Well I’m new at this. After 21 years at my current employment I’m retiring. Actually switching careers is a better term. But with the talk of the almost non-existing opportunities for entry level positions within the Mariner Services …it can be sort of demoralizing. Well I got an email from a Kirby Corp recruiter to contact them once I complete by BST (04/30/12 – 05/04/12) and a RFPNW class and it’s assessment.
I’d always preferred large ocean going cargo or tanker ships. The local Union indicated that they can get me work as entry level OS/Wiper/FH but only after the BST and a RFPNW class and it’s assessment (3 day course). Since nothing is 100% certain, Kirby looks like an opportunity I can’t or shouldn’t pass. My problem is that I am a dedicated employee. Once I grab employment I am there for 20+ year (or until retirement). It is my understanding that Kirby is a Tow/Tug Boat company. And a very impressive company.
Four questions:[ol]
[li]Should I wait for what I prefer (Oversea Container/Cargo)? [/li][li]What is it like working for Kirby?[/li][li]Does Kirby operate on the West Coast?[/li][li]Does Kirby operate within the offshore arenas (oversea movement)?[/li][/ol]
Thanks.
My understanding of kirby is that they are a mississippi river company, though a very large outfit. They recently bought k-sea which runs east coast (mostly new york and philly) but I think they left that as it’s own company that does it’s own hiring. I do not believe they work foreign at all.
If you want to ship on big ships try msc. That seems to be the most consistent world traveling opportunity for american mariners.
[QUOTE=Capt. Phoenix;67715]My understanding of kirby is that they are a mississippi river company, though a very large outfit. They recently bought k-sea which runs east coast (mostly new york and philly) but I think they left that as it’s own company that does it’s own hiring. I do not believe they work foreign at all.
If you want to ship on big ships try msc. That seems to be the most consistent world traveling opportunity for american mariners.[/QUOTE]
They used to (and maybe still do) run some ocean tugs, coastwise and to the Caribbean. Maybe you should check their website.
[QUOTE=Capt. Phoenix;67715]If you want to ship on big ships try msc. That seems to be the most consistent world traveling opportunity for american mariners.[/QUOTE]
Do not take the Kirby job, if you want the deep sea shipping job. Kirby’s bread and butter is pushing 2 peice red flag units on the ICW. You will start as a deckhand, and after a couple years MAYBE move up to tankerman. All very hard physical work, 6 hrs. on, 6 hrs. off for little pay camparatively. Stick with your dream, you have had it long enough, don’t settle for less.
good luck
Kirby is a good company. I worked there for a little while pushing 3 barges up and down the Mississippi. I’m not sure what the deal with their offshore fleet since I left before they started buying up everyone. It looks like they are trying to grow their offshore fleet but if you’re looking to get on a tanker and go over seas, I wouldn’t bet on it. We asked them at orientation if they would ever get any tankers to go over seas and they said they had 2 small ones in the past and sold them and didn’t think they would ever do it again. I’m not sure what their wages are now, but I know when i was there, it was a little low for a deck hand but with the 2-1 they work, people won’t struggling. They train their tankermen (or they did when I was there) so moving up shouldn’t be a problem. Its all in what you want.