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