I currently work for NOAA and have done 3 years on one of their FSVs, which are considered DP1 vessels. I will be applying to various companies in the fall of this year to work as a DPO on OSVs in the Gulf. I have the time and the cash to do the basic DP operator course if it will give me a leg up in the application process. I recently upgraded to 3M unlimited oceans and am 48 days short of my 1600 Master. I have a lot of ship handling experience on vessels around 210’ in length including my time as a deck officer in the Coast Guard. Companies like Edison Chouest only offer their training to employees. If I take the course prior to employment, would I be put through their own training even after taking the class? Obviously, I’d like to avoid blowing $3K if I can.
A 3M ticket is the same ticket that all of the academy grads have. You will want/need the DP license to set you apart.
[QUOTE=nwitherly77;60745]I currently work for NOAA and have done 3 years on one of their FSVs, which are considered DP1 vessels. I will be applying to various companies in the fall of this year to work as a DPO on OSVs in the Gulf. I have the time and the cash to do the basic DP operator course if it will give me a leg up in the application process. I recently upgraded to 3M unlimited oceans and am 48 days short of my 1600 Master. I have a lot of ship handling experience on vessels around 210’ in length including my time as a deck officer in the Coast Guard. Companies like Edison Chouest only offer their training to employees. If I take the course prior to employment, would I be put through their own training even after taking the class? Obviously, I’d like to avoid blowing $3K if I can.[/QUOTE]
It is all about timing. Some companies dont care. Even with Chouest, they are getting the guys going through the course to commit to a time frame (I think it is 3 years). If you already take the course, I dont think they (any employer, not only ECO) would make you take it again.
I agree with CapRob1. I haven’t heard of anyone having to take a company specific course for DP. I recommend you go ahead and take the course. Beier Radio in bell chase is the most economical. Tell them you are paying for it out of pocket and they will work with you.
Good Luck!!
[QUOTE=CaptRob1;60754]It is all about timing. Some companies dont care. Even with Chouest, they are getting the guys going through the course to commit to a time frame (I think it is 3 years). If you already take the course, I dont think they (any employer, not only ECO) would make you take it again.[/QUOTE]
In most cases CHOUEST does not care about the basic course. They do encourage you to take their advanced course since all their vessels except a couple use their own DP system.
I am doing the same thing in hopes of looking more attractive to prospective employers. I’m going to the Kongsberg Basic DPO course on 13 Feb.
As PR-9 said, Beier’s course is probably the most economical if you’re paying out of pocket. At the end of the day, the most important thing you want is that certificate. Because chances are the equipment that you have in the course will not be the equipment that you work with.
I’m also interested in taking the DP introduction course, I presently hold a Master 1600 near coastal with GMDSS and ARPA. My question is will getting oceans enhance my employability more or less than the DP as the introduction is just a first step
I would say that Oceans is more important right now, get the DP class with the employer, or shortly after you get hired, out of your own pocket, depending on who you work for. Of course, you may have to do both on your own before you get hired, but that is something you have to feel out for yourself. Chouest offers good courses, plus you get to work on the equipment that you train on, which makes things a bit easier. Good luck!
Hoping to get some feedback on the same topic; I have recently completed the DP-Advanced (Kongsberg) class, dont have very much DP time, just enough to get my 30Days post Basic and get to advanced. I recently upgraded to my Unlimited Masters License, Oceans “International” as the now call it, Im very much ready to make the full transition into the DP world, my 8years sailing with a license has all been on ships, but I have a strong small vessel background and its what I enjoy the most.
Any tips on where to start with Masters Unlimited & DP-Advanced credentials? (I dont have my DP Cert yet, still need the sea time for the full operators certificate)
Any of the OSV operators. HOS and ECO are both looking. Otto and Harvy would be good places to stop since your down there. They all have Large OSV’s and HOS and ECO have unlimited constructions vessels.