Maritime Employment for Civilian Mariners

Military Sealift Command

 
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Shipboard Departments & Pay Scales

Shipboard Departments & Pay Scales

Deck Department

Members of the department are responsible for the underway replenishment rigs, dry/liquid cargo handling, forklift operations, and helicopter flight deck operations. They also stand watch while in port or at sea, and perform routine deck maintenance such as cleaning, painting, chipping and preserving the ship. All watchstanding positions in the Deck Department require Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW 95) with Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW). The following are positions we recruit from external sources.

Licensed Positions Base Salary
Second Officer 64,160
Third Officer 57,348
Unlicensed Positions Base Salary
Able Seaman 38,310
Ordinary Seaman 24,476

Engine Department

Members are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the ship’s machinery, including material handling equipment, elevators and winches. They also fabricate replacement parts utilizing various types of machinery, and stand watch in the engine room. All watchstanding positions in the Engine Department require Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW 95) with Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW). Possession of a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) Any Rating endorsement meets basic eligibility for all unlicensed positions in the Engine Department. The following are positions we recruit from external sources.

Licensed Positions Base Salary
Second Assistant Engineer 62,697
Third Assistant Engineer 56,029
Unlicensed Positions Base Salary
Unlicensed Junior Engineer 38,609
Refrigeration Engineer 42,635
Electronics Technician 58,089
Electrician 47,183
2nd Electrician 44,117
Engine Utilityman 35,244
Pumpman 43,153
Deck Engineer Machinist 39,522
Wiper 28,349

Supply Department

Members are responsible for the daily provisions of food and supplies, for cooking, baking, and food preparation, for performing inventory, and for storekeeping duties such as cargo handling, record keeping receipt, and stowage and issuance of all stores. This department also cleans and maintains the staterooms and passageways, and is responsible for the ship’s laundry. All positions in the Supply Department require Entry Level Endorsements only. The following are positions we recruit from external sources.

Learn more about our Culinary Positions.

Positions Base Salary
Yeoman Storekeeper 34,861
Assistant Yeoman Storekeeper 30,141
Steward Cook 37,354
Chief Cook 37,087
Second Cook 35,445
Cook/Baker 32,123
Assistant Cook 32,123
Supply Utilityman 23,688

Communications Department

Members are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s military communication suites and for communications planning, administration and watch. All positions in the Communications Department and other shipboard positions listed require Entry Level Endorsements only. The following are positions we recruit from external sources.

Positions Base Salary
First Radio Electronics Technician 50,523
Second Radio Electronics Technician 43,460

Medical Department

Medical Services Officers provide services to maintain and sustain a healthy workforce to include providing inoculations, first aid treatments and sanitation inspections. This position is designed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a staff officer. In addition to a MMC, MSOs must have and carry an endorsement for Certificate of Registry.

Positions Base Salary
Medical Services Officer 54,128

In addition to your primary position, MSC offers interested applicants an opportunity to serve in our Surface Rescue Swimmer Program (SRS) as a collateral duty. Contact a recruiter for additional requirements/qualifications.