Government Maritime Jobs

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Every ship entering a U.S. port from foreign is subject to inspection by the USCBP, which is U.S. immigration and U.S. customs rolled into one agency.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers careers that specialize in the marine environment with officers that are specifically focused upon ships entering our ports. They target crewmembers and cargo for inspection, board and check passports and visas of crewmembers and scan containers for bombs and explosives. USCBP is a law enforcement agency, and has similar requirements to other federal law enforcement agencies. With the volume of ship traffic there is ample opportunity for overtime as an inspector and the pay can be very good. For additional information about USCBP see their website.

U.S. Navy & Coast Guard

The Navy and Coast Guard can be an excellent way to begin a career in the maritime industry. Both offer diverse opportunities and exciting careers onto themselves. They also provide the opportunity to learn trades and gain experience that can be directly translated to the civilian world upon discharge. Typically 60% of sea time earned from military service is transferable towards merchant marine licensing and documentation.

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)

NOAA operates a fleet of vessels dedicated to scientific research and monitoring of weather, climate, fisheries and marine commerce. The link below provides additional information regarding the opportunities available working for NOAA.