Hey gents,
So I’m entering the industry and just signed a contract for my first job. I was super excited but seeing all this Jones act stuff has me really concerned.
Is the industry fucked or is this something that will blow over?
I have been thinking about taking a career break to figure things out but even that scares me. How do you “figure it out” when you don’t even know where to start?
I feel burnt out, stuck and honestly a bit scared about starting over at this age. Has anyone here completely changed paths around 30 (or later) without having it all figured out beforehand? How did you even begin?
I feel really, really drawn towards the ship life (merchant navy). I regret not exploring it after 12th since it’s more of an age-based profession I guess and now at 30, I am not even sure if that door is still open for me. That thought makes me feel even more confused like maybe I missed the one thing I might have actually liked.
I graduate from highschool in a year and I plan on going to either a trade school or community college, but I can't decide if I want to join the Navy or Merchant Marine. I like being active and actually doing manual labor, but I can't decide.
Is there anyone out there who could give some advice or have some experience?
Well and truly fucked over by congress. I’ve had my application in for 3 months, I’ve been passed over twice for promotion even though I have my third mate license but I’m waiting on the USCG for my Ecdis and pic endorsement. They’re now saying 8-12 months? Goodbye career advancement and a much needed pay increase for my family. Not blaming the USCG, this is squarely a government failure with no accountability or consequence.
Anyone gotten their applications processed lately? If yes when did you submit?
PSA to submit anything expiring in the next year now, plus another potential shutdown looming in the fall…?
Never worked any type of ship before, figured I’d get my STCW endorsements since I’ve been waiting for my entry level MMC to come back for so long.
Is there anything I should know going into the class? Any terminology I should study or is it pretty easy to pick up the content? Thanks!
I want to test out the job market both for onshore and offshore jobs but I feel like I’m too close to the situation to properly explain my job to a recruiter on a resume
I have been dealing with blepharitis (chronic eyelid infection) - Dry Eye Syndrome for almost 2 years. It is sometime manageable and sometimes bad. I want to work in ships as a cadet and maybe officer in the future. It is not the only career option for me but I love seafaring since childhood. Am I being ridiciolous for aiming a career like that? Would that be impossible for me considering all the wind, salt, and other enviromental problems at the sea? Thank you for your responses.
Working on getting my MMC and have an upcoming medical exam, I understand they will test hearing and vision but just wondering what to expect when I go in and if there is any thing else I should be prepared for
Only thing I’m worried about is the hearing test, I cheaped out on hearing protection at the firing range about 2 months ago, used the radar dish plugs and didn’t notice the one in my left ear had gradually slipped out over the course of a 2 hour session. It’s gotten a bit better I have some tinnitus that comes and goes, loud environments (over 95dB) and some sounds like water running in the shower give me some static. I’ve done self tests at home with full spectrum frequency sweeps and I definitely lost some hearing in the 5kHz - 12kHZ area but it’s not gone completely, so I hope that’s not a deal breaker in passing the exam
Yesterday I received an email that my renewal application had been received and 2.5 hours later received another email that it had passed safety and suitability and is now “awaiting a professional qualifications evaluation”. What’s the wait time for this step?
I passed my 10th with aggregate of 80.33 and 12th commerce with aggregate of 85.6 from CBSE Board so which institute should I join NISU Goa or IMI Noida for GP rating course?
Hi everyone,
My husband just got scheduled for a Zoom interview with American Cruise Lines this coming Monday, and we’re trying to learn as much as possible beforehand from people who have actually worked there.
He’s interested in hearing about:
What daily life onboard is really like
Pay rates and whether the money is actually worth it
Typical work hours and schedules
Living conditions/cabins
Food onboard
Management and crew atmosphere
Whether it’s a good opportunity for someone starting out in maritime work
Overall pros and cons of the company
We’ve been seeing very mixed reviews online, so we’d really appreciate honest firsthand experiences — especially from deckhands or entry-level crew.
He currently has a TWIC and is trying to break into the maritime industry, so this could be a big opportunity for him.
Thank you in advance to anyone willing to share their experience.
I'm slated to attend a maritime academy in the fall. Between this article and the Wall Street Journal article from last year, it seems like a good time to become a merchant mariner in the U.S. However, I've seen feedback on this subreddit that says there aren't a lot of jobs right now and the pay isn't as good as the academies are saying. Thoughts?
Hello!
My girlfriend and I have been together for 3 years now and we are considering entering into a civil partnership at the end of the year.
About me: I have been working as a merchant seafarer for 1 year now. I hold a deck rating certificate, a bridge watch rating qualification, as well as multiple STCW certifications (FBLI, TIS, CAEERS, and Medical Level 1), which are mandatory for working at sea. Next October, I will be starting training for "Capitaine 200" or GT200 (the logical next step in my career).
Next year, I plan to join my partner in England (likely Dorset), where she works as a teacher.
I have to admit that I am not very familiar with the job opportunities in the maritime sector in the UK, and I would really appreciate some advice.
I would like to clarify that my question is strictly about the job market and not visa-related matters — let’s assume I already have a visa allowing me to work there.
Thank you in advance for all your tips, advice, and expertise
I want to save money by working in the merchant navy and then become a pilot later in life. Let’s say I work for 4-5 years and save around ₹50-60 lakhs, and then take out a loan for the rest to do a cadet program (or conventional ) with a company like IndiGo(Ik it costs more, but I’m just saying.)
Can I continue my job in the merchant navy while applying for a cadet program? Just in case I complete the training and everything but there’s no vacancy at that moment and have to wait a year or two, I wouldn’t want to sit idle. Instead, can i continue with my job that left w 4/5 years of experience in
is that possible realistically??
Anybody here worked for them or at a similar job before? I’ve been sailing for Patriot Contract Services for a few years now and want a change of pace. I’m of the understanding the rotation on the drillships are 28 days on 28 days off. Pay seems competitive as wel. Wondering what the gig is like in terms of day to day work and living ammenities.
Hello, I have high blood pressure, so what would happen if I put that on the cg-719k form? Will I still get approved for the medical certificate assuming my blood pressure is controlled? Thanks
Does anybody on here currently for ASC on the SIU side?
I have already accepted an offer from them as an AB and am supposed to ship soon, but upon further research from reading what people say on here and on SIU Facebook groups, I am seriously reconsidering.
I was looking forward to working on a 1000 foot Great Lakes freighter despite the lower pay, what would be a deal breaker for me is being worked like an absolute dog, not getting paid Sundays, not getting any sleep, and bad food.
Is it really as bad as everyone online is saying?
I've been staring at maps and see some options. Was wondering if anyone had any input on good parking lots near the REC or Mariners House in Boston? Maybe parking outside of Boston and riding the subway in? Thanks in advance!