Marine Interdiction Agent

Marine Interdiction Agent - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

Job Overview

Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers experienced Merchant Mariner Credentials holders the opportunity to advance their career in law enforcement by working as a Marine Interdiction Agent. Full‑time security‑based positions are available within the nation’s largest law enforcement organization charged with maintaining the security of our national borders while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.

Salary and Benefits

Begin your career as a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) and earn up to $76,745–$142,199 per year based on your qualifications for the GS‑11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location. A one‑time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 may be available to new hires that are eligible after completing Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC, 1‑year service agreement required). You may also qualify for a 25 % Retention Incentive after completing one year of service.

• GS‑11 1st year annual pay – $105,931
• GS‑12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay – $137,977
• GS‑13 3rd year annual pay – $164,075

Example annual compensation at Key West, Key Largo and Marathon, FL new‑hire locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP):

• GS‑11 1st year – $112,168
• GS‑12 2nd or 3rd year – $146,946
• GS‑13 3rd year – $174,739

Example annual compensation at Long Beach, CA new‑hire locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP + 25 % Retention Incentive):

• GS‑11 1st year – $121,840
• GS‑12 2nd or 3rd year – $160,859
• GS‑13 3rd year – $191,284

Agents are eligible to select from federal employment benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, generous annual and sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. The Retention Incentive and Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) are also available under applicable conditions.

Duty Locations

A duty location will be offered after successful completion of the pre‑employment process. The final offer may include any geographic location within the Southwest Region, Southeast Region or Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.

Current potential duty locations include:

• Southeast Region – Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Marathon, FL
• Caribbean Air and Marine Branch – Fajardo, Mayagüez, Ponce, San Juan PR, and Saint Thomas VI
• Northwest Region – Bellingham, WA

Limited duty locations as of 12/1/2025 (availability not guaranteed):

• Northern Region – Port Huron, MI
• Southeast Region – Houma, LA
• Southwest Region – San Diego, CA

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Marine Interdiction Agent you will perform marine‑based law enforcement operations including detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, contraband and persons who attempt to illegally enter or attack the United States. Typical duties may include:

• Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
• Interpreting radar data to calculate appropriate intercept while tracking vessels and people to a successful interdiction.
• Searching persons, vessels, baggage and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest.
• Collecting, refining and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.

Qualifications

This GS‑11 grade level position requires a qualifying Merchant Mariner Credential. Candidates must also possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or meet one of the education substitutions described below.

• Experience: Independently applying advanced skill in controlling/commanding law enforcement scenes including conducting searches, making arrests, processing arrests and seizure of evidence and property; conducting investigative inquiries; utilizing cameras and other electronic surveillance equipment; writing comprehensive arrest, criminal and incident reports; assisting attorneys; applying arrest authorities and constitutional law; knowledge of CBP laws and regulations.
• Education Substitution: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or LL.M., with three years of progressively higher‑level graduate education.
• Combined Experience and Education: A combination of post‑bachelor’s education and experience as evaluated on resume and unofficial transcripts.

Required Merchant Mariner Credential capacities:

• Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV); Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans); Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate Unlimited Oceans or Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans).
• Or an accepted MMLD application with an MMC in a qualifying capacity and in positive standing.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship – U.S. Citizen.
• Residency – At least three of the last five years of primary U.S. residency.
• Age – Must be referred for selection before the 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251‑03 unless applicable age waiver applies (creditable law enforcement service or military service).
• Veterans’ Preference – Proof of veteran preference (DD‑214, Member 4 copy) required if applicable.

Training

Position requires successful completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) and additional CBP training. Failure to complete required training may result in placement in a different position, demotion or separation.

Travel Required

Travel may be required for this position based on operational needs.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button on the CBP Talent Network site, select Air and Marine Operations (Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA)), complete pre‑screening questions, and follow the link to the Marine Interdiction Agent job opening on USAJOBS to complete the application. CBP Talent Network subscribers receive monthly emails with webinars, career expos and future opportunities with AMO and CBP.