Sea Pay - Career Sea Pay (CSP)

What Career Sea Pay Is

Per 37 USC 305a and DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 18, Career Sea Pay (CSP) compensates members assigned to sea duty. The pay recognizes the unique challenges of sea duty including extended absence from shore facilities, limited family contact, and operational tempo.

CSP is an important pay category for Marines in Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployments and other sea duty assignments.

Sea Duty Types

Per DOD FMR, sea duty includes.

Permanent Sea Duty

Members assigned to permanent sea duty billets receive CSP at standard rates for entire assignment.

• Permanently assigned to a ship
• Permanently assigned to a sea duty unit
• Standard CSP rate applies based on tier

Temporary Sea Duty

Members on temporary sea duty receive specific TADS or other sea duty pay.

• Brief sea duty assignments (typically less than 60 days)
• Specific operational missions at sea
• Different rate structure than permanent CSP

Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Deployment

Marines deploying with MEUs while embarked aboard Navy ships qualify for CSP.

• Specific deployment periods
• Standard or temporary CSP rates per assignment type
• Coordination with Navy ship's command

CSP Rate Structure

Per DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 18, CSP rates progress with cumulative sea duty.

Cumulative Sea Duty Tracking

CSP rate based on total cumulative sea duty days across career.

• Each sea duty day counts toward cumulative total
• Tiered rate increases at thresholds
• Tracking continues across unit transfers

Rate Tiers

Approximate monthly rates (verify current DOD FMR).

Specific amounts updated annually. Tier progression rewards career sea duty service.

Eligibility Requirements

A Marine receives CSP when meeting these.

• Active duty status
• Assigned to qualifying sea duty billet
• Performing duties supporting the operational mission of the ship
• Embarked aboard the ship for at least 30 days

Performance Steps for CSP Processing

Step 1 - Verify Sea Duty Assignment

Pull member's orders and unit assignment.

• Verify assignment to qualifying sea duty billet
• Verify ship or sea duty unit identification
• Confirm 30-day embarked threshold

Step 2 - Determine Cumulative Sea Duty

Pull member's sea duty history.

• Cumulative sea duty days from MCTFS
• Identify rate tier for current cumulative total
• Project tier transitions during current assignment

Step 3 - Process UD/MIPS Transaction

Apply CSP via UD/MIPS.

• Specific CSP transaction code per MCTFSCODESMAN
• Effective date of qualifying sea duty
• Monthly recurring pay activated

Step 4 - Verify EDFR

Confirm processing within 5 business days.

• CSP posts at correct rate
• Tier matches cumulative sea duty
• Address any failures

Step 5 - Track Tier Progression

During the assignment.

• Monitor cumulative sea duty days
• Identify when member crosses tier threshold
• Process rate update at threshold crossing

When CSP Changes

CSP changes when.

• Member crosses cumulative sea duty threshold (rate tier change)
• Member transfers from sea duty (CSP stops)
• Member separates or retires
• Annual DOD FMR rate adjustment

CSP and Other Allowances

CSP coordinates with other pay.

CSP and BAH

• BAH continues at home port during sea duty
• Both CSP and BAH apply
• No interaction between the two allowances

CSP and Hostile Fire Pay

• Both apply if conditions warrant
• Independent allowances
• HFP for combat zone, CSP for sea duty

CSP and Family Separation Allowance (FSA)

• Both apply during sea duty over 30 days separation from family
• Independent allowances
• FSA at standard rate, CSP at sea duty tier

Common CSP Errors

These hit during PAC processing.

1. Member transferred from sea duty but CSP continues. Stop CSP retroactive to transfer date. Member overpaid.
2. Cumulative sea duty days miscounted. Tier wrong because cumulative tracking incorrect. Verify and recalculate.
3. Rate tier transition missed. Member crossed threshold but rate not updated. Annual review of sea duty members.
4. CSP not started after assignment. Member arrived at sea duty unit but CSP never started. Process retroactive start.
5. Temporary vs permanent CSP confused. Different rates. Verify duty type and apply correct rate.

Sea Duty Days Tracking

Cumulative sea duty days affect rate tier and retirement eligibility for some members.

Sea Duty Day Definition

• Each day embarked aboard ship counts
• TAD time aboard counts (minimum threshold)
• Specific duty types count or do not count per DOD FMR

Annual Review

Each year for active sea duty members.

• Verify cumulative days accurate in MCTFS
• Identify tier transitions
• Process rate updates

Audit Implications

CSP is audit-relevant.

• Wrong tier creates ongoing pay discrepancy
• CSP continued after sea duty ends creates overpayment
• Cumulative sea duty miscounting creates compounding errors
• Member without qualifying assignment drawing CSP creates findings

PAC accuracy on CSP supports unit audit posture.

Documentation Required

For CSP actions, PAC needs.

• Sea duty assignment orders
• Ship or unit identification
• Cumulative sea duty documentation
• Annual currency verification

Quality Control

Before submitting CSP transactions.

• Verify sea duty assignment in MCTFS
• Verify cumulative sea duty days accurate
• Verify rate tier matches DOD FMR
• Verify effective date matches assignment

Coordination Touchpoints

CSP processing touches.

• Marine Expeditionary Unit S-1: For MEU deployment processing
• Navy ship S-1: For embarked Marine processing
• Aviation S-1 if sea-based aircraft: For aviation sea duty
• HQMC: For policy and rate questions

Related Roles

CSP affects Marines on sea duty assignments.

• Marines verify CSP on LES and report tier transitions.
• Leaders at sea-based units track member sea duty days.
• Commanders ensure unit CSP processing accurate during deployments.