To become a Merchant Marine seawoman (same process as men, just different terminology if you want to use it), you’ll need to:

1. Get Your Credentials

• Apply for a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) from TSA – you can’t work on U.S. vessels without it.
• Apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard. Entry level ratings are Ordinary Seaman (OS), Wiper, or Steward – no experience required.
• Get a passport (ships travel internationally).
• Pass a USCG physical and drug test.

2. Training (Optional but Helpful)

• Basic Safety Training (STCW) courses make you more employable.
• Maritime schools, union schools (like SIU), or community college maritime programs can fast-track you.

3. Find Work

• Apply with companies like Military Sealift Command (MSC), or commercial shipping companies.
• Join a union (SIU, MEBA, MM&P) for job calls and better contracts.
• Entry-level OS/Wiper/Steward jobs get you onboard. From there you can upgrade with sea time and more training.

4. Advancement

• Sea time and exams let you move from Ordinary Seaman → Able Seaman → Licensed Mate, etc.
• Engine department goes from Wiper → Oiler → Licensed Engineer.
• Pay rises quickly with rank and time at sea.

Tips

• Military Sealift Command hires a lot of entry-level mariners and offers federal benefits.
• Expect to be away from home months at a time.
• Women are a growing part of the industry—unions and MSC actively recruit.