Inland Careers
Below you will find general information on the scope of work following an inland career path. Inland vessel careers offer opportunities to work on rivers, lakes, and other inland waterways, supporting industries like transportation, construction, and tourism. Roles range from deckhands and engineers to captains, with pathways for growth through hands-on experience and certifications.
Scope of Career
Inland careers include working on smaller vessels such as tug boats, push boats, river boats, and many others that primarily stay in harbors and ports that they are designated to or work up and down the inland waterways of the US to include rivers, bays and lakes. Boats and crew sizes are smaller, and the barrier to entry is lower due to less credentialing required compared to offshore vessels.
Salary Ranges
Entry level salary (Wiper, Ordinary Seaman) : $40,000 - $60,000
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Upper Ranked Unlicensed salary (Able Seaman, Oiler): $50,000 - $90,000
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Lower Ranked Officer Salary (3rd/2nd Mate, 3rd/2nd Engineeer) : $110,000 - $130,000
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Upper Ranked Officer Salary (2nd Mate - Captain /2nd Engineer - Chief Engineer): $140,000 - $170,000 +
Scope of Work
Entry Level (Wiper, Ordinary Seaman) : Deck and engine room maintenance, line handling, general cleaning. Duties can vary depending on company and supervisor onboard.
Upper Ranked Unlicensed (Able Seaman, Oiler) : There are less ranks onboard inland vessels. The duties remain similar to entry level but with more pay.
​Lower Ranked Officer (Mate/Engineer) : While on inland vessels you will maneuver the boat to complete the designated work as well as maintain equipment onboard.
Upper Ranked Officer (Captain/Chief Engineer) : Senior rank onboard vessel, manage and oversee crew as well as boat handling and completing the vessels designated work.
Work Schedule
Inland career work schedules are similar to offshore but shorter in length. While on an inland boat you can expect to work schedules ranging from a couple days to a couple of weeks onboard a boat with equal time or half time off. These jobs allow you to be off more regularly but also return to work more regularly. Example: if you worked on a harbor tug you could work 7 days on and 7 days off. Or 14 days on and 7 days off with more pay. Schedules vary depending on the company you join.
Career Timeline
The decision to advance is up to you and based on the company. Advancement requires an increase in licensing and credentialing based on sea time. Below is a general timeline of time in positions to advance to the next rank
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Entry Level : (Wiper, Ordinary Seaman, Steward Department) : 1-3 years
Upper Ranked Unlicensed (Able Seaman, Oiler, Steward) : 3-5+ years
Lower Ranked Officer (3rd/2nd Mate, 3rd/2nd Engineeer) : 5-10+ years
Upper Ranked Officer (Chief Mate - Captain / 1st Engineer - Chief Engineer): 10+ years
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Living Standards
Life onboard an inland vessel includes your own or shared room and shared bathroom, a laundry area, kitchen area, and a lounge area.
Space varies on type of vessel but crew size is generally much smaller with 3 to 6 people onboard. While onboard you generally are responsible for cooking your own meals and maintaining a quality living standard onboard.
Inland
Requirements
Application Requirements
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Age Requirement: Minimum 18 years old
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U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid immigration status.
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Provide a valid SSN or proof of exemption.
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Pass a criminal background check and drug test.
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Pay the $140 application fee (additional fees for endorsements).
Training Requirements (Offshore requires safety classes)
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International Voyage Ships: Completion of Basic Training Course and Security Awareness is mandatory.
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U.S. Domestic Voyages: No additional training is required but employers may send new hires to additional training.​
Credential Requirements
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Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
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TWIC
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Medical Certificate
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STCW (if going on international voyage ships)
Types of Inland Vessels
Ship Assist Harbor Tugs
Harbor Tugs are specialized vessels designed to assist larger ships in navigating tight or congested areas, such as harbors, ports, and canals. These powerful and maneuverable tugs play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of ships during docking, undocking, and maneuvering in confined spaces.
Dredge Vessels
Dredge vessels are specialized ships used to remove sediment, debris, and other materials from the bottom of waterways. They help maintain safe navigation channels, support coastal development, and restore natural habitats. Dredging is essential for keeping ports, harbors, and shipping lanes open and functional.
Tow Boats (Push Boats)
Push Boats are specialized vessels used to move barges and non-powered vessels along rivers, canals, and inland waterways. Designed for stability and control, they excel in shallow or narrow conditions, making them essential for efficiently transporting bulk goods like coal and grain. They are a key part of the inland shipping industry, offering reliable and cost-effective cargo transport.
Research Vessels
Research vessels are specialized ships used to study marine environments, conduct scientific experiments, and gather data on waterways. They support a range of missions, from environmental monitoring to underwater exploration, providing scientists and researchers with a platform to better understand aquatic ecosystems.
Passenger Ferry
Passenger ferry boats transport people across bodies of water, such as rivers, bays, and coastal routes. They provide a reliable and efficient means of transportation, connecting communities, easing traffic congestion, and offering scenic travel options. Ferries range from small vessels carrying a few passengers to large ships accommodating vehicles and hundreds of travelers.
Emergency Response Vessels
Emergency response vessels are specialized boats designed to assist in emergencies on the water. They support search and rescue missions, firefighting, oil spill containment, and other critical operations. These vessels play a vital role in protecting lives, property, and the environment during maritime incidents.