background: started fishing as a kid (12 yrs old) in FL panhandle, long lined GOM out of high school before going over to standby vessels out of Cameron and Intracoastal City, late 70’s. Did 3 years as deckhand & unlicensed engineer for one company out of Patterson, LA. Transitioned into sport (plastic) boats and have pretty much been @ this until present. Hold 100ton NC, approval letter from NMC to test for 200/Mate, MROP, BST, HUET w/water survival, RFPNW. Will take 200 ton upgrade, Radar unlimited, rigging, crane safety & safe gulf in August and may add BRM. I also have a cert from an ASE school for diesel repair program (never did the internship to be ASE certified). 55 years old, and have read the numerous posts/threads on old farts and going back/starting out in the industry. I have sent some PM’s to some that were in similar circumstance and received very good info and would like to see if anyone can add to this. Due to many factors, I believe I will start my job search with small supply boats and crew boat captain training positions. I am not adverse to going overseas for 2-3 years. I plan to test for 500/1600 mate NC within a year. However, if I find a company that I’m compatible with I would be more than happy to stay put for 10+ years to finish my career. I live within 5 hours of AL to Lafayette, single and absolutely willing to work over in the next 2 years. All that being said I have compiled a list and would like all input as to:
#1: if this company listed is still a company or has been bought out and by whom?
#2: what would you rank as the top 5 Mom & Pops of my list?
#3: can you add a company that I have not listed?
#4: do the smaller crew boat companies pay come close to larger crew boat companies pay, example Bud’s Boat Rentals?
GRMI
Graham Gulf
Barry Graham
C and G boat rentals
GOL
Gulf Mark
Borderlon
Aries
L&M Bo Truc
LaBorde Marine
Aries Marine
Alliance
International marine
Iberia Marine
New Iberia Crewboats
COMAR
Offshore Oil Services
Adriatic
Odyssey
Jackson
Fleet Operators
Kevin Gros offshore
Cheramie Brothers
Seahorse
Y&S Marine
Bud’s Boat Rentals
Diamond Services
Coastal Crewboats
Tobias
Candy
based on this info I will head down to the coast in September and introduce my charming self to see if I can get started back in the industry.
Thanks in advance for any and all input.
stay thirsty my friends…