In regards to AK commercial fishing that is unfortunately not true. It’s sad that the wages up north have not kept up but it is a fact. It’s also true that most commercial fishing vessels long liners and trawlers are highly specialized and there will be a big shortage of engineering crew capable of keeping them running. Just being able to fire up and keep the lights on is only about 35% of the responsibility on these vessels.
[QUOTE=TSCOTT;134622]In regards to AK commercial fishing that is unfortunately not true. It’s sad that the wages up north have not kept up but it is a fact. It’s also true that most commercial fishing vessels long liners and trawlers are highly specialized and there will be a big shortage of engineering crew capable of keeping them running. Just being able to fire up and keep the lights on is only about 35% of the responsibility on these vessels.[/QUOTE]
I agree completely that there is a lot more to being a good engineer on a factory trawler, than on a typical OSV. However, if factory trawlers (which use to pay a whole lot more than OSVs) have failed to increase compensation and are allowing OSVs hire away their skilled engineers for better pay and schedules, that does not mean that there is a shortage of engineers. It just means that OSVs are currently out bidding factory trawlers for top talent.
When factory trawler owners get tired of losing fishing time or production due to paying lower wages to second string engineers, they will start paying top money again to hire and retain the best mariners.
And then the mariners will leave OSVs for those other industries. There is still a shortage of qualified personnel. Just shuffling them from one sector to another does not increase the numbers. At the rate of new builds by the likes of HOS, ECO and HGIM, it will become difficult for anyone in any sector to get or keep qualified mariners.
[QUOTE=txwooley;134638]And then the mariners will leave OSVs for those other industries. There is still a shortage of qualified personnel. Just shuffling them from one sector to another does not increase the numbers. At the rate of new builds by the likes of HOS, ECO and HGIM, it will become difficult for anyone in any sector to get or keep qualified mariners.[/QUOTE]
Well this supposed shortage of mariners isn’t showing up in paychecks outside the Gulf. In spite of all the people that have left for the Gulf, the boats are all still being crewed and going about their business as usual. Owners don’t see a need to give raises to compete with the Gulf and retain their talent because adequate replacements are available.
[QUOTE=CETOOT70;134614][
("“CE near coastal/ CE oceans will be going away now, per the STCW issued on Dec. 24th. Now you will be CE limited, or CE unlimited. no geographical boundry.”")
To Snacktray ,Where can I get more info on the change the USCG going to do. Im going to be putting in for my CE limited oceans with STCW cert. Just like to see whats going to happen before i do.[/QUOTE]
The next time you renew or upgrade you’ll get the new endorsement of Chief Engineer (Limited) without a route restriction.
[QUOTE=jdcavo;134692]The next time you renew or upgrade you’ll get the new endorsement of Chief Engineer (Limited) without a route restriction.[/QUOTE]
Do you know the specific process for some holding a CE limited near coastal to upgrade to the CE limited if they aren’t up for renewal or not looking for an upgrade? I have less than a year on my CE limited NC and id like to remove the restriction I have 1.5 years sailing on my Assistant Engineer limited/ DDE unlimited / OSV 3000 ton unlimited but I don’t know if that will help me at all. Thanks.
[QUOTE=tugsailor;134637]I agree completely that there is a lot more to being a good engineer on a factory trawler, than on a typical OSV. However, if factory trawlers (which use to pay a whole lot more than OSVs) have failed to increase compensation and are allowing OSVs hire away their skilled engineers for better pay and schedules, that does not mean that there is a shortage of engineers. It just means that OSVs are currently out bidding factory trawlers for top talent.
When factory trawler owners get tired of losing fishing time or production due to paying lower wages to second string engineers, they will start paying top money again to hire and retain the best mariners.[/QUOTE]
Im curious what the pay scale looks like for the OSVs? I can see making more per year sailing more days, but are the OSVs paying over say $1000 a day for a chief? I can get on seattle craigslist and find fishing vessels guaranteeing $700 with a percentage of catch on top ( and I know they all negotiate on their daily rates now…). I know there are plenty of guys leaving the Alaskan fleet every day now, but I think it has more to do with the amount of work involved for the money. I think an OSV would be a breeze compared to keeping a factory boat running. I have 16 winches, 17 hydraulic motors, 2 mains and 2 generators, a complete processing area, an ammonia reefer plant with 4 compressors and 2 domestic reefer plants running 24 hours a day for the duration of a contract. Not to mention all of the other equipment you obviously find on any boat. Of course cruising around on a supply boat in the gulf for $600 a day looks good!
[QUOTE=jdcavo;134692]The next time you renew or upgrade you’ll get the new endorsement of Chief Engineer (Limited) without a route restriction.[/QUOTE]
I take it this goes into effect Dec 24, This must also so be up 1600 tons, Ill be ready to turn in app around Oct-Nov. That will be great timing. Thanks for the info