Hi everyone,
I’ve worked for several years on a large research vessel. My employer will not issue a sea time letter for me. I work as a marine technician so my role is split between scientific duties and regular deck work. My actual workload is probably 50/50 between these 2 different types of roles. My employer said that since I am in the science department I cannot accrue sea time.
While I do work in a scientific capacity some of the time, I also do all of the following: handle mooring lines every single time we dock or embark, operate hydraulic deck
capstans and tend lines while going through locks, operate deck winches and heavy lift A-Frames, operate all deck cranes, assist with grounding gear, handling physical rigging and deployment of anything that goes over the side, rigging and maintenance of all lifting sheaves aloft.
Addionally, I am of course on the station bill and have clearly defined roles in all emergency situations. I am a trained medical responder and I also pilot the rescue boat in all MOB situations. I am part of the random drug testing consortium as well.
Perhaps I am wrong, but I feel that I should be able to get a sea time letter for this. The head honcho is coming for a visit next week and I plan to bring this up but I want to sound like I’m serious and know what I’m talking about so I’m looking for advice. They may be correct in that my position falls into a maritime gray area (I don’t know) but most of what I do on the daily involves traditional deck work.
Sorry for for the long post, I’m just stressed out about this. If anyone has any info to share or advised course of action, I’d be hugely appreciative. Anything specifically stated in CFR or official literature would be awesome too. Heck, I know bartenders that have earned sea time…
Do you hold a merchant mariner credential?
Regardless of whether your employers change their mind about their policy re: what shipboard department your are in, you may have a fundamental problem with [B]wheelhouse[/B] time. I’m sure Mr. Cavo will set me straight if I’m incorrect, but the operative phrase on seatime letters is “serving on watch in the wheelhouse” or words to that effect. Sounds like as far as deck work you are experienced. Ironically deck work may not allow you to progress to an AB certificate, which is essentially what you are looking for, I believe.
Well I have quite a bit of documented time from a previous job where I worked as an OS and an unlicensed watch leader. I have submitted all necessary documentation for 100 ton master. I’m waiting to hear back for approval to test for that and would also have the necessary time to do AB limited as well. But I’d really like to get time from this job in addition to what I already have because then I’d have enough time to go unlimited. Also, it’s much bigger tonnage than what my previous documented time was on.
Well I have quite a bit of documented time from a previous job where I worked as an OS and an unlicensed watch leader. I have submitted all necessary documents for 100 ton Master and am waiting to hear back for approval to test for that. I’d also have the necessary time for AB Limited. But I’d really like to get documentation for this job because then I’d have enough cumulative to upgrade to Unlimited. Also, much greater tonnage on this vessel than my previous time.
To answer previous question, no I do not yet have my MMC but I’ve submitted all the papers for that along with my 100 Master documents.
My my previous sea time letters do not reference wheel house or bridge time. They just state that my position was “deckhand” and number of days served. In addition of course to all the vessel specs required.
[QUOTE=LarryLimno;181601]To answer previous question, no I do not yet have my MMC but I’ve submitted all the papers for that along with my 100 Master documents.[/QUOTE]
Not even as an OS?
[QUOTE=Capt. Phoenix;181602]Not even as an OS?[/QUOTE]
No, it was a non union job that just didn’t require the deck crew to have an MMC (aside from licensed officers of course). But none of my coworkers from that time had any trouble at all getting those letters accepted by the coast guard and several of them have become licensed from that time alone without complication.
And assuming that my paperwork is accepted, I will have the MMC soon. Worst case scenario, if they won’t write me sea time docs for the last 2 years, I’d like to know how/if having the MMC affects my case for desired sea time this year. We will be getting underway for the season soon.
Does the vessel require the deck crew to have an MMC? You might not be able to qualify as a deckhand on that vessel without one, depending on their operations.
[QUOTE=Capt. Phoenix;181606]Does the vessel require the deck crew to have an MMC? You might not be able to qualify as a deckhand on that vessel without one, depending on their operations.[/QUOTE]
I’m not certain, but I think that they may. I can find out tomorrow. I already have papers submitted for the MMC so even if the last 2 years of time are completely out, I do wonder how it will affect me going forward if I do have the MMC as I expect to soon.
What’s the tonnage of the vessel and the waters it operates on?
[QUOTE=LarryLimno;181607]I’m not certain, but I think that they may. I can find out tomorrow. I already have papers submitted for the MMC so even if the last 2 years of time are completely out, I do wonder how it will affect me going forward if I do have the MMC as I expect to soon.[/QUOTE]
Sounds like a no-go. If I were you, I would fill-out all the “legitimate” sea time with appropriate function onboard on correct template, and email that straight to the Captain and ask for a verification/sign and stamp - to make it relatively easy.
You may be subject to a fine or imprisonment of up to five (5) years or both under (18 USC 1001) if not correct, for both parties.
[QUOTE=Capt. Phoenix;181608]What’s the tonnage of the vessel and the waters it operates on?[/QUOTE]
I’d have to double check what the actual registered tonnage is but I think it’s around 850. Operating on Great Lakes