How difficult is it to find a Merchant Marine Job after service?

[Saul]

If i attended the USMMA, than commissioned as an officer, whenever i came out of the service, how difficult would it be to find a job as a merchant marine (deck license)?

 

[kp2001]

Depends on if you kept your license current or not. If you have a license that is current and all your other certificates (STCW, GMDSS, etc) are current it will be similar to anyone else who is coming in as a new applicant to one of the unions or company jobs.

If shipping is down, it might be harder. If shipping is up it won't be hard at all.

 

[twopotato]

I'm the owner of a shipping company in the US. I can tell you, without a doubt, if you have a current license - deck or engineer - and you want to sail, you will not have a problem finding a job.

 

[LineInTheSand]

The officers who come out of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, or many of the state maritime academies will have no problem finding work, and a very fine pay check.