Top Deck Mariner (Course Approval SME)

Sacbar; Martinsburg (WV); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Chimera Enterprises is seeking an experienced Master Course Approval Subject Matter Expert to support the US Coast Guard NMC Mariner Credentialing Program. The role involves evaluating courses, sites, and instructors to ensure conformance with national regulations and international standards.

The candidate will draft formal recommendations, maintain a high volume of evaluations (≥20/month), and attend a mandatory two-week training at the NMC in Martinsburg, WV.

Qualifications

• Must hold or have previously held a US Coast Guard MMC as Master of Unlimited Tonnage or Chief Mate.
• Minimum of 5 years of sailing experience on the required credential.
• STCW certificate is not required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate maritime training provider courses for conformance to 46 CFR Parts 10, 11, and 12, Coast Guard Policy, MSM Volume III, and best practices.
• Formulate recommendations for the Coast Guard and draft formal responses for government reviews.
• Maintain a high volume of evaluations, processing at least 20 course approvals per month.
• Participate in two-week training/orientation at the National Maritime Center (NMC) in Martinsburg, WV, and any additional on-site training.

Skills

Maritime regulatory knowledge

Technical writing

Analytical skills

Independent work

Curriculum/course design

Education

USCG MMC Master or Chief Mate

Job description

Description

Chimera Enterprises is seeking an experienced Master Course Approval Subject Matter Expert (Top-Level Deck Mariner) to support the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) Mariner Credentialing Program. The successful candidate will provide highly specialized technical support services by evaluating mariner training courses, training sites, and instructors to ensure conformance with national regulations and international standards.

Mission

To ensure the safety, security, and essential operations of the Marine Transportation System (MTS) by rigorously evaluating and approving advanced deck mariner training courses, ensuring they meet statutory, regulatory, and USCG policy requirements.

Clearance Level Required

Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable security screening/USCG Suitability (requires access to unclassified but Security Sensitive Information).

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate maritime training provider courses—including curricula, training sites, and instructors for conformance to 46 CFR Parts 10, 11, and 12, Coast Guard Policy (including NVIC 01-26), the Marine Safety Manual (MSM) Volume III, and best maritime industry practices.
• Formulate recommendations for the Coast Guard and draft formal responses, incorporating any updates or corrections required during government reviews.
• Maintain a high volume of quality evaluations, processing a minimum of 20 course approvals per month.
• Participate in a mandatory two-week training and/or orientation at the National Maritime Center (NMC) located in Martinsburg, WV, as well as any additional onsite training requested by the government.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced understanding of maritime regulations, Coast Guard policies, and international merchant mariner standards.
• Exceptional written communication skills to draft official correspondence and detailed technical recommendations for government review.
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex training materials and technical documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work independently while meeting stringent monthly production and quality metrics.
• (Preferred) Experience in writing, developing, or designing maritime training courses.

Minimum Qualifications

• Credential Requirement: Must hold or have previously held a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Master of Unlimited Tonnage upon Oceans (Master of vessels of any gross tons upon oceans) OR a U.S. Coast Guard-issued MMC endorsed as Chief Mate of Unlimited Tonnage upon Oceans.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience sailing on the required credential.
• Certifications: A valid STCW certificate is not required for this role.