One system. Multiple entry points. Different paths.
How you enter the maritime industry should be guided by where you want to end up.
Select your entry point to see the relevant career progression, or dive deeper into each path
Academy graduates enter at the licensed officer level. Your degree and sea time get you here.
This ladder covers Deck and Engine department positions — the two core shipboard departments found on every vessel. Specialized endorsements (tankerman, towing, DP, etc.) branch off from specific rungs and are listed below the ladder.
Sea days are days of documented sea service — actual time aboard a vessel, not calendar days. A mariner working 6 months on / 6 months off earns roughly 180 sea days per year.
Unlimited credentials have no tonnage or horsepower restrictions — valid for any size vessel. Limited credentials are restricted by vessel size (GRT) or engine power (HP) and route.
Every mariner needs a TWIC card, medical certificate, passport, and drug testing — regardless of position or department.
View all on Credentials & LicensingNavigation & Command
Junior Deck Officer
1,080 days total, including specific watchstanding time
Oceans or Near Coastal, Unlimited Tonnage
Academy graduates enter here. Hawsepipers reach this after AB sea time + exams.
Navigation Officer
360 days as Third Mate
Oceans or Near Coastal, Unlimited Tonnage
Senior Deck Officer
360 days as Second Mate
Oceans or Near Coastal, Unlimited Tonnage
Commanding Officer
Master 1600 GRT does NOT automatically convert to Third Mate Unlimited. Crossing over requires additional sea time, training, and examination.
360 days as Chief Mate
Master Unlimited: Any tonnage, Oceans worldwide
Engineering & Propulsion
Junior Engineering Officer
1,080 days in engine department, including QMED time
Unlimited Horsepower, Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
Academy graduates enter here. Hawsepipers advance through QMED first.
Engineering Officer
360 days as Third Assistant Engineer
Unlimited Horsepower
Senior Engineering Officer
360 days as Second Assistant Engineer
Unlimited Horsepower, all plant types as endorsed
Head of Engineering Department
Limited propulsion or horsepower licenses do NOT automatically convert to unlimited. Crossover requires additional sea time, training, and examination.
360 days as First Assistant Engineer
Chief Engineer Unlimited: Any horsepower, all plant types
From specific rungs, you can branch into specialized endorsements.
Dangerous liquids and liquefied gas cargo handling
DP certification for offshore and specialized vessels
Master/Mate of Towing Vessels endorsements
OSV-specific officer endorsements
OIM, Barge Supervisor, Ballast Control, MODU Engineer
Harbor and river pilotage
MSC CIVMAR, NOAA Corps, other federal maritime
