I’m wondering if there are any schools out there that offer a program where you start with little to no experience in the engine room, and you would come out of the program with a QMED, DDE, or even a 3 A/E. I know that deckies have programs at schools like MITAGS/PMI and GMATS that offer a “fast track” program to the wheelhouse, so is there any program out there like that for the guys/gals trying to work below decks? I would think that something like this would be very popular. Any info or help would be appreciated.
There are courses to be had.
The problem is getting the Engineering seatime to qualify for the license.
http://www.seattlecentral.edu/maritime/ One year program in Seattle.
TRL in San Diego offers a few different courses but this one seems to get you one half the sea time in the process…
QMED-F/WT/O
Any applicant successfully completing this 159-hour Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) Fireman/Watertender and Oiler Course will: (1) Satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-7(b)(2) and receive credit for one half of the sea service needed for a QMED Oiler and Fireman/Watertender endorsement PROVIDED they also present evidence of at least 90 days of sea service; --AND—(2) if presented WITHIN ONE YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety, Fireman/Watertender, and Oiler examination modules; --AND—(3) Satisfy the pre-sea training requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-3(e) and Section A-III/4 and Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch. Applicants must present evidence of the completion of all required assessments and evidence of at least 2 months service on sea-going ships while assigned to duties in the engine room.
Hello, I was wondering the same thing about a year ago. The good news is that there are a few programs like the one you mentioned. I myself will be going to Seattle Maritime Academy and will be taking the Marine Engineering Technology course. From my research it is a good school, although for awhile a few years ago they weren’t USCG approved, now they are. It’s 9months long with an internship at the end. They have a few different teaching vessels, some stationary and some that sail. You come out as a QMED, RFPEW, ratings of oiler, junior engineer, refrigerating engineer, electrician, and pump man. Plus, since they are USCG approved 90 days of seatime is taken off for going to the school, you get 30days while in the school and the other 60-90 you do on the internship, for a total of 180. Then after 4 months of approved seatime after the program you are eligible for DDE 1000. Look here, http://www.seattlecentral.edu/programs/marineengineering/
There are a few other places that will give you an oiler rating after about 6 weeks or maybe an oiler plus one or two others, but I found this program to be the most beneficial for the length of the program. Look on the USCG website for a list of approved QMED courses, the list that they have is very informative and lists exactly what some schools will teach or not teach ya. http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/approved_courses_course.asp
[QUOTE=seadog!;33571]There are courses to be had.
The problem is getting the Engineering seatime to qualify for the license.[/QUOTE]
Over the past 25 years, at each contract negotiation, I’ve pointed out the average age of the engineers and the lack of entry level jobs. After the past ATB new-build program, and more than a few of us retired, the companies are finally taking note. There are a few entry level jobs starting to open up. At the very least we got the contract language changed from “utility hand” to “DEU” for more options for the entry level guys.