How to Get a Merchant Marine Document
Even before you apply for your MMD you’ll have to get TWIC card. TWIC stands for Transportation Workers Identification Card. This card allows you to work on the waterfront. This TWIC card has been quite controversial but it is the law. Anyone working on the water requires this including vendors, truck drivers, pilots, etc. Without this card you can’t get past the gate. This card is provided by TSA (Transportation Security Administration). You’ll have to pre-enroll over the Internet and then pick it up at one of the many offices located throughout the U.S. They do an extensive background check on you so be honest in filling out the forms. If you have a felony or criminal record you’ll have to check their website to see what might exclude you. The cost for this TWIC card is $132.50. Payment can be made with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard only), money order, or certified/cashier’s check. Checks should be made payable to Lockheed Martin. The TWIC enrollment centers seem to change quite often so check the address before showing up. Give them a call and get the address and working hours.
How does one get a merchant marine document or MMD? To get your MMD find the nearest USCG Regional Exam Center and show up. Make sure you check the hours for some offices take Fridays off. Don’t be surprised if you wait awhile before seeing anyone. Last time I waited two hours. So what do you need to take with you? You will need a physical and a DOT drug test. Both need to be given by an approved Coast Guard facility. Make sure you they use the Coast Guard physical form (see medical forms) and before leaving check everything is filled out and signed. The Coast Guard has made a list of ten items that have typically delayed mariners in receiving their paperwork. You can take a look at the list here. The physical is not all that difficult, the typical blood pressure, weight, eye exam, etc. Two areas of concern are the hearing and colorblind test. If you have normal hearing you’ll be all set but failing the colorblind test will restrict you in the position you can apply for. If you planned to work on deck you’re out of luck, but you probably could work in the stewards department. I had to do this a couple of years ago and the drug test was $50 and the physical around $75.
Keep your wallet out because the MMD will cost you $140. The turn around time can be between three to six weeks. They’ve tried to consolidate things so everything has to be sent to the NMC in West Virginia where they do a driving and criminal record check. Some areas of concern for you would be if you’ve had your license suspended, drug charges or a DUI. These may be major roadblocks. When filling out the Coast Guard forms be honest and disclose everything no matter how old because they do a through check.
So what training do you need before working on an ocean-going vessel no matter what position? Everyone needs to comply with the STCW-95 (Standards of training and Certification for Watch-keepers). This includes a Basic Safety Training Certificate. Make sure the school is an approved course by the Coast Guard. The course includes basic firefighting (real fire) and time in a swimming pool where you’ll learn how to don survival suite along with water safety skills. Depending upon the region it’ll cost you between $800-$1500. On top of this don’t forget to add the lodging. When booking make sure to ask the school for recommendations for lodging for they usually have arranged a discount with local hotels.
Once you have all your papers you can start to apply for jobs. There are openings for entry-level mariners and so put your resume together and start sending them out. Check out our company links and phone numbers found on this website. We’ve also put together an example of a cover letter and resume in case you haven’t done one in a while.
Pay rates vary and depends type of ship, cargo, etc. Being Union or non-union makes makes no difference. Both have there advantages so you just have to see what is right for you. I would say that entry-level jobs pay between $100-$150 a day. That’s for an eight or twelve-hour workday, seven days per week. Room and board is provided. A good ballpark average for entry-level pay is around $3,000 to $3,500 a month.
