**U.S. GREAT LAKES MERCHANT SEAMAN EMPLOYMENT FACT SHEET**

**January 2007**

**The focus of this Fact Sheet is to provide a concentrated source of
information for obtaining mariner employment on U.S.-flag, Great Lakes'
commercial vessels. Many of the employment opportunities on the Lakes
are listed here. Some vessel operators directly employ unlicensed
seamen, while others are required by contract to hire only from union
sources.**

**All commercial vessel employment requires a Merchant Mariner Document.
This can be obtained through any U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination
Center. *An individual may prepare for a career as a deck or engine
officer either through attendance at an accredited maritime academy or
through on the job training.***

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**[LICENSING / MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENT]{.underline}**

**Regional Examination Center 419-418-6010
[www.uscg.mil/d9/wwm/mso/toledo/rec.htm](http://www.uscg.mil/d9/wwm/mso/toledo/rec.html)**

**U.S. Coast Guard, Toledo, OH**

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**[LICENSED OFFICER EMPLOYMENT]{.underline}**

**American Maritime Officers 419-255-3940
[www.amo-union.org](http://www.amo-union.org/)**

**Int'l Org. of Masters, Mates, & Pilots 216-776-1667
[www.bridgedeck.org](http://www.bridgedeck.org/)**

**Marine Engineers Beneficial Assoc. 216-579-6322 www.d1meba.org**

**[UNLICENSED SEAMAN / UNION HIRING]{.underline}**

**Seafarers International Union/NMU 810-794-4988 (MI)
[www.seafarers.org](http://www.seafarers.org/)**

> **815-723-8002 (IL)**

**United Steelworkers Local 5000 440-243-7000 web -- none**

**[UNLICENSED SEAMAN / COMPANIES CONDUCTING DIRECT HIRING]{.underline}**

**Central Marine Logistics 219-922-2644
[www.centralmarinelogistics.com](http://www.centralmarinelogistics.com/)**

**Grand River Navigation 440-930-2024 web - none**

**Great Lakes Fleet/Key Lakes, Inc. 800-535-2321
www.greatlakesfleet.com**

**Interlake Steamship Co. 330-659-1400 x7140
www.interlakesteamship.com**

**Lake Express Ferry/Hornblower Marine 812-941-9993
www.hornblowermarine.com**

**Lake Michigan Car Ferry 231-843-1509 www.ssbadger.com**

**Père Marquette Shipping Co. 231-845-7846 www.pmship.com**

**Wisconsin & Michigan Steamship Co. 216-228-7253 web - none**

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**[MARITIME ADMINISTRATION'S WEB ASSISTANCE]{.underline}**

**[www.marad.dot.gov](http://www.marad.dot.gov/) →across the top of the
page, select "Mariners" and "Education" links to find the following
subjects:**

-   **Employment - A Career Afloat**

-   **Licensing and Documentation**

-   **Mariner Education -- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, state schools,
    & MARAD Fire Training Center**

    **[SUPPLEMENTAL WEB SITES]{.underline}**

**Great Lakes Maritime Academy --
[www.nmc.edu/maritime](http://www.nmc.edu/maritime) NOAA (weather,
charting) - www.noaa.gov**

**Great Lakes Ports Assoc. --
[www.greatlakesports.org](http://www.greatlakesports.org/) Passenger
Vessel Assoc.-www.passengervessel.com**

**Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping --
[www.boatnerd.com](http://www.boatnerd.com/) Seaway System -
www.greatlakes-seaway.com**

**International Shipmasters' Assoc. -
[www.shipmaster.org](http://www.shipmaster.org/) Training --
www.star-center.com**

**Lake Carriers' Assoc. -- [www.lcaships.com](http://www.lcaships.com/)
U.S. GL Shipping Assoc. - www.usglsa.org**

***Produced by the Maritime Administration - Great Lakes Region***

***(tel) 847-995-0122 (fax) 847-995-0133***