Drivers of great power must be licensed and trained to operate such equipment. In addition, ship captains and other officers on the bridge need certification to do what they do. These positions require skills that can only be achieved through extensive training and education in nautical studies. Some of the qualifications needed for mariners include:
Navy Qualifications
Military service is one way to become an officer in the maritime industry. Aspiring mariners should enlist in the navy, gain experience on ships, and rise to become an officer.
Master Qualifications
It takes years of hard work for experts like a Mariner Marine to achieve this qualification, which allows them to skipper large commercial vessels through international waters. The requirements include passing a physical examination, holding appropriate certification, completing training courses, and having enough sea time under one’s belt. Mariners must have earned the rank of third mate or above before attempting the master’s exam.
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
This is the mariner document that your employer will need before you can work on an American commercial vessel. It certifies that you are a merchant mariner qualified to operate certain commercial vessels in domestic or international commerce. The credential is given after passing a background check and an oral exam, which tests knowledge of maritime law, safety precautions, and other material appropriate for your level.
Master of 1,600-Ton License
This license shows that you are qualified to captain large ships internationally. Aspiring captains must complete at least six years of service in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
The qualifications required for mariners are important to maintain safety at sea. Mariners must handle their vessels in various situations competently and must have a sound understanding of maritime law and safety procedures. With the right training and experience, anyone can become a mariner and safely navigate our seas.
