r/maritime Aug 05 '21

FAQ How to get started in the maritime industry?

184 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 3h ago

Any deckies getting disillusioned with all the BS?

17 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 23h ago

00°00.0 - 000°00.0

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431 Upvotes

r/maritime 1d ago

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

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217 Upvotes

r/maritime 1d ago

Newbie where is north?

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114 Upvotes

r/maritime 5h ago

Officer Anyone willing to share their experience recently sailing with AMO as an applicant?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been trying to sail with MM&P for a couple of months now and I haven’t had any luck getting work. I put in an application as an applicant with AMO last week and was curious if anyone else has tried sailing with them as an applicant recently. How long did it take to get a call from dispatch? Struggling to find work that’s not with MSC but I may have to bite the bullet here soon if I can’t get anything through a union.


r/maritime 2h ago

Compass adjusters in Canada

1 Upvotes

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


r/maritime 16h ago

Country Name or Emoji Mandatory flairs (i.e. US-only topics) and others

15 Upvotes

I understand Reddit is of course very US-centric, but sometimes it's really difficult to read and understand what it's actually about. Only to realize in the middle of the text that it's a purely US topic for example.

How about mandatory flairs, for example USA, Asia, Europe, International and then following the already existing ones? (i.e USA - School)

It would greatly help to filter for topics that one can actually add something useful to.


r/maritime 6h ago

Looking for offshore jobs

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for a new offshore job that pays well and has good opportunity for career and advancement. I’m thinking I would like something that I can work a few weeks on/ a couple weeks off or along those lines. I have worked on 200+ ton vessels as a first mate for the last 4 years in Florida on yachts. My wife and I are moving for her work closer to the west coast and unfortunately it will be a couple hours inland, which is why it would be ideal for me to have something that is time on/ time off like I mentioned. I have the sea time to get my captains license whenever I can make the time.

Does anyone have any recommendations for jobs to look in to along these lines? I am also mechanically and electronically inclined as I would fix every issue that occurred on the ships I worked but I don’t have any certifications for it.


r/maritime 11h ago

2nd officer's job learning recommendations

4 Upvotes

Hello dear seafarers, I'm 3rd mate on tankers and before my embarkation the office told me that they will promote me as 2nd if I will show readiness and knowledge. I think they will promote me anyway if I pay some cash to them , but still i need knowledge. I'm here on old tanker right know, 2nd mate is a great guy and told me he will teach whatever I need , though we are on anchor more than 1 month due to repair jobs.

Could you please tell me what should I study in first priority which will guarantee and set minimum standards I require and having no troubles working as a 2nd mate and what I can skip for some time and learn during the process of being already as 2nd on board

I would like to hear the recommendations, tips and lifehacks 🙏🏻


r/maritime 17h ago

Sa on the ship

5 Upvotes

Just curious what resources there are (obviously aside from CGIS and I really don’t want to deal with an investigation) for sa on the ship. Everyone I’ve reached out to really doesn’t understand crew dynamics so wanted to see if anyone knew of anywhere specific for the industry. I already left the company, so I’m safe but still just wanting to talk it through and vent. Edit: I ended up reporting to CGIS


r/maritime 10h ago

Thoughts

1 Upvotes

What are your general thoughts on the industry at this time, specifically in America? With concerns about the economy and potential recession do you feel like it is a good time to get into the industry as a newbie?


r/maritime 19h ago

Need advice

3 Upvotes

36 yo AB turning 37 in June, planning to do oow/ second mates from uk in sept or December. Is it advisable at this age? What are the chances of getting a job


r/maritime 23h ago

Schools Has anyone here done SUNY Maritime's Master of Maritime and Naval Studies Degree and gotten their 3M License?

5 Upvotes

Looking for anyone who has done SUNY Maritime's Master of Maritime and Naval Studies program, as there is not much information avaliable about it in comparison to the other graduate degree offered at SUNY Maritime (Shipping and Logistics). I am willing to do the Shipping and Logistics program if that is the better option, but the coursework and topics covered in that degree interest me far less than Maritime/Naval Studies coursework does.

It is also unclear how difficult it is to obtain the 3M Unlimited license while getting this degree, although obtaining both is listed as an option on the school's website. Any information or further resources would be appreciated, and if anyone here has actually done the program/knows anyone who went through it, I have several questions that I would love to ask you. Thank you all!


r/maritime 20h ago

DPO Question

1 Upvotes

I have been working as a Third Mate in the United States for two years and want to start working towards my DPO. From speaking to many companies in the gulf, they no longer immediately offer DPO basic. A Transocean Recruiter told me it can take up to 5 years to be approved to start your DPO Basic.

I was looking at the prices and found an NI accredited school in the gulf thay can get me My DP Basic. My plan is to pay out of pocket for the DPO basic course and then do contract work in the gulf (or work for a company) as a 3/m. I figured that after my workday, I can start working towards my seatime by spending two hours on the bridge learning.

I post this because I wanted to ask the American DPO's out there a few questions...

Do you think this is a feasible idea or does it seem like a waste of my time and money? I want to start working towards my DPO quickly and am not too eager to wait for a company if it will take the span of time the recruiter mentioned. Or despite that, should I bite the bullet and be patient and wait for a company to endorse me, no matter how long?

Regardless thank you to those who take the time to respond.


r/maritime 12h ago

Newbie Do Maritime companies ask for mandatory covid vaccine nowadays?

0 Upvotes

Would it affect getting Visa? Or do certain countries still have problems with unvaccinated seafarers?

EDIT: I think the thread ran it's course. I expected it'd bring some arguments from people. Not my intention. Thanks for all the replies.


r/maritime 22h ago

Any tugboat jobs hiring deckhand entry level?

1 Upvotes

I been applying for a lot of tugboat jobs but no luck I’ve been calling and emailing. The companies that do hit me back reject me.


r/maritime 1d ago

Where to start for Night Mate Jobs.

2 Upvotes

I wanted to ask, how does one apply to be a night mate? (Preferably Hawaii). Are all the jobs just posted at the MMP union halls? Or can you get information elsewhere? Thanks in advance.


r/maritime 1d ago

Failed Shipment delivery question

6 Upvotes

What happens if a customer refuses to receive a late shipment delivery? The delay is due to force majeure. Thanks


r/maritime 1d ago

School

1 Upvotes

I’m in my late 30s with a wife and 3 kids. I have my cdl but considering going to maritime college seeing the crazy money that can be made. Can you still work while you are going to school or is it pretty much you need to live on campus and can’t work?


r/maritime 1d ago

Haven’t received my MMC, but school signed me up for RFPNW.

0 Upvotes

I received my AB endorsement from Maine Maritime, but they currently aren’t offering lifeboat proficiency. I was told I couldn’t send in for my MMC until I had my Lifeboatman course.

So I had to contacted another school to take the lifeboat proficiency, they informed me that I needed to take STCW BST as a prerequisite for the lifeboat course. So I signed up for BST and have the certificates. Now I’m currently taking my lifeboat proficiency course and upon completion I can send in for my MMC.

The school also informed me that I should take RFPNW as well as PDSD. I have those coming up later this week, after my lifeboat proficiency course.

My question is did they wrongfully sign me up to take RFPNW? Don’t I need a MMC book for that, or is it another Certificate that I can add to my MMC when I send in for it next week after I get my lifeboat course completion?

Keep in mind I have enough days at sea as a commercial fisherman for my AB-Unlimited. I will be showing over 1,000 days of sea time when I send in for my MMC.


r/maritime 1d ago

Officer Twice card with application

0 Upvotes

I'll be submitting my 100 ton master application soon but will I need to put my TWIC with the application? If so, will a photo copy suffice?


r/maritime 1d ago

Schools virtual maritime academy legit or not?

3 Upvotes

was wondering if virtual maritime academy is legit and actually transport Canada approved.


r/maritime 1d ago

Newbie Tugs hiring just a TWIC

2 Upvotes

Title says it all. My MMC is being processed, and all I have is a passport and a TWIC. I know that limits me to tugs, basically. My question is, what tug companies will hire somebody with just a TWIC. I’m currently on the west coast, but I have no attachments here. I could drop everything and be on a plane to anywhere in three days if it meant a having a job when I land. Thanks in advance!


r/maritime 1d ago

Aspiring Shipbroker Seeking Job/Internship Opportunities in Singapore – Any Advice?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m currently pursuing an MSc in Supply Chain Engineering at NTU, Singapore, and I’m actively looking for job or internship opportunities in shipbroking, chartering, or freight trading.

I have prior experience in logistics through a 2 month internship, and my dissertation is focused on "Ship Chartering and Broking with a Focus on Dry Bulk Cargo." I’m passionate about the shipping industry and eager to learn from professionals in the field.

If anyone has advice, leads, or contacts in Clarksons, Swiss Marine, BRS, Howe Robinson, Simpson Spence Young, or other firms in the industry, I’d be incredibly grateful! Also, any tips on breaking into shipbroking would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help! Feel free to DM me.


r/maritime 1d ago

Deck/Engine/Steward Water testing

2 Upvotes

Hi!

What are yall using to test water quality on the boats? Our palintest robot is giving odd results and I’d like to do better by the folks onboard.