Manson is all IBU (Inland Boatmans Union) a small West coast union. Only the Captains are management. We had a very solid engine room for years, all young Maine guys. Then they all had kids and got killer shoreside jobs! We have more E/R turnover than mates, but usually it’s very solid. As I stated earlier, every dredging company is building new tonnage so there are opening everywhere.
3rd: $770/day, 2nd: $785 1st: $817 Chief: $949
We pay 2nds pay if you have it and are sailing 3rd.
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How do you apply / check on openings at Manson. I have hopper experience looking to get back in the hopper sector.
Manson Careers at https://www.mansonconstruction.com/careers
What are some good east coast dredge companies? I’m looking for entry level as I will soon have my OS credential.
Great Lakes, Weeks, Cashman, Manson, Curtin, and many other smaller companies.
You might try Googling “dredging contracts awarded” in various states. That would give you some idea of who is dredging where.
Cool, thanks for that info! I will try that Google search.
Lots of good information on that search, thanks again
You may have a bit of a tough time getting on a Hopper dredge with the OS/Wiper ticket. Most unlimited dredges don’t have an OS on the COI. BUT if you can get on a smaller dredge to get some seatime you can increase your ticket. We hire OS rates only if they have someone in the company advocating for them, and we require they upgrade within 4 months of achieving the seatime.
Getting on ANY dredge will help you in the long run if you want to be a dredgeboater!
Good Luck!
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Thanks hopper, that’s good to know because I only need 28 more days to make AB Special. I’m currently trying to get back on a clam boat to get the time I need to upgrade a little quicker. Thanks again for the info 
Get your 100 ton “Inland” license along with AB Special. There are schools that offer a combined AB & 100 course with the exam at the USCG school. The dredge tending small crew boat jobs at $600 a day are a great opportunity. .
Learn to weld proficiently. Welding is a very desirable skill on most dredges. And on some cargo barges (lots of D-rings, pad eyes, and bracing to be installed and removed). There are lots of wear parts that must be frequently refurbished or replaced on a dredge. Take a look at Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, Houston, and Jacksonville.
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Any idea When the Frederick Paup is going to be ready? Last I heard it’s way behind schedule.
Management is pretty top secret on that! I don’t know why, every other newbuild has been late off the ways. I would guess June/July, the Chief’s, electricians and 1 Captain are already there. We have hired a bunch of crew and are floating them around the fleet to get dredge experience. The sooner she is crewed up the sooner things calm down for me!
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That’s too bad. True though. It’s just what it is. I’m sure they’re dealing with the same as every company across this country. WORKFORCE and the quality of applicants. Another thread on here suggested people 60-65 should retire. Or there should be an age limit. Of course, that’s preposterous. I laughed so hard because I had not been on here in so long that when I opened up the app it was the first post I saw.
Hi Captain bill! I’m patiently waiting to get onboard with manson, im sure my name has came across your radar recently. I just got out of crab fishing, obtained my credentials (AB unlimited) with the intent to join the Manson family. I was just looking through the forums and stumbled on this thread and seen you were on the glen, wanted to say hi! Hopefully I will have the oppotunity to shake your hand and sail under you in the future. Best regards.
I was just talking with Roberta about you last week, her & Jerry were up snowmobiling in Maine. Yes, just keep touching base every couple of weeks, once the new dredge comes online we will be in a hiring frenzy, your name is at the top of the list.
Hello Captain Bill, Ive been reading alot of your posts recently and youve peaked my interest in getting into dredging! Ive been working on Alaskan ocean tugs for last 6 years as chief mate. I have my 500ton Master Oceans and 3rd mate unlimited but have yet to use it. I am ready to expand my horizons and try something new. I dont see any mate positions available on Manson´s website but I went ahead and sent a message to HR just in case. Like you said any experience on a dredge is valuable so ill keep looking around as well. Just wanted to say hi and thank you for all the great info you have shared so far. If you have any other advice for me I am all ears
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Your tug experience will be a good shiphandling background. I know Weeks Marine is hiring, Dutra has an older dredge and they are hiring. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock has a large fleet and just built a new dredge. We actually are hiring, but we can’t stack any more people until the new boat comes out. Shoot me a resume, dredgeglennedwards@mansonconstruction.com
I tell everyone to follow up your resume with a call or e-mail every couple of weeks to keep your name top of mind.
Apply to all of the companies, because once you HAVE dredge experience you will find it much easier to move to a “better” company. None of these companies are bad, some just pay better and have nicer equipment. Good luck! and send me a resume
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Thank you Captain, I have sent it over. I really appreciate you taking the time to review and your advice, I will apply to the others as well, but of course Manson is at the top of my list thanks to your contribution to this forum. Cheers
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Looks like Kiewit doesn’t want to play with dredges! The BE Lindholm & RN Weeks are docked and for sale. I don’t know if they are going to keep the 2 new dredges, but I think likely not.
Why would they buy Weeks if they don’t want to be in the dredging business?
It seems like there is a lot of already funded dredging to be done too.