U.S. GREAT LAKES MERCHANT SEAMAN EMPLOYMENT FACT SHEET

January 2007

The focus of this Fact Sheet is to provide a concentrated source of information for obtaining mariner employment on U.S.-flag, Great Lakes’ commercial vessels.  Many of the employment opportunities on the Lakes are listed here.  Some vessel operators directly employ unlicensed seamen, while others are required by contract to hire only from union sources. 

All commercial vessel employment requires a Merchant Mariner Document.  This can be obtained through any U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center.  An individual may prepare for a career as a deck or engine officer either through attendance at an accredited maritime academy or through on the job training.

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LICENSING / MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENT

Regional Examination Center                         419-418-6010                www.uscg.mil/d9/wwm/mso/toledo/rec.htm

U.S. Coast Guard, Toledo, OH                        

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LICENSED OFFICER EMPLOYMENT

American Maritime Officers                           419-255-3940                www.amo-union.org

Int’l Org. of Masters, Mates, & Pilots               216-776-1667                www.bridgedeck.org 

Marine Engineers Beneficial Assoc.               216-579-6322                www.d1meba.org       

UNLICENSED SEAMAN / UNION HIRING

Seafarers International Union/NMU                810-794-4988 (MI)             www.seafarers.org     

            815-723-8002 (IL)                                                          

United Steelworkers Local 5000                       440-243-7000                web – none

UNLICENSED SEAMAN / COMPANIES CONDUCTING DIRECT HIRING

Central Marine Logistics                                 219-922-2644                www.centralmarinelogistics.com

Grand River Navigation                                  440-930-2024                web - none

Great Lakes Fleet/Key Lakes, Inc.                  800-535-2321                www.greatlakesfleet.com

Interlake Steamship Co.                                 330-659-1400 x7140        www.interlakesteamship.com

Lake Express Ferry/Hornblower Marine          812-941-9993                www.hornblowermarine.com

Lake Michigan Car Ferry                                231-843-1509                www.ssbadger.com

Père Marquette Shipping Co.                         231-845-7846                www.pmship.com

Wisconsin & Michigan Steamship Co.                        216-228-7253                web – none

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MARITIME ADMINISTRATION’S WEB ASSISTANCE

www.marad.dot.gov               →across the top of the page, select “Mariners” and “Education” links to find the following subjects:

·         Employment - A Career Afloat

·         Licensing and Documentation                       

·         Mariner Education – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, state schools, & MARAD Fire Training Center

SUPPLEMENTAL WEB SITES

Great Lakes Maritime Academy –  www.nmc.edu/maritime             NOAA (weather, charting) - www.noaa.gov

Great Lakes Ports Assoc. –  www.greatlakesports.org                       Passenger Vessel Assoc.- www.passengervessel.com

Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping – www.boatnerd.com                     Seaway System - www.greatlakes-seaway.com

International Shipmasters’ Assoc. - www.shipmaster.org                  Training – www.star-center.com

Lake Carriers’ Assoc. – www.lcaships.com                                        U.S. GL Shipping Assoc. -  www.usglsa.org

Produced by the Maritime Administration - Great Lakes Region

(tel) 847-995-0122                     (fax) 847-995-0133