I’m thinking about going into the AMO union tech program. I’m done some research and it sounds a heck of a lot better than my original plan, which was hawsepiping. However, I have some questions about it. What are the rules on personal firearms? Is there any kind of curfew? Will an exception be made to the “you must be at class every day” rule for sick days/family emergencies? And finally, is there anything else I should know that could affect my plans/lifestyle while I’m there?
Well, my there is a lot to unpack there. Yes it’s a superior deal. Because even if you hausepiped, you would still need the OICEW classes to get beyond a national 3rd Eng licence, and OICEW is 17 weeks of classes for the STCW requirements.
Personal Firearms are a No. ( can you have personal firearms on a ship? - No)
On the Curfew question: for most of your time at StarCenter, your time from 6am to 6pm is not your own. First phase you cannot leave campus unless as a group. And you have to sign out and in. The Group is numbered, say Tech 120 or 121 that can be between 6-8 individuals. Goes everywhere together. Meals, PT, Classes, They raise the Colors and Retreat the colors in 1st phase. The reason is in order to attain a USCG 3/E licence. You have to attend a regimented program, as the Maritime Academies do. That means, a uniform. Khaki’s and a proscribed Polo shirt with Cover ( hat) or Coveralls and Cover w/ Safety Shoes. And I believe a Back Pack. You must be in class everyday as the training requirements to get the licence require so many days of instruction. Unlike the Academies, classes are in blocks Week or more sections concentrated on the topic rather than semester long classes a few hours every week stretching out the classes over the Semester. Labs are inclusive of the class.
If you become Sick. There is a Clinic on campus, Cold, Flu, twisted ankle, or Non fit for duty depending on the circumstance, you may have to withdraw and make up the time. Which can mean rolling back to the next class, that extends the time to complete the course.
There is some time -Holidays when there is no classes when you are released to go home. But there are Sea Phases, when you go out on commercial ships as an apprentice that may be over Holidays. So it’s not home every Christmas, or Holiday. Many times when returning. There is a few days to go home. Highly dependent on when classes resume for your group. There is no opportunity to work a side job. They do, i believe provide a stipend, but that is paid for Work done on Saturdays, Helping Housekeeping, or Grounds clean up, or paint.
Often after a few weeks you are allowed to leave as a group on the Weekend If you can get an Instructor to chaperone. Trip to Walmart, Or get a Haircut. Sometimes we’ve made beach runs.
I believe in 3rd phase you are allowed to have a Car. And sign out after classes, Still recommended that you do a buddy system ( 2 of you).
If you have a Car and a car payment, If you have a family and responsibilities, if you have a cellphone with a monthly bill. You have to have money saved up to address those bills ( with a car comes insurance as well). That is what hitches up with most folks. Life has its’ hooks in you. And many are not willing to make the sacrifice to invest the time.
The Biggest thing you’ve said above that may be a hitch in our plans. Over the years this has become competitive. That means you have to apply, and be accepted. You may be interviewed, you may come down and walk around. But even after that you may not be accepted right away.
So saying your thinking of attending, might not grant fully that you are going. Unless you’ve been accepted. If you had applied and been accepted, almost all of your questions would have been addressed in the interview process. So Make up your mind. Apply or not its up to you.
Of course as there is a commitment to American Maritime Officers. for 5 years, and if you take the training and bail to take a job with another Union, or non Union work before the 5 year commitment is up. Expect they will send you a bill for the training you rec’d.
3rd Engineers work an equal time schedule usually between 75 -120 days on and 75-120 days off. Full benefits. Retirement and pay averaging 135K a year. ( and climbing) As you progress to 2nd Eng, 1st Eng and the Hope is Chief Engineer Your pay will increase with Responsibly.
That’s wrong. The Coast Guard has no such requirement. MARAD does, but only for programs MARAD oversees under 46 CFR Part 310, i.e. the academies. There is no requirement for programs operated by unions or entities other than the academies. If there is a regiment in this program it is because STAR Center wants to have one, not because the Coast Guard or MARAD requires them to have it.
I can assure you it was part of the approvals process for the TECH Program. As dictated by USCG. It’s part of the process for Every State Academy and KP as well.
Ask me how I know.
and no matter, it’s part of the program. You want to be accepted, thats one of the things you will have to do. Why is the world would regimented program be required? Mmmm The management style of vessels globally fall under a defined hierarchy. When taking teens and young adults, especially today, and training them to work and thrive on vessels, don’t you think its a moderately good idea?