SWSC program helps Sailors translate Navy experience into mariner credentials

[Tony]

RHODE ISLAND, UNITED STATES
09.25.2025
Story by John Goulette 
Surface Warfare Schools Command  

NAVAL STATION NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 25, 2025) – The U.S. Navy’s Military to Mariner (M2M) program, managed at Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC), is helping Sailors turn their sea time into credentials that matter long after their time in uniform.

The program provides Sailors with pathways to earn merchant mariner licenses, which are issued by the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center. By recognizing Navy training, qualifications and operational experience, M2M ensures Sailors leave service with certifications that carry weight in the civilian maritime industry.

“One of the newest certificates is for the Qualified Member of Engineering Department (QMED),” said Kara Krenisky, SWSC’s Military to Mariner program manager. “Any engineer, designated or not, that leaves boot camp and completes the Engineering Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (EPACT) course at Surface Warfare Engineering Schools Command (SWESC) Great Lakes can go to their ship, finish a Job Qualification Requirement (JQR) on board, get it signed off, spend 180 days at sea, and get a license.”

Krenisky noted that most requirements are met during the EPACT course, with the remainder covered by online learning and shipboard qualifications. “Once a Sailor is done, they can send me an email requesting their certificate, they get their certificate, submit their application, that’s it.”

The program is also expanding opportunities for other ratings. “We are working on a 200-ton master program with Japan, so the Boatswain’s Mates (BM) out in Japan that run the tugs for our ships can get licensed,” Krenisky said. “Another certification in development is Able Seafarer for BM, Quartermaster (QM) and Operations Specialist (OS) ratings.”

Earning a license benefits Sailors in and out of uniform. “For those who stay Navy, it strengthens their records,” Krenisky said. “For those who separate, it provides a credential that translates directly to the civilian world.”

SWSC is the only Navy command operating a M2M program. Since joining SWSC in 2021, Krenisky has guided Sailors through the application process using existing Navy records such as histories of assignments, fitness reports and designation letters. Sailors also complete a medical certificate before submitting packets to the National Maritime Center.

Application usually takes about a month to process. Once approved, Sailors have one year to schedule and pass their exam at a regional exam center.

Importantly, the program is open to all Sailors. Everybody can do this,” Krenisky said. “Any rate, any designator, any level. Some ratings may get a leg up, but anyone with sea time is eligible.”

Krenisky’s advice is straightforward: start early. “The earlier they start, the higher a license they could end up with by the time they’re done and retired.”

Krenisky also emphasized the program’s broader value. “We’re building a workforce that is more versatile—able to serve both in the Navy and across the civilian fleet that supports it.”

For more information, please reach out to the M2M program manager at: SWSC_NWPT_M2M@navy.mil or 401-841-3149.