Our Deck Officers, referred to as Mates, are responsible for the safe navigation of our vessels and cargo operations. Engine Department Officers, referred to as Engineers, are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of our vessels’ machinery and propulsion plants. 

Many of our officers were previously employed as unlicensed seamen on our vessels. Unlicensed seamen must first meet minimum sea time requirements and take US Coast Guard license exams in order to obtain a license as a First Class Pilot or Third Assistant Engineer.

We also hire officers from the federal or various state maritime academies. Maritime academies have four-year programs where upon graduation, the person will have both a bachelor’s degree and US Coast Guard license. Students enrolled in licensing programs at maritime academies may sail aboard Transatlantic vessels as cadets to obtain the required US Coast Guard sea time and experience. Maritime academy students who are interested in sailing with Transatlantic may arrange this through the academy’s shipboard training representative. 

All of our officers are members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.), the nation’s oldest maritime labor union, established in 1875. 

All Transatlantic officers receive room and board while employed aboard one of our vessels. We also provide paid vacation, pension, medical, and education benefits through M.E.B.A.