[QUOTE=rigdvr;70918]Have you tried some of the smaller boat companies, aka “100 ton” companies. I know you’ve spoke with Nicky at ECO but as you are finding out, it is a hard place to get on…especially as an OS. Most OS are family of long time capts, engineers, ect. Nicky’s hands are often tied as these “favors” are expected.
Have you hit
Abdon Callais
Odyssea
Adriatic
GIS
International
Bordelon
REC
C/E (cheramie)
Bo Truc
Supreme
Some of these are good companies with good boats, some are not as desirable but get you in the industry. For example, I started at International running 30 yr old utility boats and worked my way up to ECO.
Hope it all works out for you, and soon![/QUOTE]
RIGDVR has called it on the money. I remember when I worked at Moran, the office said they had 50 applicatons for every OS slot, The OS slots went to family/friends of personnel already hired.
Your best option is the smaller 100 ton companies, Try International Boats out of Larose LA. Within the last two weeks I know two people who could not get a relief because International is short deck hands. You do not have to start out as a OS, you can move from unlisc deckhand direct to AB or 100 ton mate. Or you can go from unlisc engineer direct to low hp DDE.
International is considered a starter company, Starter companies normally have some kind of drawback to them, mostly low pay, but sometimes work enviroment. In any case starter companys allow you to get the experiance you need.
The best way to get a job with a starter company is face time. The face time process has already been mentioned here. Get all your paperwork together, steel toe boots, the clothes and gear needed for a 4 week hitch, and start knocking on doors up and down Bayou Lafouche. If you are ready to go to work, odds you will find someone to hire you. But unless you have family/friends contacts, sending in applications will not normally get you a job. Short on money?, sleep in your car, I along with many of us did this in the beginning. I do not know if they are hiring, but I got my start with Candy Fleet out of Morgan City, They had thier issues, but hey it was a start.
Good luck
Ocean31