Marine Interdiction Agents are among the most highly qualified and educated law enforcement professionals serving in the U.S. government. These U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are members of the Department of Homeland Security and serve on the front lines of America’s defense. Agents patrol oceans, lakes and rivers in order to detect and prevent the unauthorized intrusion of foreign nationals and contraband into U.S. territory.
The approximately 350 Marine Interdiction Agents in the Office of Air and Marine operate a fleet of 300 vessels including:
- Midnight Express Interceptors
- 38’ SAFE Boat Interceptors
- 33’ SAFE Boat Interceptors
These highly trained agents coordinate and support interdiction operations in the waters and along the shores of the United States. The purpose of these operations is to prevent the entry of terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, criminals, and contraband into the United States.
Using a variety of law enforcement, covert and intelligence tools, Marine Interdiction Agents monitor the oceans and bodies of water surrounding the country. Air Interdiction Agent jobs involve intercepting and detaining unauthorized individuals attempting to penetrate the nation’s defenses. They also provide critical support to emergency response teams attempting to help individuals in the wake of natural or manmade disaster.
Marine Interdiction Agent Job Description
Among the many responsibilities that are part of Marine Interdiction Agent jobs are:
- Coordinate and facilitate anti-terrorist operations—Agents provide critical vessels, resources and personnel as well as counter-terrorist intelligence and operational knowledge to investigations, apprehensions and other missions.
- Command vessels while monitoring coastal waters—Marine Interdiction Agents and Supervisors utilize radar, sonar, and aerial reconnaissance to detect, track and capture criminals, illegal aliens and suspected threats to the United States.
- Investigate and interdict the transport of illegal materials or passengers—Using high speed naval and marine boats, Marine Interdiction Agents may stop, board and inspect vessels suspected of transporting drugs, weapons, or illegal aliens.
- Screen vessels, passengers and materials entering U.S. ports—Marine Interdiction Agents serve as investigators on any ships entering U.S. ports that are suspected of conducting criminal activity.
- Rescue of individuals—Pursuant to the highest ideals of the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies, Marine Interdiction Officers provide aid and assistance to anyone who is lost at sea or in need of rescue.
- Monitor and pursue unauthorized marine vessels—The Border Patrol is often required to conduct covert surveillance or high speed pursuit of unauthorized craft along U.S. shores.
Salary and Job Benefits
Marine Interdiction Agents must perform dangerous and physically demanding functions while fulfilling their professional responsibilities, so these professionals receive generous salaries and compensation packages. The entry level pay for Marine Interdiction Agents is at the GS-7 up GS-9 level which provides between $49,029 and $63,259 in annual salary. This may rise upon promotion to GS-12 which provides an annual salary of $68,809 to $89,450. This is the base salary and may be augmented through extra hours or work on Sundays and holidays. Promotion to a Supervisory CBP Marine Interdiction Agent course instructor comes with a GS-14 salary ranging from $96,690 to $124,695.
As federal employees, Marine interdiction Agents also receive health care, life insurance, long term care insurance, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid training, tuition assistance, transit subsidies and retirement savings plans. Retirement with full benefits becomes available after 20 years of service.
To learn more about becoming a marine interdiction agent, click here.