Question: Joining merchant marines?

(Posted by: on 2010-08-21 20:17:32)

Joining the merchant marines. few questions involved with this one..... I was in the coast guard at a small boat station where i was a certified crewman on 3 different small boats(47', 41', 21'). Never long periods of time away from shore or to rough of seas. The farthest ever away from shore was 50 miles and maybe 10 foot seas in a storm. I would like to work on cargo ships or other vessels someone would recommend to work for, or other vessels that go around the world in the merchant marines. I need an STCW card. Can i get this without taking STCW course with my experience in the coast guard as a crewman? Also, any recommdations on companies to work for. Right now i'm looking here (http:/ / users.hal- pc.org/ ~nugent/ company.html) to find companies. I know about the local ship union and will inquire there. Any other recommendations from an experienced merchant mariner? Your help would be greatly appreciated as i've found becoming a merchant mariner is quite more intricate than first thought. Also quite expensive with cards and documents. what is life like as an ordinary seamn on most vessels? Basicaslly anything you feel like typing about this stuff is appreciated, nomatter how seemingly irrelevent, would be greatly appreciated. Is it safe to work for vessels not flagged in the U.S. if you're a U.S. citizen? ......anyone, THANKKKKKSSSSSS for your time

Posted by: benthic_man on 2010-08-22, 02:59:23

Nope, you've got to take the Basic Safety Training modules- the 5 day course, before you get your STCW certification sheet from the coast guard. You'll also need a TWIC card from the DHS. Neither are difficult to get, and there are lots of places to get both. There isn't an equivalency for these training modules because they're uniform, in theory, across the world. Sailing unlicensed in the international fleet doesn't pay enough to keep an american interested. If you're very, very lucky, and experienced, you might find something that pays $500 a month. Domestically, you have options. The unions are the easiest way to get onto a ship, but there are jobs out there. Research ships are hard to get into, but fun. Tankers are the best and easiest to get jobs on- it's dirty work, and the pay isn't great, but you learn more than you would elsewhere about basic seamanship. Military Sealift Command pays the best of all, if you're willing to go to sea for 10-12 months at a time. Being an OS is not bad. I started that way, myself. Expect 12-hour days, lots of coffee breaks, and simple work. In your off time, you'll learn how to become an Able Seaman. Chipping rust and painting are the usual routine for an OS... good for getting your mind at ease. Right now, the oil supply companies and tugs are hiring pretty regularly. It takes time to find your first job, but it gets easier, and, after a time, you'll never be without work.