Graduates of merchant marine academies are having difficulty finding jobs in the merchant marines. Some of them find related water transportation jobs. Others take jobs with shipping companies, marine insurance companies, or other related businesses. The U.S. Coast Guard sets most entry, training, and education requirements for water transportation workers. No training or experience is needed to become a seaman or deckhand on river or harbor vessels.
Workers usually learn their skills on the job.
With experience and study, they can take a Coast Guard exam to move up to mate, pilot, or captain. Applicants for this document do not need to be U.S. citizens. They need a medical certificate of excellent health. They also need a certificate of good vision and color perception. Higher-level deckhands may need to pass a physical exam.