Seriously considering the MITAGS Program for the October 2011 class. I am in a dilemma of sorts though, I have a BS degree and was considering some of the academies but obviously pretty costly. I currently work for a western rivers towing company and have been wanting to make the move to bluewater for 2 years. I understand the differences between a 3 rd mate and mate 1600 license. Specifically, I am interested in obtaining as much ship handling and navigation skills as possible, I don’t think I’m very interested in sailing on massive tankers or container ships (unlimited vessels). So I pose this question, am I selling myself short in the long run in terms of job secruity, pay/benefits, home/seatime, by getting mate 1600 NC/Oceans instead of coming up with the cash for a 3rd mate?
You can get your 1600 mates and as soon as you have the proper sea time automatically upgrade to 3rd mate as all the requirements and classes are the same.
500, 1600 and 3rd mate are ALL the same classes and test,the only difference is seatime requirements,you can upgrade from a 500 or 1600 ton to 3rd mate jsut by seatime NO testing required to upgrade,
the only difference is tonnage
The previous posts are true but that tonnage time is a BITCH to get.
Tonnage isn’t too hard to get! As long as you can give up a bit of your soul for a few years you could work MSC, NCL or some preposition in DG. AB time counts. Might be worth it in the long run.
Since you have a BS already, have you considered the SUNY Maritime grad license program? You could be 3rd Mate unlimited in 2 1/2 years 2 years if you double up on summer cruises. 1600 ton mate is usually two years start to finish.
The difference being is that when you graduate the 1600 ton program you must ship as an AB or other unlicensed rating to get the time required for 3rd unlimited. If you stay 1600 you could in theory ship as a mate, but you would probably have to deck for awhile anyway. Most companies will not consider you for the pilot house unless you have decked for them, or come recommended by someone they trust.
I have considered SUNY, Im really just interested in the license, I understand getting a masters in marine transportation would be great when I go shoreside but I’d like to stay out of debt. Plus I’d be working with a partner company making money.
[QUOTE=Bcooksey;51962]I have considered SUNY, Im really just interested in the license, I understand getting a masters in marine transportation would be great when I go shoreside but I’d like to stay out of debt. Plus I’d be working with a partner company making money.[/QUOTE]
Is there a question?