As a member of the Merchant Marines, you'll become a part of America's "fourth arm of defense," leading civilian ships used to transport both imports and exports during peace time and serving as an auxiliary to the Navy during times of war, delivering both troops and supplies.

Officers in the Merchant Marines are on the front lines of a modern-day arsenal of democracy, ensuring the free flow of goods vital to our national security in an era of global trade and increased interdependency. They serve in traditional positions on civilian ships everywhere from oceans and lakes to inland rivers. Anywhere maritime traffic is present, you'll find Merchant Marines.

Officer positions in the Merchant Marines include:

• Master Mariner — Possesses all the qualifications to command a ship. Must be proficient in the application of a barometer, chronometer and sextant to map a course across the open ocean waters.
• Chief Mate — Head of the deck department on a merchant vessel and second in command. Primary responsibilities are the vessel's cargo operations, its stability, and supervising the deck crew.
• Second Mate — Usually in charge of navigation, responsible for maintaining the charts and navigational equipment on the bridge. Duties also entail developing the voyage plans under the direction of the Ship's Master.
• Third Mate — The junior Officer of the ship and usually the safety Officer. Responsible for firefighting equipment, lifeboats and emergency systems and in charge of a (bridge or cargo) watch.

The Merchant Marines have a history dating back to the Revolutionary War. In fact, the Merchant Marines predate both the United States Coast Guard (1790) and the United States Navy (1797). Since World War I, many Merchant Marine Officers have also held commissions in the United States Navy Reserve. Graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy are commissioned into the Navy Reserve by default if they do not choose to be commissioned in another service of the armed forces. All are employed by the carrier or ship operator as employees of the transportation or utility company ashore. In times of war, Merchant Marine Officers may be designated as military officers by the Department of Defense.

Qualifications/Requirements
Merchant Marine Officers are usually trained at a maritime academy. These include the federal United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, and six state maritime academies. Each year, the Merchant Marine Academy selects some 275 young men and women for entry. They come from every state of the Union, as well as from backgrounds reflecting every facet of American life.

Certain general eligibility requirements for admission to the Academy do exist. Candidates must:

• Be of good moral character.
• Meet the physical, security and character requirements necessary for appointment as U.S. Navy Reserve, Merchant Marine Reserve Midshipmen.
• Be at least 17 years of age and must not have passed their 25th birthday before July 1 in the year of entrance.
• Obtain a Congressional nomination to the Academy, submit a completed application, and qualify scholastically.
• Be citizens of the United States either by birth or naturalization, except for a limited number of international Midshipmen specially authorized by Congress.

The Admissions Office evaluates each candidate's high school record and class rank; SAT or ACT standardized scores; recommendations from school officials; history of extracurricular activities; ability to pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA); and other evidence of character, leadership and potential for academic achievement.

Admission to the Academy is based on all the above factors.

To learn how you can become a member of the United States Merchant Marines, contact your local Navy Reserve Recruiter today.