Retention Incentive Structure
MSC has received authorization to offer a retention incentive in excess of 10% to certain groups of CIVMARs. In order to receive this increased retention incentives, eligible CIVMARs must enter into a service agreement. The service agreement does not obligate the CIVMAR to serve any fixed period of time for MSC. It also does not create a situation in which the CIVMAR incurs a debt to the government for receiving the increased incentive agreement and then leaving employment at MSC at any point.
Positions eligible for retention incentive
- Master
- First Officer
- Second Officer
- Third Officer
- Damage Control Officer
- Assistant Damage Control Officer
- Damage Control Leader
- Assistant Damage Control Leader
- Damage Controlman
- Operations Chief
- Boatswain Mater
- Able Seaman
- Chief Engineer
- First Assistant Engineer
- Second Assistant Engineer
- Third Assistant Engineer
- Chief Electrician / Electrician
- Refrigeration Engineer
- Deck Engineer Machinist
- Unlicensed Junior Engineer
- Pumpman
- Electronics Technician
- Second Electrician
- Engine Utilityman
- Ships Communications Officer
- Ships Communications Officer (IAM)
- Chief Radio Electronics Technician
- Chief Radio Electronics Technician (IAT)
- First Radio Electronics Technician
- First Radio Electronics Technician (IAT)
- Chief Steward
- Steward Cook
- Chief Cook
- Cook Baker
- Assistant Storekeeper
- Medical Services Officer
To see the full memo click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to sign a service agreement?
OPM regulations require any federal employee receiving a retention incentive in excess of 10% to enter into a service agreement prior to receiving the incentive. This requirement cannot be waived by MSC.
Can I just keep receiving the 10% I currently receive?
No. OPM regulations require that all members of a group receive the same retention agreement. Therefore, in order for MSC to pay retention incentives above 10% to certain groups of CIVMARs, current retention incentives of 10% must be stopped for all members of the group.
What happens if I don’t sign the service agreement?
If MSC does not have a signed service agreement back from you, you will stop receiving any retention incentives on the effective date of the new incentives.
What will the process be for signing the agreement?
Every CIVMAR who is eligible to receive an incentive above 10% will receive an email to their address on file at N12 that contains the service agreement. The agreement will be filled out and will only require a signature. Your signature can be applied electronically or traditionally. The agreement needs to be signed and returned to MSC_RETENTION_INCENTIVE@us.navy.mil. Additionally, for CIVMARs currently on ships, the agreements will be emailed to the ship’s purser to assist in this process.
The agreement seems to require me to sail for additional time, why are you saying there is no required service commitment or money owed if I don’t sail for that extra time?
Because retention incentives are prorated and paid in arrears, meaning you are getting paid for the work you completed during the previous pay period, you have completed the required work to earn the retention incentive. Therefore if you depart MSC, at any time while receiving a retention incentive, there is no continued service obligation or debt owed because you have already completed all work necessary to have earned the retention incentive. Any questions on this issue can be asked directly of your MPS, Placement Branch Heads, or Community Managers.
What happens if I don’t return the service agreement in time?
As discussed above, there can be only one retention incentive per group. So, for all CIVMARs receiving an increased retention incentive, their current 10% incentive will turn off the day before the higher rate begins. If we do not have a service agreement on the required date, you will not receive any retention incentive until such time as we receive, and are able to process, your retention incentive.
What should I do?
MSC recommends that you sign and return the service agreement as soon as possible after receiving it. Maintain a copy for your records.
How will I know that MSC received my signed agreement?
Confirmation emails will be sent following receipt and entry of your service agreement. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 5 days, please send a follow-up email, copying your MPS.