That would be a stupid policy but I guess it’s possible.
It looks like it’s possible to sign up online https://mymaritimecareer.org/register/
I would like to see that “policy” in writing.
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And you won’t be able to because it more than likely doesn’t exist 
What I’ve noticed a lot about the SIU is that they capitalize on immigrants’ ignorance of the US legal system and inability to pursue the related documents and fine print by making them believe it’s REQUIRED to do this or that (e.g. SPAD, donations to the patrolmen, etc.). This also, to lesser extent, happens with non-immigrant seafarers as well with this type of bullshit (i.e. you have to have attended piney point to sail AB, QMED, etc.) 
Of course, there are still some good people in the SIU. You gotta put up your guard though.
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thanks a ton. i will dig in to that and see what’s there. much appreciated.
whether it is the true policy or just a personal power trip it, they are putting up barriers between people that want to work and the companies that want to employ them. the sooner i work, the sooner i pay dues (and probably feel like it’s worth it) and less reason i’ll have to not want to pay them. oh well. time will tell. i contacted them on another level to see if anyone knows the truth or is willing to tell me. in the meantime i have contacted Crowley and i’m going to have an interview with them thursday. i’ve also reached out to the mfow.
thanks a shit ton for your help with this!
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i emailed the mfow patrolman. we’ll see where that leads. thanks for your help with my problem.
If i recall the mfow’s website has all their contracts posted so you can get an idea on pay.
I know a lot of former SIU members that joined MFOW. Dont know any former MFOW members that joined SIU. Dont waste your time. Mfow is the way to go.
If you would like to work for Crowley, we have one fleet that is hiring QMEDs, you would have to join the SIU, but you would not have to go to Piney Pt. Apply at Crowley | Careers - Working at Crowley.
thanks again Ctony-you are correct. i’m driving up to the hall in wilmington today to talk to the rep and hopefully register with the union and get a physical. thanks for the push and info-much appreciated.
thanks eskayel! i have a phone interview with crowley today. i’ll let you know how that goes.
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i believe you. unfortunately i already wasted a bit but that’s life and that’s why i asked this question on here. the response has been robust and ridiculously helpful and insightful.
you guys are officially awesome.
i am taking all my papers to the hall in wilmington today to join the mfow. gonna get a physical too hopefully.
thanks very much for your help with my decision.
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Damn, OP gets it. That’s how you ask for help on the gcaptain forums. And that’s how you accept the help offered, and move forward with it. Nice job!
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I sailed as an OS for the SIU. That Winter I upgraded to AB - not at Piney Point. Next summer I shipped out of the SIU Hall as an AB. That was 10 years ago… I think they care more about STCW…