Merchant Mariner

Program Description

The Merchant Mariner Certification Program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in the maritime industry by providing the training necessary to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). This program covers essential maritime skills, safety protocols, and industry regulations required for entry-level positions aboard commercial vessels.

Students learn deep water survival skills by entering a life raft in a pool

Participants will receive classroom instruction and hands-on training in seamanship, navigation, vessel operations, firefighting, and emergency response. The program also includes Basic Safety Training (BST), First Aid/CPR certification, and an introduction to maritime law and regulations set by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Successful completion of this program qualifies students to apply for their MMC and begin careers as deckhands, stewards, or other maritime roles.

There are three job categories for a merchant mariner:

  1. Deck: securing ship cargo, navigating the vessel, and general maintenance of the ship
  2. Engine Room: maintaining mechanical systems (hydraulics, electrical, propulsion, etc.)
  3. Steward: cooking for the crew and cleaning indoor areas

Students will:

  • Learn shipboard firefighting procedures
  • Learn how to deploy and survive on life rafts
  • Learn first aid and gain general awareness of personal safety
  • Participate in field trips to explore career opportunities

With the Merchant Marine credential earned through this program, numerous employment opportunities become available, including: tug boats, the Washington State ferry system, cruise ships, private yachts, the Seafarers International Union (deep water ships) and fishing boats in Alaska.

Students train to fight fires during the Merchant Marine Certification Program

After Graduation:  

The Seafarers International Union (SIU) offers a full apprenticeship program and is eager to hire Merchant Mariner graduates. SIU provides all future training opportunities for career advancement and connects you with jobs for the duration of your time in the union. Salaries at SIU start at about $4,000 per month and increase as you gain experience. The SIU Apprenticeship covers training, food, lodging, etc. Apply to the SIU Apprenticeship now.

Additionally, JobCore offers additional training opportunities for the maritime industry. All JobCore training is free for Tacoma graduates and includes food, lodging, and more.

Summer 2025 Program Details

  • Application deadline: May 18 is the priority deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if there is space.
  • Program dates: June 25 - July 15 (no class July 3, 4, or 11). Program times are between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • Meeting location: Hunt Middle School
  • Notification of selected applicants: Early June
  • Approximate hours to complete: 90
  • Certification(s) offered: Merchant Mariner Card (MMC) which includes Basic Safety and Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD); Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC); Financial Literacy through EverFi
  • Credits toward graduation: 0.5 CTE Credits
  • Total spots available: 18
  • Special considerations for this program:
    • Mandatory drug test and physical exam (United States Coast Guard requirement, not a requirement of TPS)
    • State or federally-issued ID (United States Coast Guard requirement, not a requirement of TPS)
  • For additional information, please contact Jeff Klancke: jklanck@tacoma.k12.wa.us

Apply now

  • May 18 is the priority deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if there is space.
  • TPS students must be logged into their TPS account to apply
  • Applications take 15-20 minutes to complete
  • Students will be asked to provide contact information for themselves and a parent/guardian
  • Read the program description, requirements and dates prior to applying.

TPS Student Application  Non-TPS Student Application

Merchant Mariner Careers by the Numbers

Student in the bridge of a tug boat during the Merchant Marine Certification Program
Overview of the Port of Tacoma with 2 ships being unloaded