Military Sealift Command

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does prior military or federal service count to accruing leave at a higher rate?

Yes, all prior federal service including military time counts in determining the accrual rate for annual leave.

How do I get hired?

First, complete and submit an Information Request Form. After completion of the IRF, if the applicant meets the minimum employment requirements for the position they are interested in he/he can complete and mail in an official application package. All those who apply for employment are screened for all necessary paperwork; if the package is completed then they are added to a certificate list for the position 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.)

What are the basic requirements to join MSC?

• At least 18 years of age.
• A United States citizen with a valid U.S. Passport.
• Capable of speaking, understanding, reading and writing the English language. Some positions are required to pass an English Language Competency test.
• Applicants must have a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, and with at least one year of eligibility remaining on it before it is due for renewal.
• Capable of passing an MSC-administered physical examination. Due to often strenuous shipboard duties and extended periods at sea, all applicants must meet MSC medical requirements.
• Drug free and submit to urinalysis in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.
• Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

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.

I am currently in the Reserves – will that prevent me from working with MSC?

No. If you are hired as a CIVMAR and your reserve unit gets activated, your job with MSC will be held. More specifics of this program and the CIVMAR’s responsibilities will be explained during New Employee Orientation.

Do I have an obligated service requirement when I work for MSC?

No unlike the military, you do not have an obligated service requirement with MSC. You can resign at any time.

Is Military Sealift Command part of the Navy?

Yes, but because many MSC ships are operated by civil service mariners, the CIVMARs serving aboard our ships are not subject to the military rules and regulations as are Navy personnel.

What is a CIVMAR?

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

After getting the MMC and applying for an MSC afloat position, then what?

If you are selected for employment we’ll contact you to begin the next phase.

• First, we’ll arrange a physical examination and drug test at our cost to be performed near your home.
• After passing them, you’ll be eligible for official processing at the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command in Norfolk, Virginia. Travel to Norfolk is your expense and will not be reimbursed. Once you show up, you’ll start to earn pay and benefits.
• If you fail to completely disclose information, or are unable to successfully complete any other employment requirements such as English Language Competency Test, Employment Verification (E-Verify), you will be sent home at your own expense.
• 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, NJ or San Diego, CA.

If I fulfill the employment requirements of a Merchant Mariner’s Credential, a TWIC card and a U.S. Passport, am I guaranteed a job with MSC?

No, MSC does not guarantee employment. Hiring is also based on meeting the minimum employment requirements and evaluation criteria for each respective position. Click here to review the Evaluation Criteria for each open position.

Where can I get my physical and drug test for the MMC?

The U.S. Coast Guard requires a general physical and specific drug test prior to issue of an MMC for any rating. Guidelines are provided in the USCG Merchant Mariner Credential Application Package. If currently active duty your physical can be accomplished at the base medical facility. A drug testing letter from your command/commander stating you participate in the random drug testing program is sufficient to submit to the Coast Guard for physical and drug testing criteria. The Drug testing letter is valid for 6 months.

How do I get a Merchant Mariner's Credential?

You can download an application for that here. Then complete the paperwork and send it to or visit one of the Regional Examination Centers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Click here for a list of Coast Guard Regional Exam Center locations.

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 built while on Active Duty into a great paying civilian career.

To apply for a position with MSC, there are three CRITICAL documents you must possess: A Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential and U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential.

1. Complete an Information Request Form (IRF).
2. Begin the process of applying for a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). To learn more click here. When applying for your TWIC card, enter your occupation as “Merchant Mariner” this ensures your information is sent to the National Maritime Center.
3. Get a copy of your Sea Service Transcript from your Commanding Officer documenting your shipboard experience. Your sea time MAY count towards the Able Seaman qualifications if your rating is: BM, OS, QM, SM, RD or GM. Your sea time MAY count towards the QMED qualifications if your rating is: BT, DC, EM, EN, GS, GSE, GSM, HT, IC, MK, MR, MM, TT.
4. Take this document and your MMC application to one of the U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers and ask to apply for the highest rating possible.
5. Once you have your MMC, call 1-866-562-7672, The CIVMAR Support Center and begin MSC’s application process.

For more specific information, please call 1-866-562-7672 and speak with a recruiter or email civmar@marinersupport.com.

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 or by clicking here.

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 a veteran; how do I obtain the required DD-214?

To obtain these documents, visit http://vetrecs.archives.gov/.

I am a veteran; do my Veteran’s Preference points affect my employment opportunities with Military Sealift Command?

Yes, they can. Specifically, it depends on what your veteran’s preference point ranking is. Please refer to the website, www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp, for more details on veteran’s preference.