I’m not to sure how I became interested in all of this, but I have recently felt a calling to take a step into becoming a merchant mariner. I’m 22 years old, living in Arizona, and am finishing up a bachelors in Criminal Justice. Yes I know, its all very strange, I agree. I literally have no clue how to even begin my journey. I have done some minuscule research and have found that I will need to obtain both a MMD and a TWIC before even thinking about anything else. Also I have read about obtaining a BSL that may make me stand out from other entry candidates. Since I have ZERO experience in this industry, as well as having never lived around anything bigger then a lake, I am wanting to get some opinions and see what everyone on here thinks and could recommend for me. I’d assume looking into becoming an OS would be the only real option for me (I’d rather not take any more schooling to become an AS, but let me know what you all think on that). Hopefully I gave enough information about myself. If there are any questions, please feel free to ask!
Guys with decades of experience can’t find work. Good luck.
I would suggest you find a career that corresponds to your degree.
[QUOTE=BrandonLawhorn;190080]If there are any questions, please feel free to ask![/QUOTE]
here is a question…would you simply go away?
I’ve got two questions for you
one, what the FUCK is a BSL?
two, will you just go away?
well you obviously learned there are cargo ships from some source…was it the movie with Tom Hanks? it’s OK, you can tell us…we won’t judge you
I’m 22 years old, living in Arizona, and am finishing up a bachelors in Criminal Justice. Yes I know, its all very strange, I agree.
I agree that you are the one who is strange…
I literally have no clue how to even begin my journey.
I suggest you get a clue before bothering us here…we ain’t giving them out anymore
I have done some minuscule research and have found that I will need to obtain both a MMD and a TWIC before even thinking about anything else. Also I have read about obtaining a BSL that may make me stand out from other entry candidates.
and what the FUCK is a BSL?
Since I have ZERO experience in this industry, as well as having never lived around anything bigger then a lake, I am wanting to get some opinions and see what everyone on here thinks and could recommend for me.
my first recommendation is for you to end this STOOPID fantasy of yours and go back to your little world on your little lake in that landlocked state of Arizona
I’d assume looking into becoming an OS would be the only real option for me (I’d rather not take any more schooling to become an AS, but let me know what you all think on that).
an AS? is that short for being an ASS? btw, I think you are pathetic
Hopefully I gave enough information about myself.
you gave enough for all of us veterans to know you are a little boy still and need to GROW THE FUCK UP before sitting down with the rest of us here
If there are any questions, please feel free to ask!
have you tried Kings Point? did you know that they teach you to fly jet fighter planes there?
Ah. The sweet and gental wisdom of the sage elders.
[QUOTE=Emrobu;190090]Ah. The sweet and gental wisdom of the sage elders.[/QUOTE]
nobody has ever called me sweet or gentle and lived for long afterwards…for your health I suggest you retract that immediately lest I chain you to the back of my tank and take you for a scrape
Don’t threaten me with a good time. Do you have a tank? Post a picture.
Meh, makes no difference to me. Simply just looking for more info on the job. That’s why the title says interest. Though, I’m perfectly fine with any responds, even c.captain’s.
Meh, makes no difference to me. Simply looking for more info. Still an interest of mine, though I enjoy reading all of the comments!
damn ferriners…
[QUOTE=catherder;190103]damn ferriners…[/QUOTE]
I suggest that yo either go to a maritime academy, or just wait for about five years and then check out the state of the industry c
Best thing to do would be a maritime academy. You’ll come out with a big license and all the endorsements you’ll need. Or you could also drop a couple hundred bucks, get your TWIC and MMD and go work for an inland tug company or something as an OS. You’ll make shit money, like 190-200/day but you’ll get seatime. Then get your AB and spend the money to get whatever other endorsements you’ll need. Prob cheaper than going to maritime school but def not as straight forward. Good luck
Thanks for the replies. I have some good options to look at it would seem then! Does anyone on here know much about the military sealift command? Seatime and experience is required of course but I wasn’t sure if anyone on here has heard much about the job there. Seems like a decent job there as well.
Use the search function. They’re one of the biggest single employers of US Mariners. I don’t think they’re hiring right now though.
The best thing you could do for yourself is finish your BS degree, take the LSAT and pursue your JD. Get a nice, comfy corporate law job doing patent research or anti-trust litigation. You’ll be home for dinner and have weekends off.
Buy a nice 23’ IO ski boat and enjoy your free time on the water.
[QUOTE=Jetryder223;190182]The best thing you could do for yourself is finish your BS degree, take the LSAT and pursue your JD. Get a nice, comfy corporate law job doing patent research or anti-trust litigation. You’ll be home for dinner and have weekends off.
Buy a nice 23’ IO ski boat and enjoy your free time on the water.[/QUOTE]
The law isn’t much better. New law grads are having a hard time finding work and the ones who do find work don’t make enough to live and pay back student loans. Ski boat? Don’t make me laugh.
The OP could consider another major in a STEM field or even consider (gasp) a skilled trade. And end up making more than that JD will ever earn him, unless he graduates from a top tier school (Think Yale- Harvard etc) in the top half of his class.
[QUOTE=BrandonLawhorn;190096]Meh, makes no difference to me. Simply just looking for more info on the job. That’s why the title says interest. Though, I’m perfectly fine with any responds, even c.captain’s.[/QUOTE]
Don’t listen to these cranky old fucks (c.captain). Its the same words told to me when I was young, by a bunch of old timers. I’ve had a great career and always had work. From my perspective there are lots of jobs if you are willing to do the work. Get your credentials and start knocking on doors. Start with Crowley.
[QUOTE=catherder;190188]The law isn’t much better. New law grads are having a hard time finding work and the ones who do find work don’t make enough to live and pay back student loans. Ski boat? [/QUOTE]
Fair enough. OP should try and get some benefit from studying criminal justice for the past 4 years. Another option is to complete school, apply to the police academy and pursue law enforcement.
Point I’m trying to make is now is NOT the time to try to break in the maritime field as a greenhorn. As someone said earlier, there are guys with decades of experience who can’t find work right now.
I can state for a fact - MSC is not hiring.
There’s jobs out there to be had, maybe just not jobs for experienced guys who are looking for a bit more money. From what I’ve seen there are spots for the low paying entry level jobs. Just have to look around.