# How hard would it be to go from MSC to ECO? **URL:** \ **Category:** Professional Mariner Forum\ **Created:** [January 28, 2013, 1:49am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-go-from-msc-to-eco/9486 "2013-01-28T01:49:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![acdcrocks73](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@acdcrocks73](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/acdcrocks73)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 1:49am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-go-from-msc-to-eco/9486/1 "2013-01-28T01:49:28Z")
Hey All, I’ve been with MSC for the last 4 years since I retired from the Navy. It’s 4 years I’ll never get back and need something better than spending 8-10 months a year gone from my family. I’m currently sailing 3rd Assistant Engineer. I’m looking at Chouest as most people have a favorable opinion of them. Anything has to be better than 120/30! I have the following: 1. 2 AE Unlimited HP Motor/Gas Turbine 2. STCW-95 Officer In Charge of Watch Team 3. TWIC 4. PSC (Proficiency in Survival Craft) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Chris ---
**Author:** ![SeaScoundrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ea924/32.png) [@SeaScoundrel](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/SeaScoundrel)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 5:57am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-go-from-msc-to-eco/9486/2 "2013-01-28T05:57:50Z")
I work for Harvey instead of Eco and on the deck side. I went from MSC to hear last year and found it was a pretty easy move. Things move at a much slower pace. I doubt you’ll have a problem gettin a job at ECO…but If that doesn’t work out…Harvey has a huge need for more engineers. Harvey’s in desperate need of mates as well if anyone out there is looking around. ---
**Author:** ![acdcrocks73](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@acdcrocks73](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/acdcrocks73)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 11:07am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-go-from-msc-to-eco/9486/3 "2013-01-28T11:07:05Z")
Thanks SeaScoundrel. I’m planning my escape from here. I want to get out before I get too much time invested. Appreciate the ifo. ---
**Author:** ![brjones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df788c/32.png) [@brjones](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/brjones)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 11:13am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-go-from-msc-to-eco/9486/4 "2013-01-28T11:13:22Z")
[QUOTE=acdcrocks73;96492]Thanks SeaScoundrel. I’m planning my escape from here. I want to get out before I get too much time invested. Appreciate the ifo.[/QUOTE] Another option would be to join MEBA. There is some sort of clause that allows MSC guys in without paying the 4k initiation fee. There are a lot of 2nds and 3rds jobs these days. Even more 1st jobs. Its not the GOM 30/30 but usually its between 60 and 90 off and on. Day for day you will make a lot more than MSC as well. ---
**Author:** ![acdcrocks73](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@acdcrocks73](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/acdcrocks73)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 10:22pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-go-from-msc-to-eco/9486/5 "2013-01-28T22:22:01Z")
Thanks brjones, I think after we start paying dues to MEBA and sail 300+ days we can get get our Book II or something to that effect. I was thinking of going union, just want to explore all my options. MSC just wears you down mentally and need to find something better. Again thanks for the info. ---
**Author:** ![Too\_bad\_steam\_is\_gon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@Too\_bad\_steam\_is\_gon](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Too_bad_steam_is_gon)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 6:16pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-go-from-msc-to-eco/9486/6 "2013-01-29T18:16:59Z")
[QUOTE=acdcrocks73;96492]Thanks SeaScoundrel. I’m planning my escape from here. I want to get out before I get too much time invested. Appreciate the ifo.[/QUOTE] I got out MSC in 1985 and never regretted it. More money/ less bullshit/ you are what you are/ the US merchant marine will judge you, if you are a fuck up the rest of the US Merchant fleet will know. There are maybe 2K of us out here and we all know each others reputatation.