Before I would spend a dime on training, first go out and get a job in the industry. You have already started that part. A twic card and the MMC are first steps. You may not even like being gone for so long. You may not realize what the actual conditions are aboard. and you are talking about ‘moving up’ as fast as you can. Make sure you know WHAT that means, both responsibility wise, professional acumen wise, and time invested wise.
To get a “lowly” 1600 ton license will take you at least 4 years of employment maybe even 6 years (depending upon how many days you work per year and what type vessel you are on) This is not accomplished over night. You may get into smaller boats where you could get a license in a years time (or so) but that would pigeon hole you where you will be able to work.
Now to give you a wake up call. You may not even be aware of the stress and skills that you will need to stand your own watch as Mate (successfully) I know of many guys who have gotten licensed and when it came time to stand their own watch they couldn’t do it. So be warned, and aware. What looks easy from the outside, may turn out to not be so friendly once you get inside.
I don’t mean to discourage you, but I know how tough it is putting money into a 401K and have to wrench it out.
I also know many mariners who have successful careers and who started up relatively late in life. so don’t get discouraged. Just go into it eyes wide open, and make some money while you are doing it. No sense in spending thousands in cash for a license you won’t use. it is not like any other industry. all the classes you are going to take are completely useless outside this industry.
I AM going to do this… About to get laid off… And it’s calling me.
I was in the USN for 4 years so I kinda know what life aboard a ship is like. Extended periods at times. But thanks for making me think about it!! I need all points of view;)
Godspd44, I have no intentions of bashing you OR anyone else on this forum. There will be plenty of that in the fleet and on this forum. I was just merely implying that others on here get ripped apart for asking simple questions. This is a cut throat business. There are always Great Whites, Bulls, and Tiger Sharks around each corner. You post like someone with a positive can-do attitude. Keep up the good spirits. Whatever decision you make will be the correct one, because that is the you make. Good luck in your endeavors.
Also note that with this statement or whatever it is you are trying to convey at the very same time this occurred somewhere in the world to a man not much younger than yourself:
"An Erath man was killed while working on a drilling rig in Mozambique. 35-year-old Joshua Punch was working on the Deepwater Millennium drillship owned by Transocean. The accident happened Saturday around 6:20 central time. The drillship is conducting testing operations of an Anadarko Petroleum Corporation discovery off the coast. Punch was a contract employee working with HTK Consultants. The cause of the accident is being investigated.
Punch leaves behind a large family including five kids and a baby on the way. Punch’s brothers say Josh gave all he had to provide for his family. Josh Punch’s older brothers Troy and Ryan say the oil field was a way of life for their little brother.
“He took so much pride in his work. He couldn’t stand not being productive, not being a worker,” says Ryan Punch, Josh’s brother.
Josh had been doing deep water work for several years and went to Africa to relieve someone who had to come in for medical attention
Troy Punch, Josh’s brother says, “it was his first day out there.”
The oil field can be a dangerous place, but Troy and Ryan Punch never imagined it would take their brother.
The accident is still under investigation and Anadarko Petroleum is working to help the family with funeral arrangements and grief counseling."
Nobody should take anything for granted working offshore. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and everyone that was close to him.
Whatever it is you are trying to set out to do or to say with this “Heeeeheeeeeeegh!!!”, going to sea is a VERY serious profession with many significant risks to life and limb. A young man’s family just lost their anchor and today are adrift suddenly. What happened to this man and his family is not funny and you should contemplate this unfortunate story and how it might relate to you. Who will your “decision” to take up this new seafaring life of yours as an “ordinary seaman” effect and what will that effect be? If it is a negative one, then I suggest you give this matter some long and deliberate thought before you continue down this path.
I do take this seriously. Have you ever laughed?? And I’m sure someone died at the moment you laughed.
I am aware of the risk to life and limb… I was on the USS RANGER and have witnessed 1st hand pilots and crew that died. I’ve seen planes shoot off the bow straight into the ocean never to be found. Same thing with one of our helicopters… Just dropped out of the sky 100 yards off of port. Pilot and crew gone forever… Those military helicopters sink like a rock… So yeah, I’ve been around tragedy at sea. Have you?? Have you ever witnessed someone loose there life in an accident?? As a matter of fact I’m on the safety committee at my current job and head up the chemical spill team. I take safety very seriously.
[QUOTE=godspd44;71383] I do take this seriously.[/QUOTE]
So please explain “Heeeeheeeeeeegh!!!” and “Common c. Captain!! Bring it on!! I know ur lickin ur chops”
also please answer for me if you have a wife or kids? You’re in your 40’s you’ve said so you likely have one or both. How will this idea if going to sea now and starting at the bottom effect them financially? Please tell us here.
Through thePMI course the students are getting good experience and being paid when they are on their internship. I’ve heard 8.80/ hr. To 16/hr. it’s a good program and I wish it had been around when I was coming up! Would’ve saved me 5 years in the hawsepipe.
I wonder how easy it is to get in?? They sent me an email asking for this:
If you are ready to take that next step, please email me the following at Marja@workboatacademy.com
• Updated resume
• Cover letter explaining why you believe to be a good fit for this program
• Letter of reference (employer)
• Recent photograph
Please include your water experience, be it professional or recreational.
All emails should include your name in the subject line.
Once I have received these, we can set up an appointment for an interview at our campus or per Skype.
