Shaping Maritime Safety: Becoming a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator
The U.S. Coast Guard plays a critical role in global maritime security, and the National Maritime Center (NMC) stands at the forefront of this mission. We are currently looking for a seasoned professional to join our team as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine). This is more than just a job; it is a position of influence where your technical experience will ensure the safety and competency of every merchant mariner operating under the U.S. flag.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Reviewing and approving maritime training curricula.
- Conducting oversight of instructors and designated examiners.
- Developing competency-based examinations.
- Interpreting complex maritime laws and federal regulations.
- Serving as a technical advisor for maritime licensing issues.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, you must possess:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A valid or formerly held Merchant Mariner credential (Second Assistant Engineer Unlimited or higher).
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
- Formal education in a relevant technical or business field.
Comparison: General vs. Specialized Experience
| Feature | General Experience | Specialized Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Administrative/Business | Technical/Maritime Operations |
| Setting | Any professional office | Engine room/Vessel Operations |
| Outcome | Understanding regulations | Applying regulatory knowledge to sea operations |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $89,508 to $145,468 annually, commensurate with experience and duty station. Additionally, selected candidates may qualify for recruitment or relocation bonuses of 10% to 25% for high-demand locations like Alaska or Miami.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
- Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- Paid Leave and Federal Holidays.
- Student Loan Repayment assistance.
- Flexible work schedules and professional development.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use standard fonts and margins.
- Be Detailed: Clearly define your engine room experience with specific dates and hours worked.
- Assessments: Do not ignore the email invitation for the USA Hire assessment; it is a mandatory part of the qualification process.
If you have served as an engineer at sea and want to translate that experience into a rewarding career with the U.S. Coast Guard, we encourage you to apply. Your expertise is the foundation of our maritime future.
Why This Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career with the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator—where your maritime technical expertise directly shapes the future of safety at sea.
Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Overview
The National Maritime Center, under the U.S. Coast Guard, is seeking a qualified Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) to join their team. This role is pivotal in ensuring that maritime training programs, instructors, and examination processes meet rigorous federal standards. As a civilian expert, you will bridge the gap between regulatory policy and practical maritime operations, ensuring that the U.S. merchant fleet is equipped with highly trained and competent professionals.
Requirements for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
- Must possess or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential as a Second Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) or higher, or equivalent military experience as an Engineer Officer/Chief Engineer on vessels over 4000 HP.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent).
- Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
- Strict two-page resume limit for all applications.
- Proof of meeting positive education requirements (transcripts required).
Preferred Qualifications for Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)
- Deep familiarity with engine department shipboard maintenance and operations.
- Experience in technical report writing and professional communication.
- Proven history of leading technical teams and managing complex projects.
- Expertise in interpreting maritime laws, regulations, and industry policy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and professional development.
- ✓Potential for 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 or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your engine room expertise, ensuring it does not exceed two pages.
- Gather your Merchant Mariner Credential and official college transcripts.
- Submit your application through the online portal, ensuring all required documents are attached.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessments within the specified 3-day window upon receiving the email invitation.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to emphasize your specialized engine room experience; avoid copying task descriptions directly from the announcement.
- Submit your transcripts early to avoid disqualification by the closing date.
- Pay close attention to the 30-day cut-off dates for referral to the hiring manager.
- Ensure your resume adheres strictly to the two-page limit and formatting requirements (10pt font, 0.5-inch margins).
- Monitor your email for the USA Hire assessment link—this is a critical step in the evaluation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role focuses on evaluating and approving maritime training courses and competency examinations to ensure they meet U.S. Coast Guard regulatory requirements.
Are there specific education requirements?
Yes, this position has a positive education requirement. You must have a degree in a relevant field like engineering, business, or transportation, or relevant experience that demonstrates equivalent knowledge.
Is travel involved?
The position requires occasional travel to support maritime training assessment missions.
Is a security clearance required?
*A: No, this is a non-sensitive position, though a standard suitability background check is required.*
Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?
*A: Yes, this announcement is open to various eligible groups including veterans and competitive service candidates.*
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard are tasked with the immense responsibility of securing our nation’s waterways, ports, and international shipping lanes. The Mariner Training and Assessment Division specifically ensures that those who work on our vessels possess the skills required to keep our supply chain moving safely.