I currently have my OS with a tankerman endorsement , on an inland vessel. I’m looking to get on a atb. Are there any companies who will put me through school or is that something I will have to take care of myself. Also if anyone has gone from inland to offshore do you regret the decision at all? How’s the overall quality of life , do you go days/weeks without service? I’m at a company who has an offshore division but I’m thinking I want to try to get on with reinauer.
It’s unlikely to have to go without connectivity for long periods of time unless you end up in remote alaska…but nowadays it seems more and more less likely that would be an issue. Definately should ask during the interview process wherever you consider going.
Awesome thank you.
I did this 28 ago after 1.5 years on inland pushboats. From my experience & talking with others who did the same, everyone who made the switch knew consciously or subconsciously they were going to sea eventually. IMO, people regret what they didn’t do, not what they tried at.
You likely won’t have a choice. Reach out to people at your offshore/ATB division & ask them how many have made the switch over to there. If your offshore division is union & your inland not, the company & union/other division might have an unpublic agreement not to hire from within company. I’ve worked for 2 large conglomerates where it was difficult to near impossible to switch divisions without being terminated & taking some time away.
I know they’ve had people transfer before but from what I’ve heard they don’t make it very easy and you will likely wait years while they find your “replacement”. We have had a shortage of tkm the entire two years I have been here. And for whatever reason I do have some sort of fascination with going offshore. My biggest concerns are going days without service because my wife wouldn’t like that very much and the crew changes.
That’s it.
I worked on ATB’s from 2007-2010 and went as far north as Searsport, ME., down to Brownsville, TX. Way back then, my phone almost always worked & when it didn’t I’d use the Iridium once or twice a day. Cell coverage is better now though. East Coast ATB’s ride the coast when practical & everyone searches for the best speed/fuel economy. About the West Coast, crossing over to Hawaii & Alaska can definitely be more remote but the tug should still have the satellite phone for quick check-ins with the family. Maybe even better depending the outfit?
Days not weeks has been my experience. Cell phones have satellite messaging now (iPhone Att service).
Yes some will pay, but you will certainly need to get your STCW Basic Safety Training before you can go to sea. I’d schedule that on my next time off and get the company to help with your AB.
1 Like