Hi, I am a Second mate from South Korea who have sailed on Ocean going 20-22K oil/chemical tankers for 3 years. I am in the process of immigrating to the US but the rule here is so different from where I am from and I am not used to the American maritime system. I found I can sail as unlicensed with green card. So I will do that until I get citizenship then apply for mate again
My plan is
Get a green card
Have Sea service and DL experience evaluated and get accepted by USCG NMC
Take required trainings such as BT, VPDSD, PSC/lifeboatman, RFPNW, Tankship Dangerous Liquids, Medical cert
Apply for TWIC, MMC(AB unlimited- I have way more than 540days ob ocean, Tank vessel assistant(DL) - I have participated cargo operation more than 80 times and ports as mate)
Join a company or union, sail for 1.5 years(which will take roughly 3 years then I will apply for citizenship)
Take the AB to Mate Hawsepipe course during the Unlicensed time or after citizenship depending on the availability(I have around 950 days of net sea service so if I keep working as unlicensed until citizenship I will pass the 1050 days of required days for mate with no problem)
Become a mate and keep sailing
Please correct me if I am wrong about or missing something
I am based in Orlando, FL. Do I go to SIU halls in Jacksonville or Fort Lauderdale to join the union or will there be any better options for me
Could anyone please explain how Union works? From what I have understood so far. I apply either online or in person and register then I need to physically go to the union hall to see job board and take it
With AB unlimited license, can you do all AB, PM, BSN jobs? What do you think realistically I can start as?
How much can I expect in my situation? Some guys told me I can hit $500-600. Will it be 8hrs or 12hrs a day?
Will the companies and unions or even the crews onboard prefer me since I have experience? or will they not like me since I am not from here and not used to American system
I am hoping to join OSG VLCCs on we the west coast but I will just do my best on whatever I can do. Could you recommend me companies and advise me what to do.
I have called Louisiana and Texas ports quite a few times so I know some pilots there and have contacts but basically I have no connection in America since I am new. Thank you for helping out a seafarer who wants to keep maritime career. I promise to be respectful to American culture and hopefully I can bring some positivity to this industry and country
А while ago it was quite impossible to get a job with SIU without attending their Piny Point school first, no matter what licenses and credentials you have. Maybe situation changed now. You should visit Union hall in FL (if it still open) and talk to a patrolman there.
