In an attempt to have a one-stop-shop for newcomers and help reduce the number of repeated threads, has anyone attempted to create a guide for becoming a U.S. mariner?
I started a LaTex document the other day, for becoming a mariner, that starts with what the U.S. Merchant Marine is, the Jones Act, TWIC, Getting an MMC, etc. [B][U]It is still very basic[/U][/B], but the plan is to include information about academies, programs like Job Corp and SIU, information about the different sectors, what kind of gear to bring (with recommendations), and pointy stick selection & sharping. In addition to including factual information it will include links to various forum threads they can follow for more info.
My problem is that of lack of experience in this industry(still on land), so my information is from around the Internet and various threads I have bookmarked. It would be nice to have not only a better implementation, but a shared database of knowlege.
I just noticed a thread from 2008 about a gCaptain wiki being started, and it had begun being written by a few cadets. Is this gCaptain wiki still around, and I haven’t failed to see it? I did see another thread about wikipedia blacklisting gCaptain because of repeated site linking, but I would assume the two wiki’s were separate entities.
I think that’s a very good idea. Searching through the threads for basic information can be very difficult. Hopefully John or Mikey find this and can comment on feasibility.
Aye, I actually already have at least part of it quoted, credited, and a hyperlink to the forum thread. One of the last things I have added thus far.
Helped me to start developing the “First Hitch” section. That section will include job hunting tips, maybe threads links with companies, gear selections, etc.
Your right. It just struck me as funny. I understand he’s trying to do something beneficial and kudos for that. I hope he is successful in his efforts.
[QUOTE=Slick Cam;172490]Your right. It just struck me as funny. I understand he’s trying to do something beneficial and kudos for that. I hope he is successful in his efforts.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, it is a bit ironic, but I did indicate my lack of experience. It is a start based on many of the forum posts I come across.
I’d like to know what happened to the gCaptain wiki that was being worked on in 2008. That would be the better route than a PDF from some random ass greenhorn.
I applaud your efforts, most of us have been sailing for a while and it wasn’t as paperworky to get started as it is now. A new perspective always helps. Good luck.
I think it’s a good idea. My only advice would be to keep the information evolving as you gain experience as a mariner. Don’t try to cover things you don’t know for a fact, and do your research. But more importantly learn from experience, and that only comes with time.
I agree with the gentleman before me. Keep it updated. You also may need some help from different people cause the route you take, let’s just say for instance OSV’s, may not be the same route someone who wants to be on an Inland or offshore tug. Different sectors of this field require different credentials and possibly different supplies for your first day out… May want to talk to some old salts.
I decided to work on the “Hawsepipe” section which includes information on programs like SIU’s UAP, and Job Corps:Tongue Point. CTI apparently has a training course of sorts, but I don’t think it is on the same level. Hornbeck Offshore has their Apprentice Training Program, but they are not even offering it with oil as it is. [B]Does anyone know of any other programs I could look at including?[/B]
To josh.reid24,
It was my intention to include information on the different sectors. I’m trying to figure out how much information is to much.
To Tugboater203,
It eluded me to even think about the difference in the process to become a mariner today compared to year’s past. Thanks for that.
At this point it covers basics such as The United States Merchant Marine(and being a mariner not a marine), The Jones Act(in a nutshell), the two routes - Academy or Hawsepipe, brief program information(SIU’s UA, JobCorps) more info will be in Appendices, TWIC(what it is, how to get), MMC(what it is, and a walk through through the required items for an application), and a minor start on a First Hitch section that is currently based on Jemplayer’s write-up.
The USMM, and Jones Act sections are only a paragraph each, I don’t really intend to make them longer as it isn’t the nature of the document. That is something for a wiki, or TurdBerger.
Look at the US Army 88K program. It has been mentioned before on this forum, but hasn’t received much attention. It looks like a great way to go for a young person to get into the maritime world. As I understand it, all training is USCG approved, and you can come out of the program with a Master of Towing. And you are being paid while you are in the program. A positive cash flow rather than negative. How often does that happen?
[QUOTE=PineappleOranges;172539]I decided to work on the “Hawsepipe” section which includes information on programs like SIU’s UAP, and Job Corps:Tongue Point.[/QUOTE]
Don’t forget to mention that you don’t need to do any program. You can just start working and take some classes here and there while you go.
[QUOTE=water;172567]Look at the US Army 88K program. It has been mentioned before on this forum, but hasn’t received much attention. It looks like a great way to go for a young person to get into the maritime world. As I understand it, all training is USCG approved, and you can come out of the program with a Master of Towing. And you are being paid while you are in the program. A positive cash flow rather than negative. How often does that happen?
I had an assistant who was a retired Army tug guy. . . . not to cast aspersions, but I was not impressed. I believe that it was more the man than the program, though. . . . I did have to let the guy go. . .of course I also had some Academy guys that were useless, too and let them go. . . .like anything. . . your training is what you make of it. . .