aligns with current federal maritime laws.
Developing competency-based exams for credentialed mariners.
Providing technical expertise for complex maritime licensing issues.

Qualifications and Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet strict professional requirements:

Experience: You must have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential as a Second Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) or higher.
Education: A degree in engineering, business, or related maritime fields is required.
Documentation: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting more will result in automatic disqualification.

Requirements Comparison Table

Feature	Requirement Detail
Grade Level	GS-12
Employment Type	Permanent/Full-time
Security Status	Low Risk/Suitability Investigation
Citizenship	U.S. Citizenship Mandatory

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $145,468 annually. Beyond the salary, federal employment includes:

Thrift Savings Plan: A retirement savings plan with government matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Incentives: Potential recruitment and relocation bonuses of up to 25% for specific locations.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Focus on your specific technical experience as an Assistant Engineer.
Don't Copy and Paste: HR will ignore text directly lifted from this announcement.
Watch the Clock: Ensure your application is submitted before the monthly cut-off dates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work remotely? While location is negotiable, the role is not currently listed as remote-eligible.

Do I need a security clearance? No, but you must be able to pass a background check and suitability assessment.

What happens if I fail to meet the resume length requirement? Your application will be rejected immediately; keep it strictly under two pages.

The role of Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator is more than just a job; it is a critical contribution to national maritime safety. If you have the required engineering credentials, this position offers the stability and prestige of a federal career. Apply via the official USAJOBS portal today to take the next step in your professional journey.

Why This Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Matters

Put your maritime engineering expertise to work protecting the nation as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a dedicated Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) to join the National Maritime Center. This vital role involves overseeing the integrity of maritime training, ensuring that training programs and instructors meet rigorous regulatory standards, and assessing competency examinations for merchant mariners. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of maritime safety and security while working within the Department of Homeland Security.

Requirements for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential as a Second Assistant Engineer, Unlimited or higher, or equivalent military experience.
Must have served as an Engineering Officer of the Watch on vessels of greater than 4000 HP.
Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Ability to pass a background investigation.
Successful completion of required online assessments.
Two-page maximum limit for all resumes.

Preferred Qualifications for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)

Strong analytical skills regarding maritime laws and credentialing policies.
Proven experience in engine department shipboard operations and maintenance.
Effective communication skills for translating technical regulatory requirements.
Experience contributing to technical team projects and mentoring junior personnel.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement savings).
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
✓Potential student loan repayment up to $10,000.
✓Recruitment and relocation incentives for eligible candidates.

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

Application Steps for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job

Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Submit your application and required supporting documents (transcripts, credentials, etc.) before the cut-off dates.
Complete the required USA Hire online assessments within the specified window if requested.
Monitor your application status through your online dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; excess pages will disqualify you.
Use specific examples of your engine room experience and technical maritime knowledge rather than copying bullet points from the job description.
Check your email frequently after applying for potential USA Hire assessment invitations.
Have your official transcripts ready, though unofficial copies are acceptable for the initial application.
Address the selective placement factor clearly regarding your Second Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

You will be responsible for evaluating and approving maritime training programs and instructors, ensuring they comply with federal laws, and overseeing competency examinations.

Is a security clearance required?

No, this position does not require a formal security clearance, but a suitability background investigation is mandatory.

What does the 'Open Continuous' announcement mean?

It means the job remains open for a longer period with periodic cut-off dates for application review (October, November, and December 2026).

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The National Maritime Center (NMC) under the U.S. Coast Guard is the backbone of mariner credentialing in the U.S. By joining this team, you become part of the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to secure our nation’s transportation systems. The Coast Guard is dedicated to excellence, and this role is essential in maintaining the highest standards for maritime education.