All vessels are comprised of three Departments: Deck Department, Engine Department and Steward’s Department (Galley)
– On the deck side there is a Captain, mates, able body seamen, often a boatswain and deckhands
– On the engine side there is a Chief Engineer, assistant engineers, handymen, qualified members of the engine room, oilers, and/or wipers
– The galley consists of a steward and often a second cook
While working on the vessels, employees are usually on board for extended periods. Crew members typically work 7 days a week, 8 hours per day at a minimum. On-duty schedules vary depending on service requirements and additional daily overtime is required if necessary.
All qualified applicants must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) and Transportation Worker’s Identification Card (TWIC).
Information on how to obtain these documents and what working on the Great Lakes is like can be found under:
TWIC Application
Great Lakes Maritime Careers
How to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential
Mates and Masters sailing in the Great Lakes are required to have their Great Lakes Pilotage, Radar Observer, and Radio Operator Permit (FFC) in addition to those documents.
Engineers (and Chiefs) are required to have an unlimited horsepower motor and/or steam endorsement with the rating to cover the different positions from Third Assistant Engineer to Chief Engineer.
Galley Personnel (Stewards and Second Cooks) are required to obtain their ServSafe License in addition to those documents.
As is stated in our Safety, Quality, and Environment tab, safety is the first concern for all members of the Keystone team. To further support employee wellness, we have initiated a Health and Wellness Programs on many of our ships to support the busy work schedule of our employees. Some initiatives include healthy eating and wellness programs, that establish healthy meal options and exercise equipment onboard. In addition, all of our Great Lakes employees are provided support in a variety of life challenges through our Employee Assistance Program with Sand Creek.
Our employees play a critical role in the Keystone family, and we believe in attracting and retaining top talent to work efficiently and safely. To do so, we offer our employees several opportunities:
If you are interested in learning more information about seagoing opportunities with Keystone, inquiries can be handled at the following numbers:
Deep Sea:
Bala Cynwyd: (610) 617 – 6800
Great Lakes:
Duluth: (218) 723 – 2413
All of our shipboard positions are affiliated with unions in the Maritime Industry. To learn more about them, please visit their websites.
AMO – American Maritime Officers
Great Lakes Fleet:
MEBA – Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Deep Sea/Commercial:
MMP – Intl. Org. of Masters, Mates & Pilots
Great Lakes Fleet:
SIU – Seafarers International Union
Deep Sea/Commercial:
Great Lakes Fleet:
Each union must be contacted separately.
USW – United Steelworkers Union Local 5000
Great Lakes Fleet:
Other access points to jumpstarting a career in maritime, are four-year maritime academies. Keystone recruiters travel annually and provide informational sessions at:
At Keystone Shipping we are proud of our accomplishments. Our unwavering dedication to excellence has allowed us to thrive and excel in the maritime community.
The spring issue of the Safety Line from Keystone Shipping is here! We welcome new Jones-Act vessels to the fleet, host a USCG Memorial Service, celebrate being the Great Lakes “First Ship of the 2023 Sailing Season” and more. Read the full 2023 Spring Safety [Read More]
The fall issue of Keystone Shipping’s Safety Line Newsletter is here with a look at Exercise Cold Response 2022, fire department vessel walk throughs and more. Read the full 2022 Fall Safety Line.
The winter issue of the Safety Line is here with a look at the recent Maritime Administration Turbo Activation, a police training exercise and more. Read the full 2021 Winter Safety Line.
