Hello mariners,
I am a 2nd Mate Deck Officer of unlimited tonnage applying to MSC. I have done some searching after working a variety of jobs (both union and nonunion, DPO and traditional sailing) and I feel that MSC is the most appropriate fit for me at this moment. I am navy vet of prior service and a current SSO. I have always enjoyed working alongside the navy and I am looking for any insight and tips anyone can share when they were hire at MSC.
What’s the timeline that I can expect to arrive at my first ship?
What can I expect from MSC within my first 1-2 months of employment?
Where is MSC typically placing new (deckies) hires?
I understand the struggles MSC has faced with rotations and manning but I’m also curious if any changes have been made since they implemented the expedited onboarding process. Thank you in advance for your support!
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hope you had diversity training irl. there alot of racially angry folk on them there ships and surpisingly they are in the office including eeo. good luck
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As with the OP I’d be curious to hear from MSC mates what they think about the expedited process and if they are still having issues getting relived.
Retired Chief Engineer here. My advice like other posters is that you realize that MSC has gone down the toilet. As a 2M you may be in a supervisory position on deck or on the bridge. Be very careful throwing your weight around. Next you thing you know you have emails asking to explain your actions to why you are not racist or if you are really unlucky maybe you are assaulted physically. Certain groups can do anything they want to include jeopardizing your safety without any recourse. So once you realize it is not worth the hassle to do anything about those who dont work then you can get by even if it is frustrating atleast you will go home safely. I could share horror stories for days that I have witnessed and heard from friends still sailing there. Godspeed brave one!
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I don’t think I’ve ever heard of there being a “golden age” of working at MSC.
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I always recommend them to my cadets when the unions are slow like right now. If I was fresh out of school I would have sailed my ass off to pay off loans and have money for a house. Then switch to off shore with my C book and chief mate ticket.
just obviously harder when you have a family or other obligations. Although some get lucky and are just stationed in Norfolk or San Diego where they live.