Marine Interdiction Agent careers can only be had with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In order to be considered for a position with the Office of Air and Marine, candidates must possess the following qualifications:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Maintained residency in the U.S. for three years prior to the application
- Pass a background security check
- Pass a medical exam
- Pass a drug test
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Be under 40 years of age unless possessing veteran’s preference or prior law enforcement experience
Licensure Requirements for CBP Marine Interdiction Agent Jobs
Because the responsibilities of a Marine Interdiction officer are primarily accomplished aboard naval and marine vessels, candidates must possess an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license or a Master’s license.
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license—
- This license has three classifications
- Inland—This license permits operation of vessels up to 100 gross tons and allows up to six paying passengers. These vessels may be operated with maritime boundaries surrounding the U.S.
- Inland and Great Lakes—This license allows vessel operation in coastal waters as well as the Great Lakes.
- Near Coastal—This permits operation of vessels within a hundred nautical miles of U.S. shores.
- In order to obtain this license, applicants must possess the following qualifications
- Be 18 years or older
- 360 days of water experience
- Possess a Transportation Workers Identification Credential
- Pass physical, drug and vision tests
- Possess knowledge of CPR and First Aid
- Pass a comprehensive examination covering
- Navigational Rules of the Road
- Deck Safety
- Deck General
- Piloting and General Navigation
- This license has three classifications
- Master’s license—This license is required to captain a seagoing vessel
- Qualifications include
- 365 days of service with a Chief Mate’s license
- 365 days of service with a Second Mate’s license
- 365 days of service with a Third Mate’s license
- To obtain a Third Mate’s license one must either serve at least 1080 days aboard an ocean vessel or complete a master’s degree program with an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Successful completion of the US Coast Guard Exam or a co-equal naval examination
- Qualifications include
Additional Experience Requirements for CBP Marine Interdiction Agent Jobs
Marine Interdiction Agents are also required to have at least one year of specialized law enforcement experience or a master’s degree in a related subject like criminal justice. The undergraduate major for a candidate is not specified, but individuals who have earned degrees in ROTC related areas or from military service academies may possess competitive advantages for the few available positions.
Application Process
The application process will include a comprehensive exam that covers Deck General, Navigation General, and Rules of the Road. Candidates will also be required to demonstrate proficiency handling a 30’ twin-engine craft. A structured oral interview with a panel of Marine Interdiction Agents will also test the candidate’s knowledge of marine topics as well as character and emotional maturity.