I’m currently a High School Junior in Ohio (Yuck) and will most likely be applying to TMA (Texas Maritime) this summer. Why TMA? Its an A&M degree (in-state tuition, I must add) and the weather is pretty nice.
Now for my questions: I plan on getting a Marine Sciences degree with a Chemistry minor along with my Third Mate U License. Marine Sciences is one of the three degrees offered at TMA that you can earn along with your 3rd Mate License. Would this affect my prospects among Maritime employers if I do not get a Marine Transportation degree?
From what I have read on here, it appears I am nearly alone among the “kiddos” that want to work (or at the very least [I]willing)[/I] on supply ships/rigs offshore, particularly offshore. This is mostly because my other career path I am considering consists of a chemical or petroleum engineering degree…most likely leading me to work offshore. How are the salary and employment prospects for an Academy Graduate who has an Aggie Ring in the Gulf Of Mexico?
I actually would prefer to stay close to home after graduation rather than go Deep Sea Unlimited, hence my interest in the GOM.
Also, like most of you GoM guys, I would like to work on a rig or drill ship as a DP . How many years of experience in the GoM on a OSV, Drill Ship, rig, etc, are needed in order to qualify for training in this much desired (and from what I have read here) wide open field?
And just in advance, Im not one of those snobby “kaadets”…so dont plan on ripping into me, c.captain.
The Marine Sciences degree is about the closest thing to a Geology, Oceanography, and Chemistry in case I have to go back for my masters if offshore doesn’t work out. Thats why I’m considering it over Marine Transportation.
Not even a kaaadet yet, and you already know it all. Thats rich. When you get to TMA, you will realize the all the kiddos want the same as you. So yes, I read your post, and responded in kind. Good day, sir
[QUOTE=JasonGreene;89728]Not even a kaaadet yet, and you already know it all. Thats rich. When you get to TMA, you will realize the all the kiddos want the same as you. So yes, I read your post, and responded in kind. Good day, sir[/QUOTE]
Nope. Why would I ask several questions about the Maritime Industry if I already “know it all”?
Just a brief search through the forums uncovers several “kaaaadets” (its two “a’s”, actually) that have a burning desire to work as a cruzzze captain or with NOAA because [B]OIL IS EVUL!!!111!![/B]
Actually, that meme would apply better to you. Just a glimpse through this thread would be more than enough to conclude that you are trolling, hence your refusal to even answer my two other questions. You are obsessed and clawing at one statement I made…even though it is true and shows I have researched this subject enough to know that many enter this industry expecting far-reaching travel, but eventually come to a sudden realization.
I’m quite surprised that so many on here disapprove of the regiments at the academies, yet participate in essentially internet hazing whenever a prospective student shows up.
Job outlook should be good for you. I cant speak towards the degree but from where I sit I see two things. One is loads of old guys on boats that are gonna either start dying or retiring soon. Two is nearly all the major players are buildig more boats and building bigger. I dont think youll have any issues at all when you go looking for a job.
[QUOTE=JasonGreene;89732]Your interwebz maritime industry knowledge skillz are outstanding, future TMAcadet1…[/QUOTE]
TMAcadet1 has a hard-on for Service Academies and regiments…how do I even compare? It actually seems you have more in common with him.
You still have not refuted anything I have said… All I want to know is what I should major/minor in if I want to have a successful career in the gulf. That was the original intent of my questions and still is.
Also. If you want to work on a drillship I suggest thats where you start. As an AB. Although… It would seem much easier to climb through the ranks on an OSV the future demand for qualified mariners on drillships is to be determined with so many prospective new builds.
I think the science degree would be a good idea. Its almost always good to stand apart in my opinion. Cadets are like factory clones same license same degree… Same attitude. Also the moneys good of course but by the year you get out i expect to see the average officers salary to be over 150k
[QUOTE=CurryAK;89738]I think the science degree would be a good idea. Its almost always good to stand apart in my opinion. Cadets are like factory clones same license same degree… Same attitude. Also the moneys good of course but by the year you get out i expect to see the average officers salary to be over 150k[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the input,
I have read quite a few times on here that all that matters is your 3rd Mate Unlimited license. I havent heard much on majors and if a Marine Transportation degree makes it easier to get employed. I assume that just being in the Academy and learning to get a 3rd Mate Unlimited that Celestial Nav, RADAR, etc is included in the curriculum.
Im sure it is. Only time I would think you will need that degree is if you wanted to work in the office or possibly a pilots association. Remember you’ll likely be working side by side with someone who didnt even finish high school.
Oh boy and round and round we go … Outlook is horrible Jones Act to be repealed in the next 90 days. No one will hire you without the transportation degree it’s the first thing they ask for. You should hedge your bets and get a CDL the summer before you got to TMA. DPO jobs are a dime a dozen. Transocean usually hires right from TMA on graduation day.
[QUOTE=Fraqrat;89746]Oh boy and round and round we go … Outlook is horrible Jones Act to be repealed in the next 90 days. No one will hire you without the transportation degree it’s the first thing they ask for. You should hedge your bets and get a CDL the summer before you got to TMA. DPO jobs are a dime a dozen. Transocean usually hires right from TMA on graduation day.[/QUOTE]
