I am a veteran, does my veteran preference points effect my employment opportunities with Military Sealift Command?
Please refer to the website, www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp, for more details on veteran's preference.

I am a veteran, how do I obtain the required DD-214?
To obtain these documents, visit http://vetrecs.archives.gov/.

Where can I get a copy of my military records?
A copy of your military records can be requested by visiting www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.php

I am former Navy, what positions would I qualify for?
For more information on how your skills can transfer to a position with MSC, please visit the following web sites www.cool.navy.mil and www.nko.navy.mil and click here for the chart.

I am preparing to leave active duty and am interested in a job with MSC, what do I need to do?
You may be transitioning from the Navy in 3 days, 3 months or 3 years – regardless, you should begin to think about how you can turn the sea time and skills you learned while on Active Duty into a great paying civilian career.

To apply for a position with MSC, there is one CRITICAL document you must possess: A U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD). It is highly recommended to begin this process prior to departing service.

Step 1: Complete an Information Request Form (IRF).

Step 2: Get a copy of your Sea Service Transcript from your Commanding Officer documenting your shipboard
experience. Your seatime MAY count towards the Able Seaman qualifications if your rating is: BM, OS, QM, SM, RD or GM. Your seatime MAY count towards the QMED qualifications if your rating is: BT, DC, EM, EN, GS, GSE, GSM, HT, IC, MK, MR, MM, TT.

Step 3: Take this document to one of the U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers when applying for your MMD.

Step 4: Once you have your MMD, call 1-866-562-7672, The CIVMAR Support Center and begin the application process.

How do I get a Merchant Mariner's Document?
You can apply for one at any of the 17 Regional Examination Centers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Click here for a list of Coast Guard Regional Exam Center locations.

Where can I get my physical and drug test for the MMD?
The U.S. Coast Guard requires a general physical and specific drug test prior to issue of an MMD for any rating. Guidelines are provided in the USCG Merchant Mariner Document Application Package.

After getting the MMD and applying for an MSC position, then what?
If we select you for an opening for which you qualify, we'll contact you and ask you to take the following steps:

• First, we'll arrange a medical screening and drug test at our cost to be performed near your home.
• After passing these tests, you’ll be eligible for official processing at the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Travel to Virginia Beach is your expense and will not be reimbursed. Once you show up, you'll start to earn pay and benefits.
• Upon completion of new employee orientation (4 days), all newly hired CIVMARs attend mandatory training sessions for 3-4 weeks at the MSC training facility in Freehold, New Jersey. If you've had previous comparable training, you may not need to attend again.

What is a CIVMAR?
A civilian mariner (CIVMAR) is a Federal government employee who works and sails on U.S. flagged Military Sealift Command vessels.

Is Military Sealift Command part of the Navy?
Yes, but because MSC ships are operated by civilian mariners, the personnel serving aboard our ships are not subject to the same military rules and regulations as Navy personnel.

What’s the difference between MSC and the regular U.S. Merchant Marine?
There are a few differences. MSC CIVMARs work for the Federal government; regular merchant mariners work for private shipping companies. We supply the Navy; commercial merchant mariners most often supply private industry.

What are the basic requirements to join MSC?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age, fluent in English, and have a current U.S. passport. Applicants must also have a valid Merchant Mariner’s Document, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, with at least one year of eligibility remaining on it before it is due for renewal.

How do I get hired?
First, complete and submit a Request for Information form. After completion of the IRF, all applicants must then fill out and mail in an official application package. All those who apply for employment are screened for all necessary paperwork, then they are added to a certificate list for the rating for which they are applying. If you’re selected, you’ll be called and offered employment. We’ll give you a reporting date and discuss with you some of the specific job duties you’ll have. (All applicants applying for employment do not necessarily get hired. Veteran’s preference is a factor in the hiring decision.)

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