The United States remains one of the world’s most advanced nations in maritime technology, offshore engineering, defense systems, and ocean research. As global trade continues to expand and the demand for marine transportation, naval operations, underwater engineering, and maritime safety increases, the country is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled workers in its marine and sub-marine industries.
This shortage has opened up huge opportunities for foreign workers—especially those with technical skills—to secure high-paying marine and submarine jobs with full visa sponsorship. Whether your background is in engineering, welding, mechanics, marine transportation, underwater robotics, diving, shipping logistics, or naval operations, there are real pathways to secure employment in the United States.
This article explains the available opportunities, the types of jobs you can apply for, salary expectations, required qualifications, visa options, employers hiring internationally, and step-by-step instructions to maximize your chances of being sponsored.
1. Why the U.S. Is Sponsoring Foreign Workers in Marine & Sub-Marine Sectors
The U.S marine industry is worth over $400 billion, with sectors ranging from offshore energy and maritime logistics to underwater research and naval defense. Despite this, the nation faces:
1.1 Workforce Shortages
Retirements, aging U.S. workers, and rapid expansion of maritime infrastructure have created tens of thousands of unfilled positions.
1.2 Expansion of U.S. Naval & Sub-Marine Development
The U.S. Navy is one of the world’s largest employers in submarine engineering, underwater warfare systems, and naval construction. Increased defense projects require skilled foreign talent.
1.3 Offshore Energy Boom
The America offshore wind and oil industries continue to expand, especially in:
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Texas
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Louisiana
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California
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New York
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Virginia
These sectors require divers, underwater welders, marine engineers, environmental scientists, and vessel operators.
1.4 Increasing Global Trade
Over 90% of U.S. imports travel through seaports. This means high demand for:
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Marine logistics experts
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Port operators
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Seafarers
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Cargo handlers
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Ship maintenance technicians
Because of these shortages, many U.S. employers now offer visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates.
2. High-Paying Marine & Sub-Marine Jobs Available With Visa Sponsorship
Below are the most in-demand roles currently being sponsored in the U.S.
2.1 Marine Engineers
Marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships, submarines, offshore structures, and underwater vehicles.
Average salary: $85,000 – $150,000 per year
Visa sponsorship: High demand (H-1B, EB-3, O-1)
2.2 Naval Architects
Responsible for designing naval vessels, submarines, cargo ships, and maritime structures.
Average salary: $90,000 – $160,000 per year
Employers hiring: Shipyards, Navy contractors, robotics companies
2.3 Submarine Technicians
These professionals maintain submarine systems including electrical controls, sensors, pressure hulls, and propulsion systems.
Salary: $70,000 – $130,000 per year
Recruitment: U.S. Navy contractors, research institutions
2.4 Commercial Divers & Underwater Welders
Underwater specialists who perform repairs, inspections, and offshore construction.
Salary: $80,000 – $200,000+ per year (depending on depth & risk)
Visa possibility: EB-3, H-2B
2.5 Marine Electricians & Mechanics
Maintain vessel engines, electrical systems, navigation systems, and onboard machinery.
Salary: $55,000 – $120,000 per year
Demand: Shipyards, ports, offshore rigs
2.6 Oceanographers & Marine Scientists
Involved in ocean research, marine biology, underwater ecosystems, and climate studies.
Salary: $60,000 – $140,000 per year
Visa: J-1 (research), H-1B, EB-2 (advanced degree)
2.7 Merchant Seafarers
Work aboard cargo ships, tankers, cruise ships, and special-purpose vessels.
Roles include:
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Deckhands
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Able Seamen (AB)
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Motormen
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Marine cooks
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Bosuns
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Captains
Salary: $40,000 – $100,000+ yearly
Visa: C1/D (Seaman’s Visa), EB-3 for permanent roles
2.8 Offshore Oil & Gas Marine Jobs
Oil rigs employ thousands of marine professionals, including:
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Riggers
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Crane operators
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Helicopter deck crew
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Offshore medics
Salary: $70,000 – $180,000 per year
Visa: H-2B, EB-3 Skilled Worker
2.9 Underwater Robotics & ROV Operators
Operate remotely operated vehicles used for underwater exploration, military operations, and industrial inspections.
Salary: $75,000 – $140,000
Visa: H-1B, O-1 for high skill talent
2.10 Port & Maritime Logistics Jobs
U.S. ports hire foreign workers for:
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Cargo operations
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Ship loading/unloading
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Crane operation
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Maritime supply chain
Salary: $50,000 – $110,000
Visa: H-2B
3. Visa Types That Support Sponsorship for Marine & Sub-Marine Jobs
3.1 H-1B Visa (Skilled Workers)
Best for:
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Marine engineers
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Naval architects
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Submarine systems engineers
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Ocean scientists
Employers must prove shortage of U.S. workers.
3.2 EB-3 Visa (Permanent Residency) – Skilled & Unskilled Workers
Suitable for:
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Seafarers
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Welders
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Mechanics
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Port workers
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Shipyard laborers
This visa leads to a Green Card.
3.3 H-2B Visa (Seasonal/Non-Agricultural Workers)
Used for:
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Shipyard labor
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Port operations
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Offshore rig workers
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Marine construction jobs
No degree required.
3.4 J-1 Visa (Research & Training)
For marine scientists, oceanographers, and underwater research programs.
3.5 O-1 Visa (Exceptional Talent)
For elite-level talent such as:
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Underwater robotics experts
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Marine technology innovators
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Award-winning scientists
3.6 C1/D Visa (Seafarer Visa)
Allows employment on ships traveling internationally.
Ideal for:
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Cruise workers
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Deckhands
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Engine crew
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Stewards
4. Major U.S. Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship in Marine Industries
4.1 U.S. Navy Contractors
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General Dynamics Electric Boat
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Huntington Ingalls Industries
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Lockheed Martin
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Northrop Grumman
These companies build submarines, naval vessels, and underwater defense systems.
4.2 Offshore Oil & Gas Companies
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Chevron
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BP America
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Shell USA
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Schlumberger
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Halliburton
Often sponsor H-2B and EB-3 workers.
4.3 Marine Research Institutions
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Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Scripps Institution of Oceanography
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NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
4.4 U.S. Port Authorities
Major ports needing foreign workers include:
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Port of Houston
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Port of New York & New Jersey
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Port of Los Angeles
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Port of Miami
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Port of Virginia
4.5 Commercial Shipping Companies
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Maersk Line
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Crowley Maritime
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MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
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Kirby Corporation
4.6 Shipbuilding & Repair Yards
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Bollinger Shipyards
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Fincantieri Marinette Marine
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Vigor Industrial
These employers sponsor technicians, welders, mechanics, electricians, and engineers.
5. Qualifications Needed for Marine & Sub-Marine Jobs
5.1 Academic Requirements
Depending on the position:
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Diploma or technical certificate (for mechanical & welding jobs)
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering or sciences
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Advanced degrees for research positions
5.2 Professional Skills
Employers typically look for:
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Experience working at sea
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Knowledge of marine machinery
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Underwater safety training
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Technical drawing or CAD
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STCW certification for seafarers
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Diving certifications (for underwater jobs)
5.3 Physical Fitness
Marine work often requires:
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Ability to lift heavy equipment
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Good swimming ability
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Ability to handle long hours on/offshore
5.4 English Proficiency
You do not need perfect English—but you must be able to communicate in workplace environments.
6. How to Apply for U.S. Marine Jobs With Sponsorship (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare a Professional Marine-Specific CV
Include:
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Technical skills
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Sea service record
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Certifications
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Safety training
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Experience with vessels or equipment
Step 2: Search for Employers Who Sponsor Visas
Use:
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LinkedIn
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Indeed USA
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USAJobs.gov (for federal research jobs)
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MarineInsight Jobs
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RigZone (for offshore work)
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Navsea.navy.mil (for naval contractors)
Step 3: Apply Directly to Sponsoring Employers
Most companies state “visa sponsorship available” or “foreign applicants accepted.”
Step 4: Attend Virtual Interviews
This may include:
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Technical questions
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Health and safety questions
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Practical experience discussions
Step 5: Employer Files Visa Petition
Employers submit:
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Labor certification
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Sponsorship letter
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Employment contract
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Visa application
Step 6: Attend Your Embassy Interview
Provide necessary documents:
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Passport
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Offer letter
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Visa forms
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Qualifications
Step 7: Travel to the United States
Once approved, your employer handles onboarding and training.
7. Benefits of Marine & Sub-Marine Jobs in the USA
7.1 High Salary & Allowances
Many positions include:
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Overtime pay
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Risk allowances
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Offshore bonuses
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Free accommodation
7.2 Pathway to Green Card
Many marine roles qualify for permanent residency.
7.3 International Career Growth
U.S. maritime training is recognized globally, giving you worldwide opportunities.
7.4 Job Security
Marine industries are essential to:
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Trade
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Energy
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National security
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Transportation
Meaning strong long-term demand.
8. Final Thoughts: A Life-Changing Opportunity
The United States marine and sub-marine sectors offer exceptional opportunities for skilled and unskilled foreign workers. With massive labor shortages, employers are increasingly open to visa sponsorship, giving international candidates a chance to build stable careers with excellent pay and long-term benefits.
Whether you are an engineer, diver, technician, scientist, or seafarer, this is one of the most promising pathways to high-paying employment in the United States. With the right preparation, the proper certifications, and a strong application strategy, you can secure a sponsored job and start your journey toward a prosperous future.