Education · 1 of 5

The path

One of the few well paid jobs you can start within months of leaving high school.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Not always required, but it opens far more doors and every union program wants one.

2. 2

   Get your documents

   2 to 3 months

   A Transportation Worker Identification Credential from the Transportation Security Administration, a medical certificate, and a drug test.

3. 3

   Merchant Mariner Credential

   1 to 3 months to process

   Apply to the United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center for the entry level credential, rated Ordinary Seaman.

4. 4

   Get hired and go to sea

   First hitch

   Tug companies, ferries, offshore supply boats and unions all hire green hands. Expect to start at the bottom of the crew.

5. 5

   Build sea time and upgrade

   6 months to 3 years of sea time

   With enough days at sea you can test up to Able Seaman, which raises your rate and the boats you can work.