Any other Ordinary Seaman having trouble finding work?

[dredgeboater]

@"Steven J"

First off, gCaptain has been a HUGE resource for me when I was getting my TWIC and MMC earlier this year. I really appreciate the place and enjoy all the advice and experience on here and hope one day to be able to contribute something to it as well.

Now to my point, I’m 22 years old and have had my credentials and TWIC since March. And since March have sent approximately 20 applications to Tug and OSV companies with no luck in finding entry level work. My brother’s been with Reinauer for about 10 years and said when he started it was as simple as knocking on a Company’s door with a packed bag to find a deckhand gig. I’m just wondering is the maritime work pool THAT full with qualified folks that us green guys are not really needed or this the normal procedure? I’m looking to get into the engine room down the road but it sure is hard getting the necessary experience standing on the shore. At this point I’d be happy with just securing a phone interview. Any other OS’s having these issues?

Knocking on a company’s door with your bags packed is still a good way to go. Ditto on having BST as well. Sending in / filling out applications online for an entry level (OS/Wiper) position is not likely to bear much fruit. Phone calls to follow up might help but there is no substitute for walking in and shaking hands with the folks in the office.