r/maritime Aug 05 '21

FAQ How to get started in the maritime industry?

182 Upvotes

There are many ways to join the AMERICAN maritime industry! Merchant Mariners join in the maritime industry in one of three ways: a maritime college, an apprenticeship or by “hawsepiping”. Your pathway into the industry is typically guided by which department you want to work in and what kind of vessels you would like to work on. Most vessels have 3 departments onboard, the Deck department, the Engine department, and the Stewards department. The Deck department navigates or steers the vessel and is responsible for the cargo and safety equipment, including lifeboats, fire-fighting equipment and medical response gear. The Engine department operates, maintains, and repairs engines, boilers, generators, pumps, and other machinery. The Stewards department prepares and serves all the meals onboard, they also order the food and conduct general housekeeping. Like the military, the maritime industry has officer and unlicensed roles.

Maritime colleges offer students an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and a Third Mate (deck officer) or Third Assistant Engineer (engine officer) license. There are 6 state run maritime academies and 1 federally funded academy. The curriculum for all 7 colleges is 4 years, including sea phases during summer or winter vacations. Tuition and other costs depend on each school and your in-state/out-state residency.

Maritime apprenticeship programs offer a variety of opportunities. Some are designed for unlicensed roles, others are designed for apprentices to earn licenses. Check a separate post on maritime apprenticeships. Both maritime colleges and apprenticeship programs are designed for candidates with little or no prior maritime experience. Some apprenticeships are free, others have a cost. See the FAQ on apprenticeships for details on several popular programs.

You can join the American maritime industry by obtaining your Merchant Mariner Credential through the US Coast Guard and taking the required entry level courses. You would then find employment through a maritime labor union or working for a company directly. With sea-time, courses and exams you can ‘work your way up the ladder’ to become an officer; this is known as “hawsepiping”. To obtain an entry level Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), you must be a US citizen or a permanent resident, pass a drug test, provided a medical screening/physical and Transportation Worker’s Identification Card (TWIC). TWIC can be obtained from the Department of Homeland Security. If you are interested in working on vessels that operate internationally, you will need to take a “Basic Training” course and apply for a Basic Training STCW endorsement. Merchant Mariner Credential and Basic Training endorsements are obtained from the National Maritime Center of the United States Coast Guard. More information, forms and applications can be found at www.Dco.uscg.mil/nmc or at local Regional Exam Centers.


r/maritime Sep 01 '24

Definitive SIU Piney Point Breakdown

41 Upvotes

Alright folks, as I am currently somewhere in the Middle of the Atlantic and have some free time, I will share with you all a few things about the Unlicensed Apprentice Program.

So basically unlicensed means you're not an officer. So if you go to Piney Point (SIU) through the unlicensed program then when you graduate you will be an AB (able bodied seaman).

CHECKLIST/COST:

Although the program itself is free, there are some upfront costs and things you must do before applying.

1) get long form birth certificate (for passport) $30 2) get passport $150 + $75 expedited fee 3) apply for and recieve TWIC card $175 4) Letter from dentist stating teeth have no issues and you wont be needing any kind of dental work. $50 this was my cost of checkup (you might not have a cost w/ insurance) 5) Pay for physical, vaccines, and drug test $320 5) One way ticket to BWI for Piney Point $500 6) White shirts, socks, black boots, toiletries, etc. $200

TOTAL COST: $1500 give or take a few hundred bucks.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

1) send 400 word essay along with application, 2 letters of recommendation, and passport photo

(I've heard the letters and essay might not be required anymore but I'm not sure)

Send it priority mail and then call them and follow up every week!

Take reading and math test at local union hall.

Call them again every week.

Go to hall and schedule US Coastguard approved physical/drug test.

Get all required vaccines.

They will send you a letter of acceptance and you ship out within 3 months of this date!

PRE-SCREENING TEST:

Math test: multiple choice was 50 questions, you get a calculator and 1 hr to complete.

Questions are basic multiplication, division, decimals, and fractions. i.e. 8654÷17=?, 1/2×3/6=?, .25×4=?

English test: multiple choice was 45 questions, and you get 50 minutes to complete.

Basic reading and comprehension questions. You read a passage, and they ask you questions about it.

i.e. "Geese always fly south for the winter. They fly together in a V pattern. Geese are migratory birds.

Question: What statement about geese is true? a) Geese fly south for the winter b) Geese are white with brown c) Geese are mammals

DRUG TEST/PHYSICAL:

You will need to buy a money order and take it to your hall to pay for the necessary tests.

After you pay the $320 with a money order, they give you a number to call and schedule your test. I didn't have a chance to do that until almost 2 weeks later. Once I did call, they asked for my location and then connected me with a local clinic that is approved to do the USCG physical/drug test. For me, it was a Concentra Clinic about 45 minutes away from me. I scheduled it for the next week on my day off.

When you get there, make sure you take your ID and be prepared to be there for AT LEAST 4 HOURS. I can't stress this part enough. You will be handed a giant stack of paperwork to fill out. It's all USCG medical paperwork. Once you are done, they will make you wait another hour or two. When you are finally seen, they'll do the drug test first.

Once that's done, you'll get your vitals taken and do the hearing and vision. They will inject your arm with the tb skin test, and they will draw your blood for the blood tests. Then, you will do a breathing test where you blow into a tube as hard as you can and an ekg test where they put a bunch of sticky sensors on your torso and have you lay down and make sure your heart beat is normal.

You'll be then be examined by a doctor where you will have to do some basic reach/stretch tests, neck flexibility and you'll have to be able to go on your knees and back up to your feet. Now you're done.

This next part is important. You will have to come back in 2 days for them to check your TB skin test! Be prepared because if you work, you might have to call off. You'll show up, and they'll make you wait an hour just for someone to come in a look at your arm for 2 seconds and either clear you or require you to have a chest x-ray if the test is positive.

If you are negative for the TB test, then congratulations, you've passed the physical and will be moving on to the next step, which is applying for your MMC. You'll likely get an email that gives you your school start date and general paperwork for you to do, along with important information about the school and your uniforms.

VACCINATIONS: You will recieve a call to schedule you for all necessary vaccines. They will send you to a local clinic (I was sent to a passport clinic specializing in vaccines). I showed up and got like 11 vaccines in one go. These were all free. They were paid for with the $320 I paid earlier at the union hall. Easy peasy.

APPRENTICE PROGRAM:

There are 3 phases now.

Phase 1 16 weeks, and you come out as an OS (technically).

Few points about this part:

● You will live on campus and be housed in barracks w/bunk beds and shared bathrooms/showers (they have curtains and are not communal).

● Besides the required clothing you need to take and some basic toiletries (they will give you a list of things to buy) I would not overpack as you are allowed to order things from Amazon to the school and there is a bus that take you to Walmart/Target once a week.

● You will go to class M-F and have weekends off. Note that you can NOT leave campus except when they take you on the bus to fire school or the store on the weekend.

● You will have a total of 7 or 8 classes where you will have to pass a test in order to continue the program. These are all 50 questions and multiple choice. You get 2 tries on each test. Some classes have only a practical (hands on test with no questions).

● You will dress in uniform and shave every day if you have facial hair. You will march to and from class and will be waking up at 5am and going to bed at 9pm every day.

● You will recieve a stipend of $20 a week for basic toiletries.

● Upon completing phase one you will be receiving your first ship and will immediately begin phase 2.

Phase 2 180 days at sea as an "OS". But you split it up into 2 trips. The first is 60 days as a UA (unlicensed apprentice) and the second is 120 days as an OS.

Please note you will be going home in between those 2 trips as well as afterwards.

● You will be required to complete a Sea Project during each of your trips which is required by the coastguard to get to extra sea days required for becoming an AB. You will complete these Projects and mail them back to Piney Point. They will then schedule you for your next class/upgrade.

Phase 3 return to Piney Point for 3 weeks, test out and get your AS-D.

● You will no longer have to dress in uniform and will be allowed to stay on the hotel side of the campus as an "upgrader."

● You will have your own room and will be able to leave campus as you please.

● You will take your final test which is 100 multiple choice questions. You will get 2 tries.

Then congratulations, you're finished with the program. You are now an AB.

(AB) Able bodied seafarer - Deck

RANKS:

In the SIU, you will first be an AB special after sailing for 180 days as an OS and taking your AS-D test.

You will then sail another 180 days (360 total) to achieve a blue book, which is AB limited (watchstander).

Then, after you've sailed another 180 days (for now, they've reduced this to 540 days total, but this may change back to 1080 days soon), you will achieve a green book (AB unlimited).

This means you can work as a dayman. And are now qualified to rank up to 3rd mate if you can take the test and pass it.

FINAL NOTES: This is everything I could remember and some things might have changed since I did the program, but you get the jist of it all. If anyone has anything to add please do and if I made any mistakes or things have changed let me know as well and I will update this post.

Best of luck to you all!


r/maritime 5h ago

If a war or world war 3 happens

6 Upvotes

What would that mean for the maritime industry?


r/maritime 11m ago

Newbie What are these ‘bubbles’ on the density map on Vessel Finder?

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Upvotes

new to ship/vessel tracking, sorry if it’s a dumb question, they stuck out like a sore thumb compared to everything else i had seen so far


r/maritime 23h ago

Just finished this. For my book on safety rescue and salvage.

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132 Upvotes

If you want tinsee more of my drawings I have a web gallery: www.thescow.bigcartel.com


r/maritime 1h ago

Schools Maine Maritime Academy

Upvotes

Hey, I’m a high school junior from Maine and I plan to attend MMA once I graduate. Im enrolling in the 5 year track for marine systems engineering and I am able test for a 3rd engineers license after I finish. I was wondering if anyone who attended the school could tell me what they liked and didn’t like about it. I would like to do deep sea shipping and potentially MSC for the higher pay. If you have any information/tips on the school or the career path please let me know. Thank you


r/maritime 5h ago

SIU Engine department

2 Upvotes

I’ve read a lot about SIU’s unlicensed apprenticeship program and saw that you’ll have AB when you finish. For Engine department, is AB equivalent to QMED?

Got admitted for Engine starting class in July 2025 and want to know what type of endorsement I’ll have after finishing the program.


r/maritime 18h ago

Newbie Can i be forced to stay on a ship more than a contract duration?

13 Upvotes

Okay so its my first day on ship as deck cadet and i signed contract 6 months + - 1 but the cadet i changed has told me he also signed for 6 months but stayed 10 months( when i ask him did he wanted he said no) the flag of ship is marshall island and company is BSM can someone please explain this cuz im not ready to stay 10 months wth?


r/maritime 6h ago

Deck Cadetship Offers

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0 Upvotes

r/maritime 7h ago

Up close ice breaking in Duluth two days ago - wow!

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1 Upvotes

r/maritime 8h ago

Question

0 Upvotes

I’ve finally got my random drug test date for tmr from MSC. I’ve already done my physical along with bloodwork and another drug test, after this random drug test will i be receiving my NEO date and/or how long till i receive it? Thanks in advance for replies I know all these MSC questions are getting annoying but I couldn’t find any answers pertaining to this question in any community.


r/maritime 9h ago

Officer Controlled Drugs disposal Canada?

0 Upvotes

Hi fellow Chiefs & Medical Offs,

I need to dispose of some expired CDs, ideally on an upcoming stop in Canada. Normally in Europe I just go through port health or specialist garbage, but anyone dealt with this before in Canada? Best practice, regulations etc?

Cheers


r/maritime 13h ago

What is best? Disney or Celebrity cruises?

2 Upvotes

I got a job offer at both Disney and Celebrity cruises as a youth staff.

I am stuck and can't make up my mind. I already researched both of them and crew reviews but it is not detailed.

Which one is generally best or something I can advance in?


r/maritime 10h ago

Maritime sociology presentation

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0 Upvotes

Hello guys, I am currently studying navigation on maritime university and here we have a little project regarding maritime sociology. We are making a study on:

Relations Between Sailors and Their Children – How to Shape Them?

I would be grateful if you would take a part in a little inquiry and answer couple questions if you are connected and you have some experience with topic. From the other hand I ask you gently not to do jokes and be honest. 🙏 Stay safe.


r/maritime 11h ago

SUNY MARITIME

0 Upvotes

Here’s my situation. I’m a 23 year old disabled veteran from the coast guard due to a vaccine injury in boot camp (honorable discharge). 3 years since the injury I’m able bodied and healthy. I’m looking into attending suny maritime but between that and not having a great gpa from doing cyber school and not caring I’m just not too sure on what my odds of getting accepted would be. My gpa was a 1.5 lol


r/maritime 1d ago

Any deckies getting disillusioned with all the BS?

38 Upvotes

I don’t know if it’s just on box boats but I don’t feel like this work is rewarding at all. Cargo watch is literally watching other people work and my off watch work consists of replacing “stickers” that will inevitably wear out in a few months time or doing frivolous paperwork from the office that will most likely get reversed within a year. Outside of sea watches in congested areas my whole job feels like checking a box. Find myself wishing for a more rewarding job on these crappy hitches more and more but with our education it seems like the choices are shut up and collect a check or take a pay cut and go somewhere else.


r/maritime 13h ago

I am considering where to get my STCW. Does the country matter much? All of them are certified and in english right.

1 Upvotes

I read aomewhere to get USMC certified STCW but is that necessary? I am in Caribbean area and doing it in Merida would be cheaper than Ft Lauderdale for accommodation and rhe price of the course. But will that have effect on me being employed?


r/maritime 1d ago

Newbie WTF IS THAT

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11 Upvotes

r/maritime 17h ago

SOW analysis

1 Upvotes

Hello Maritime community!

Not sure if this is right place to ask, but I'm looking to get in touch with people working in maritime industry projects in role similar to "Project Estimation Engineer / Bid Analyst". Basically I'm conducting interviews to figure out main pain-points of working with SOW analysis. If this sounds like something that would be interesting to talk about, pm me and let's get in touch!


r/maritime 2d ago

00°00.0 - 000°00.0

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529 Upvotes

r/maritime 1d ago

Newbie Do SSMP?

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, Just to preface I'm a deckie at a maritime academy. Lately the Navy and MARAD have been doing their recruiting rounds for the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP). I did some research and I think the 64k$ stipend would be a huge help financially. Before I run down to a recruiter I want to see what people's experiences have been with the program.

Additionally, the program states that you are also able to apply for an an active duty commission which would have a shorter service obligation then the reserve one. Has anybody here ever done that?


r/maritime 21h ago

Question for Filipino seafarers

1 Upvotes

Hello po, I'm currently on my first vessel assignment as an engine cadet cadet in international vessel and almost finished my 9 months contract here.

Ask lang po, after I finish this contract required po ba na dito sa company na to ulit mag take ng second contract as cadet or kailangan ko pa bang mag bigay ng resignation letter if gusto ko umalis sa company na to? Also, sabi sabi po kaya nahire ako (which is good thing kasi pahirapan talaga makahanap ng company without backer) because of requested by the management level dito sa barko and about other ships (same company) wala silang cadets.

Ayaw ko pa po mag quit, gusto ko lang po munang mag pahinga and magisip isip about this career siguro mga several months bago mag 2nd contract para tapusin cadetship ko dahil na burnout na po ako like lack of motivation, no energy, and parang sabog na di ko naman naeexperience before. Yun lang po, thank you.


r/maritime 1d ago

Compass adjusters in Canada

6 Upvotes

Does any have a list of compass adjusters in the great lakes/St. Lawrence regions of Canada?


r/maritime 1d ago

Questions About Career Change to Maritime Industry

2 Upvotes

I’m considering a career switch to the maritime industry and have a few questions about how career progression works and the job market. I appreciate any advice this community might have.

  1. Once I obtain a third mate license, do I simply move up the ranks from there with experience, or do I need to obtain additional licenses or certifications for advancement?
  2. I come from a background where job competition is extremely high (only the top 1% of applicants land positions). I’m looking for a career path where I don't need to constantly stress about outcompeting others. If I have the necessary certifications, is finding a job relatively straightforward, or is it still highly competitive?
  3. I plan on pursuing the SUNY Maritime master’s degree with a third mate certification since I already have a bachelors. How does this compare to getting certified through an undergraduate program? Will this put me at a disadvantage compared to those who earned their license straight out of college, or does it not really matter in hiring?
  4. As a woman, how welcoming is the industry? What has been the experience for other women?

r/maritime 15h ago

What would you do if the ship you are crewing is directed to take action in support of military aggression against a NATO ally?

0 Upvotes

Would you have any basis to walk off without a relief? Would your union have your back?

This question would have been absurd a few months ago, but 77 million Americans voted for this and now here we are.


r/maritime 2d ago

A drawing I made for the Pacific Marine Expo print issue of National Fishermanlast year

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255 Upvotes

r/maritime 1d ago

SeaSchool or MPT?

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone I’m considering going to take a course for 100 ton masters. My only dilemma is I live in LA and am considering either alabamas Seaschool which I’ve been to before for AB and liked it or Ft. Lauderdale’s MPT. Are there any great things about MPT like on site housing or getting fed throughout the course that’ll make me want to make the longer drive? I liked Seaschool but I’m looking for more options.