One reason there was a big craze on hiring mates is that the charterers are requiring 3 and 4 DPO’s. Now that most of the companies have met that quota, I see them going in a different direction this next quarter. Engineers look to be the next big thing (I hope). I have notice the boats being lousy with deck officers. Unless something changed they will still need engineers to crew all these new boats that are under construction.
If only I knew then what I know now, I would probably have gone engineer. I really don’t know how they will crew the engine rooms on all these upcoming newbuilds. Maybe I should finish learning Tagalog? Of course 25 years ago engine rooms (and watchstanding areas) were slightly less “nice” than the ones I am seeing today.
I agree 100%. The company/employee relationship goes both ways. No one can work without the other, so you should appreciate them for a paycheck as much as they should appreciate you for keeping their business afloat. I understand giving fair notice if someone is offering substantially more, but $25 is chump change for being somewhere that you are comfortable.
Slowsailor, I agree 100% about the “hopping.” The company/employee relationship goes both ways. No one can work without the other, so you should appreciate them for a paycheck as much as they should appreciate you for keeping their business afloat. I understand giving fair notice if someone is offering substantially more, but $25 is chump change for being somewhere that you are comfortable.
We’ve had a couple of guys leave our boat because at one time it was 28-14 and after the DWH it went 21-21 causing the guys who were 2-1 to lose a chunk of change. They were told when things pick up it would go back to the old ways. Well its picked up and they refused to change. The guys who left didn’t leave over "chump change. " The company they went to said they were striving to be the highest paying company in the gulf, and if their wages are what they say, per day the ABs there are making almost as much as a training mate here at my company. And add that 2-1 rotation, they are making more per year.
[QUOTE=ryanwood86;66025]We’ve had a couple of guys leave our boat because at one time it was 28-14 and after the DWH it went 21-21 causing the guys who were 2-1 to lose a chunk of change. They were told when things pick up it would go back to the old ways. Well its picked up and they refused to change. The guys who left didn’t leave over "chump change. " The company they went to said they were striving to be the highest paying company in the gulf, and if their wages are what they say, per day the ABs there are making almost as much as a training mate here at my company. And add that 2-1 rotation, they are making more per year.[/QUOTE]
Can you tell us the name of the company?
Greetings All,
South bound on Sunday, Staying with Claudette, ECO Monday, HOS Tues, etc. Can anyone pass along the skinny on Aries, GOL, and Harvey Gulf? Any info appreciate!
Definitely give us an update if you would…I’m thinking about driving to south LA myself. I work on a yacht and thinking about making the switch. Good luck.
Sent from my SeaPhone using gCaptain.
[QUOTE=mtskier;66214]Greetings All,
South bound on Sunday, Staying with Claudette, ECO Monday, HOS Tues, etc. Can anyone pass along the skinny on Aries, GOL, and Harvey Gulf? Any info appreciate![/QUOTE]
The contact person at GOL is Alex Griffin.
The contact guy at Harvey Gulf is Jarrod Chaisson.
Ask to see these guys.
The contact guy for Harvey Gulf in Galliano is Capt. Lucas Bourg.
Website; www.harveygulf.com
Harvey Gulf
18399 East Main Street
Galiano, LA 70354
[QUOTE=SUNYgrad;65932]I think I just took the wrong advise from people who said, “Just show up on the doorsteps, and you will get interviewed.” Next time I will make more appointments. In example: Hello GOL representative, I was in the area and would like to speak to someone in your vessel crewing/H.R. department. -Have you filled out an online application? -Yes, ma’am. -We will keep your application on file and if a position opens up, we will contact you. -Well I have been driving since yesterday, if there is someone in the office who would just give me a few minutes of their time to at least tell me more about the company, I would greatly appreciate it. -We will keep your application on file and if a position opens up, we will contact you. -Thank you, ma’am, and have a nice day. (p.s. please take the huge billboard down that says “NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS.”)[/QUOTE]
Not only does GOL have billboards but also a longstanding radio spot advertising the same thing. WE ARE HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!!
I did get a call back from ECO, no openings but to confirm that I’m still in the market… When I met with Laverne there she told me they had two boats tied up and when she called me again that number had doubled. I was able to tell her that my BST classes started the next day and confirmed by email that I had completed the training. Hopefully that kind of ‘staying in touch’ will keep my file on top of the stack.
Last week I went by gol to get hired, filed an application and talk to personal and he said were not hiring.
[QUOTE=Slowsailor45;65985]I think a big issue is that most of the OSV companies operate under a “Need what they need when they need it” philosophy, rather than wanting to invest anything in their personnel up front. They need a 6000 ton OSV Master Oceans with Towing, GMDSS, and DP, then that is all they will hire. In their defense, with the amount of “job hopping” that goes on, you can see their point. Why invest significant time and money into somebody who is going take all their endorsements across the street the instant someone offers them $25 more a day? I’m an old-school “Dance wit da one whut brung ya’” kind of guy, but I don’t see a lot of corporate loyalty these days. (in either direction)[/QUOTE]
You hit the nail on the head. In previous years we tried to highlight the employees we thought were with us for the long haul and help pay with schooling, training, etc… and tie that to raises and promotions as the time went by. For the most part it failed miserably with lots leaving immediately for more money and a couple of guys staying because they gave us their word and commitment. We had several guys leave within 30 days of getting their DP certificate when we paid for the school, housing and a daily stipend for attending. I shouldn’t have taken it personal at the time but it was very personal and offensive to me when guys did this. It seems like our phones rang all day every day by guys wanting raises 6 months after they had gotten one. Everyone was committed to being a long term employee when looking for a raise but not so much after getting one.
I think hiring guys out of the Academy and seeing what their potential is as an A/B or Oiler is a great idea and is a win/win for both parties. Quite frankly, neither party knows what they are capable of because they haven’t really done it for a living yet. I’m all for Mariners making as much as they can but the recent pay spike has created a monster for all involved. Loyalty is a word that most don’t recall and money is all lots care about. It takes money to survive but being honest and loyal will get you much further than a few extra dollars ever will.
Loyalty has to be shown by the company as well, and from what I’ve seen and also heard from others in the GOM, you’re just a number and should lick someone’s boots because they are gracious enough to hire you.
[QUOTE=Traitor Yankee;82756]Loyalty has to be shown by the company as well, and from what I’ve seen and also heard from others in the GOM, you’re just a number and should lick someone’s boots because they are gracious enough to hire you.[/QUOTE]
I agree that there are companies out there that show no loyalty to their employees just as there are employees who show no loyalty to their companies. My only suggestion would be to find a company that meets your objectives from the get go. If you are solely looking for a company based on what they pay then go to the highest paying company. Now don’t start complaining when they also are the first to layoff because they can’t sustain that payroll in a down market. You looked for highest pay, got it as well as the consequences that come along with it. If you are looking for a company that really treats its employees fair then go out and see who seems to do that. You may have to put pay to the side and not expect the big dollars or they may pay very well. One thing we should all remember is that no company out there can do everything “the best.” For instance, no company can pay the highest wages, highest travel pay, best insurance, pay 100% of your insurance premiums, top of the line boats, internet, free housing for crew change,etc… and sustain this on a regular basis. Each company has to pick and choose how to spend there money wisely in trying to get the best return for their investment. It’s a constant cat and mouse game that has to be monitored as the market continually changes. I personally don’t base who I work for soley on what they are paying (I work shoreside). What interests me the most is work schedule, vacation time and the people that I work with. I know others that make a decent bit more than I do in the same position but I can leave every Friday at noon, I can leave early to pick my kids up at school/daycare, I can use my company truck for personal use. These things make my life more enjoyable and are worth more than an extra $10-15,000 working elsewhere and stuck behind a desk daily until 5 pm. Find what makes you happy and then go out and find that company, there are lots out there that will meet your expectations.
Saltine- that’s great you have a shoreside job w an offshore company and are “all for the
Mariners”. But please don’t rub in in the mariners face that you are able to leave early on Fridays and are able to get your children from day care, then say its ok to use the company truck for personal use. Now I really wonder where the money is going from these big money offshore companies. In the office workers pockets. This was a horrible post, especially on a mariners thread/website. Thanks buddy.
[QUOTE=searayman824;83107]Saltine- that’s great you have a shoreside job w an offshore company and are “all for the
Mariners”. But please don’t rub in in the mariners face that you are able to leave early on Fridays and are able to get your children from day care, then say its ok to use the company truck for personal use. Now I really wonder where the money is going from these big money offshore companies. In the office workers pockets. This was a horrible post, especially on a mariners thread/website. Thanks buddy.[/QUOTE]
My post wasn’t intended “rub in the mariners face” what perks I may get by working on the shoreside. Trust me buddy, I have done the offshore work before and obviously the onshore work now and each has it’s own perks that the other doesn’t get. Working offshore I got paid a ton more, the work was easier and when I was home my phone never rang because of work. Those were the perks in my opinion. The office side has it’s own perks as well as the burdens that many working offshore will never see (and vice versa for offshore folks).
The most important thing in my life was to be with my children and family and that’s why I decided to work shore side. If this is something that you would like I would suggest following in the same path instead of bashing me for doing so.
Thanks buddy.
Our perk is long stretch’s of time off and a big pay check.
His is a company truck he can use for personal use, go home every night, and half day Fridays. If it works for him good deal. I cant begrudge the man or company for giving the shore side a few perks we don’t get. That said I do think that any time the office is off for a holiday we should get double pay. 
Frankly I still think shore side guys get the short end of the stick. They have to put up with us, you have to admit there are quite a few of us who make kindergartners look mature. Being on call sucks, that’s enough right there to not make me want to do their job, and the pay is not the best. Although the port captains at my company all drive fully loaded F250 FX4’s that the company pays for, or at least he majority of.
Quick Question, Are Berier Radio and Martin International(Ballast Control class) in NOLA open?
I called several times, I just keep getting recorded messages…
Curious…Could anybody kindly find out?
GOL does keep your app for 6 months I believe or used to. I filled one out during hitches and had forgot about it. Walked into ECO months later and got hired, 3 weeks later Alex called wanting to hire me also. He said I had filled the app out in Dec. and he called in May.