[QUOTE=GoPSR;148898]Great question. It would be the second one. An AB that’s looking for an entry level job but that is motivated and willing to put in the work to become a master, etc. I guess the question should be split in two. Which courses/quals does an entry level AB need JUST to FIND a job? And then once working, which courses should they focus on next.[/QUOTE]
Going by your previous posts, STCW basic safety training and RFPNW are critical to get. Sounds like VPSSD would be good too…however I personally haven’t heard of any companies not hiring an AB for not having that. Also, a lot of tug companies don’t care about RFPNW for their ABs because that’s a requirement on boats over 200 gt.
Most of the GOM companies will put new hires through safegulf etc…but if you got money to burn and wanna be more marketable go get it.
As far as an AB wanting to move up in the future goes, I personally would spend money on getting a mate’s license first (prep course, study material, radar, advanced firefighting, etc.)…then worry about GMDSS and ECDIS after I have the ticket in hand.