Military Sealift Command (MSC) is closely connected to the Navy, sharing many similarities, yet they remain distinct organizations with unique rules, regulations, and cultures. This overlap can create challenges, especially for those transitioning from different backgrounds. Former Navy sailors might findMSC’s less stringent personal regulations, pay and smaller crews a surprising change. On the other hand, those coming from commercial shipping may need time to adjust to MSC’s long deployments and frequent interactions with the Navy.MSC and its Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) support a range of Navy missions, including overseas logistics, underway replenishments, and the operation of special mission and hospital ships. While they work side by side, they have an array of fundamental differences.

CIVMAR Life vs Navy Life

Deployments

  • MSC

    • Ships are constantly deployed .
    • “4 Months on 1 Month Off” rotation and then receive a new ship assignment.
    • No opportunity for shore duty. All CIVMAR jobs are at sea.

  • Navy

    • Ships follow a deployment schedule and return to a homeport.
    • Assigned to a single vessel for about 4 years.
    • Opportunity for shore duty after a sea duty assignment.

Length of Service and Administration

  • MSC

    • Federal Employee on the Wage Mariner Scale (WM).
    • No contract or service agreement, can quit whenever.
    • Represented by Unions.

  • Navy

    • Member of the Military.
    • Must sign a contract to enlist or commission into the military.
    • No Union representation.

Crewing

  • MSC

    • Crews of 25-125 People.

  • Navy

    • Crews of 300-5,000 People per ship.

Food

  • MSC

    • Generally decent food due to feeding less people compared to Navy.

  • Navy

    • Bulk feeding.

Pay

  • MSC

    • High base pay.
    • Overtime.
    • Incentive and penalty pay for specific duties.

  • Navy

    • Standard Military pays.
    • No overtime.
    • Other benefits like housing allowances, tax free opportunities and GI bill.

Liberty

  • MSC

    • Minimal Liberty restrictions.
    • No curfew.
    • No liberty buddy needed.

  • Navy

    • Many restrictions depending on port to include a curfew.
    • Liberty buddy required.
    • Shore patrol.

Living Quarters

  • MSC

    • Officers generally have their own stateroom with a bathroom.
    • Many unlicensed personnel will have their own stateroom and share a bathroom.
    • Potential for additional berthing pay.

  • Navy

    • Only the highest-ranking officers will have their own quarters.
    • Enlisted members generally live in open berthing with about 100 other people.
    • No berthing pay.

Rank Structure

  • MSC

    • Has a rank structure split between Officers and Unlicensed.
    • Officers and Unlicensed commonly work together.
    • No enforced uniform.

  • Navy

    • Robust hierarchical rank structure.
    • Officers and enlisted are prohibited from fraternization.
    • Uniforms are mandatory.

Professional Development and Career Progression

Both the Navy and Military Sealift Command (MSC) have structured rank systems, but the processes and implications of advancing through these ranks differ significantly.

In MSC, promotions are primarily based on obtaining Coast Guard licenses. The faster you obtain a more advanced license, the quicker you can move up. However, career progression is eventually capped, and transitioning from an afloat to an ashore position can be challenging. The highest seagoing CIVMAR rank is Captain or Chief Engineer. Once this position and license is attained, there is minimal room for further advancement without first taking a step back. CIVMARs often achieve these advanced licenses in their late 20s or early 30s. Currently, there is no established pathway for CIVMARs to transition from a seagoing to an ashore career. CIVMARs are expected to fulfill their seagoing billet and spend 8-10 months at sea each year for their entire careers.

On the other hand, the Navy operates under an “up or out” policy, meaning sailors must either advance to the next rank or leave the service. This policy results in more opportunities for lateral movement and career advancement. Often, promotion involves moving from an operational seagoing command to an ashore or training billet, with the possibility of returning to sea for further advancement. In contrast, MSC allows Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) to remain in an entry-level position for their entire careers, and once they reach the pinnacle of their career trajectory, there is minimal movement available within MSC.

Aside from promotions, the Navy offers more training opportunities and programs, including benefits like the GI Bill, to broaden service members’ knowledge, skills, and abilities. In contrast, MSC focuses solely on fulfilling specific roles aboard ships and does not offer similar professional development programs.