So, I applied for MITAGS Workboat Program and after waiting for what seems like forever I get an email stating that the program is going to start in April this year and I responded to the email saying I’m still interested but I have a question. I was in the navy for 12 years and I left my first ship as a BM3, I was on that particular ship for close to 5 years. So my question is once I get that time evaluated by NMC , I’m sure that has to equal to at least an AB ticket, would it serve me better if I just got that time evaluated and if it turns out to get me an AB ticket should I just head down to Louisana and start knocking on doors or should I keep pursuing the MITAGS program? I asked because if accepted to partake in MITAGS program and I complete it, i’m assuming I’m only going to get hired as an AB anyway, if at all. I would like some seasoned vets or really just anybody to talk to me on this minus the smart *ss comments that I’ve read on here. Thanks a mill…
what smart ass comments do you refer to? unless you are very hungry right now do the MITAGS program where you’ll get the full license fast…going to the GoM will only get you OSV restricted papers.
investing a little bit more up front yields greater returns later on besides, the Navy is paying for the school…correct?
To work most places you will need all your STCW-95 requirements and after checking out the MITAGS site, I see the program includes all of that, so if I were you I’d go to school. You will graduate with what you need to go to work right away. You have the GI bill right?
Also, make sure you have copies of your Navy records and get a sea service letter.
Thank you guys for your responses , and yes the Navy will be paying for the training at MITAGS. and c.captain, its you and another guy that loves giving us new guys a hard time with your “colorful” comments… Thanks
[QUOTE=BroSum;95658]Thank you guys for your responses , and yes the Navy will be paying for the training at MITAGS. and c.captain, its you and another guy that loves giving us new guys a hard time with your “colorful” comments… Thanks[/QUOTE]
Your post had enough thought put into it to not warrant the infamous stick…see how easy it is?
Where do you get the idea GOM will only get you OSV restricted papers. I have one guy who had nothing but OSV time and he got 3rd motor, Chief OSV 3000 itc any HP, DDE any HP. I have another guy who had some small tug time and the rest OSV and he got the same licenses. You need to quit regurgitating the same misinformation over and over. You can get an unlimited license and you can work even time down here.
Where do you get the idea GOM will only get you OSV restricted papers. I have one guy who had nothing but OSV time and he got 3rd motor, Chief OSV 3000 itc any HP, DDE any HP. I have another guy who had some small tug time and the rest OSV and he got the same licenses. You need to quit regurgitating the same misinformation over and over. You can get an unlimited license and you can work even time down here.[/QUOTE]
There is a misconception that OSV restriction is a bad thing. A company driven OMSA backed way to lock in the mariner - even though a great deal of those that were around during the inception of and once a holder of OSV restricted licenses in the 90’s have gravitated toward drill ships, or some chose to stay on the OSVs. The main thing - it still comes down to a choice - your choice. Just when it comes to OSVs, obviously the OSV companies will better facilitate that path since it’s in their best interest to do so.
Best move (minus an Academy) is to get the Mate OSV, earn that higher pay, at the same time you work in parallel to satisfy requirements to become unrestricted. It’s not that difficult and just part of the process and takes nothing away. Once you become of any value as a Mate, chances are, you will have satisfied requirements by then and will have a piece of unrestricted paper that can be backed up with practical experience. Most likely, going straight to an unrestricted limited tonnage Master license.
Of course everyone wants an unrestricted license, but that fact should not dictate your path alone; it will not trump an OSV mariner in that sector (where the money is). What should dictate your path is what you WANT to do and how much money you can make to get there. It’s not necessarily just getting a certain license type…that will come regardless by natural progression of your career.
MITAGS is still a decent choice as well. It all depends on where you go from there.
There are people who will disagree, but I suggest that you hire a good license consultant to help you properly prepare and document your application and negotiate for you with the NMC — to find out what credentials your seatime qualifies you for now.
12 years as BM in the USCG (assuming that you actually got underway once in awhile) sounds like it ought to be worth at least an unlimited AB, and some sort of limited master and/or mate license.
I recently took a short STCW class with two young fellows from the USCG who are about to get out. Both used a license consultant, and both got approved to sit for 3rd/AE based solely upon their USCG seatime.
You might want to see what you qualify for, before you commit to going to school for a year. Yes, you’ll need to take a few weeks of STCW courses anyway, and perhaps a license exam prep course, but the Navy should still pay for that.
The Post-911 GI bill reinstates a living stipend as well as money for textbooks. It’s a heck of a good deal. Don’t be like me scrambling around in the couch cushions and under the car seat for pocket change so I can go to MAMA (I used my GI bill up a long time ago). Again, now you have some more ideas, and the road ahead is a sunny one. Let us know how it works out.
[QUOTE=tugsailor;95773]I suggest that you hire a good license consultant to help you properly prepare and document your application and negotiate for you with the NMC [/QUOTE]
Vic Tufts (victufts@gmail.com) is the student services coordinator at MITAGS and a good source of information.
I did the Workboat Program and hired on as a Mate. Wished the VA had been available for me, or that my Navy sea time had been deemed worthy…Andy Hammond is well worth his fee.
Thank you guys for your all your helpful responses. I just had an interview with Marja via skype and I feel it went well. I have to email her copies of my documents and a couple of other things, after she receives those papers, she’s going to mail that DREADED Math workbook… I have to find a tutor and fast… lol but she gave me a date to be at MITAGS to interview with some of the companies that are seeking cadets to work on thier boats. Some of the companies she named were Foss,Vane Brothers, Donjon, Weeks and Shipholding Group… If anybody knows a thing-or-two about those companies it would be great to hear about them… and I will also hit the “search” button on this site once I get done tpying this. anyway, just wanted to share that little bit…
Thank you guys for your all your helpful responses. I just had an interview with Marja via skype and I feel it went well. I have to email her copies of my documents and a couple of other things, after she receives those papers, she’s going to mail that DREADED Math workbook… I have to find a tutor and fast… lol but she gave me a date to be at MITAGS to interview with some of the companies that are seeking cadets to work on thier boats. Some of the companies she named were Foss,Vane Brothers, Donjon, Weeks and Shipholding Group… If anybody knows a thing-or-two about those companies it would be great to hear about them… and I will also hit the “search” button on this site once I get done tpying this. anyway, just wanted to share that little bit…
BroSum :.[/QUOTE]
Of course your interview went well . . . the VA is willing to pay the school!
Don’t worry about companies yet, once you’re in school that’s what you and your classmates will spend every spare moment talking about.