Knocking on Doors in Louisiana

Maritime Employment
1161

My advice:

If you are entry level or don’t know your way around the bayou, go stay at the Chateau. Show up on time for her orientation on Sunday, be super sweet, take everything she says as gospel, answer all her questions cheerfully, and do exactly as she says. She can help you.

If you don,t want to do all of that exactly, go stay someplace else.

If you have experience and credentials, and know your way around the bayou, then you can afford to stay in a good hotel much nearer to most of the boat companies, and plan your own job search.

1162

[QUOTE=Fraqrat;148464]I can’t believe people are still getting hired. I thought we were all supposed to be getting laid off or was it pay cuts?[/QUOTE]

Yes, it was a pleasant surprise to all 3 of them!

As we all know, it’s about being in the right place at the right time!

They made it all happen by being there and the HR guy liked all of them.

He hired all 3 as AB’s and they are celebrating, together, in NO for the weekend.

This was truly an exciting week, here; even getting 2 dozen long stemmed roses from them.

I know my help was much appreciated by these guys, although I don’t expect anything from anyone.

1163

Just a bit of information:

I did not take any reservations at my B&B, last week, nor for this week, for I needed a vacation of my own.

I do have mariners checking in on Sun., Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 12.

Will keep you posted on what happens, then.

As always, I provide a discounted weekly rate of $65/night for 5 nights, which includes a deluxe continental breakfast.

By the way, starting Jan. 1, 2015, the discounted weekly rate for mariners is $70/night for 5 nights which totals to $350.
This includes a deluxe continental breakfast consisting of bagels, toast, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal bars, protein bars, ham and cheese muffins, grits, oatmeal, banana bread/cinnamon rolls, cereal and milk, juice, coffee, tea, bottled water, etc.

My regular B&B rate is $125/ night for 2 people with a full breakfast.

Keep in mind, that check-in is from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., if checking in on a Sunday for the weekly rate. (no early or late check-ins, please)

Usually after I check everyone in on Sunday, I spend about 2 hours going over all of the companies, locations, and insight into the hiring process.
This is a complimentary service done only on Sunday, for all of the mariners staying at my B&B.

If I can be of help to any of you in providing nice, affordable lodging while knocking on doors in Louisiana or going to school in the area, please email me at claudettelp@charter.net, PM, or call (985) 537-6773

Wishing you all the very best!!!

Claudette L. Pitre
A Chateau on the Bayou B&B
3158 Hwy 308
Raceland, LA

Website: www.achateauonthebayou.com

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Chateau-On-The-Bayou-Bed-Breakfast-Claudette-L-Pitre/121896531157165?ref=hl

1164

[B]Chevron begins oil production at Jack, St. Malo fields in Gulf of Mexico
[/B]

[B]Hess, Chevron start oil production at Tubular Bells field in Gulf of Mexico
[/B]

1165

Just out of curiosity, what’s up with all the academy grads getting offered AB and QMED jobs? I’m not knocking the ratings at all - either one can be worth his weight in gold and it’s honorable work. It’s just … after four years of school, a degree and an unlimited license, I have to think that would be a bit of a letdown. I know part of the issue at least at one company is that a number of academy grads have stayed just long enough to get their dp certs then fled for bigger money. And part of it, lately at least, might be the slowdown … are these folks c ontinuing to work as ratings for a long period of time or getting moved up to the wheelhouse quickly?

1166

It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.

Sometimes an HR person is looking for a hawsepiper and sometimes an academy grad.

It’s all up to them who they choose and what position is needed.

Most are very happy and optimistic to be hired; they will all move up at their own pace.

1167

As an Academy grad who was hired as an AB/Mate, the goal was to get working experience on the deck before giving deck hands commands. When loading the boat with deck cargo, I have a good idea about loading out and what my limitations are because I experienced this first hand on deck. Gave me a good perspective on things instead of going straight to a chair looking out the window. Just my personal experience getting hired on as an AB.

1168

It’s also a good chance to humble them, mature a few months and weed out those who don’t belong. Not always necessary though

1169

Any academy grad too good to spend some time on deck would be a huge red flag. Your statement says it all. You feel like 4 years in college EARNS a bridge slot but the reality is a graduate has 180 days of underway sea time not counting work days tied to the dock.

Meanwhile it takes over 1000 sea days to get an AB U/L. My experiences have showed me that while most grads are capable of learning the job, most are not ready to do the job. Don’t let that paper swell your head too much.

1170

A new 3rd’s license is just a learner’s permit. Most of the kids are good, but they are green as the grass. An academy education isn’t what it use to be. Now there is far too much time spent on liberal arts courses, and not enough time spent practicing seamanship skills.

1171

Learner’s permit! LOLOL! Perfect!

1172

It is a learners a permit regardless of the route taken to get it.

1173

[QUOTE=rigdvr;149100]Any academy grad too good to spend some time on deck would be a huge red flag. Your statement says it all. You feel like 4 years in college EARNS a bridge slot but the reality is a graduate has 180 days of underway sea time not counting work days tied to the dock.

Meanwhile it takes over 1000 sea days to get an AB U/L. My experiences have showed me that while most grads are capable of learning the job, most are not ready to do the job. Don’t let that paper swell your head too much.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm … I think maybe you leapt to a conclusion there. Closest I’ve been to an academy is seeing A&M Galveston out of the corner of my eye as I was doing drills on a 40-year-old crewboat in Galveston Harbor. And I know how long it takes to get that AB unlimited. I’m proud to hold it.

Glad to hear that, apparently, the AB/Mate thing is not an issue for most of the folks.

1174

Do you all think it would be best to head over to LA now knocking on doors, or wait till Feb-March (which I heard is a better chance to get hired)?

1175

I just moved to Houston, Texas a few months ago to better my chances of getting a job at sea. I have 6 months exsperience as an OS. I have applied with companies big and small. I feel I could be be a great asset to any company who takes me on. No one is giving me a chance. Not even an interview. I dont understand this because my Resume is perfect and have alot of skills to offer. I have my MMC, STCW-95, TWIC, Passport, Maritime Security Awarness cert. Could you guys give me some pointers on how to stand out from the rest? I just know whatever I’m doing is not working and need to take a new approach. I’ve spent time “knocking on doors in louisiana”. ECO said they would hire me on the spot if they could and said to keep in touch. That was 2 months ago.
Thank you

1176

I would say you need to move to the PNW, Portland OR, or Seattle WA, try tugboat companies before the mass lay offs hit the goof. There are still opportunities out West. Good place for entry level etc.

1177

Have you been keeping up with world news…??

1178

Thanks “left coast”. I applied to a job in seattle and 2 jobs in so-cal last week. I’m going to do all I can to get a job here in the Gulf before I head out west.
No…I havnt been following the news lately. Whats going on!?

1179

If you want it you will get it as Needlegun did.

Guy left our mud boat on crew change day and went to another company and was hired on a Subsea boat within 4 days. (3rd Mate)

A friend quit his dive boat in Oct. and was hired last week with a company doing Seismic work. He learned that is it easier to get hired when you already have a job. We all told him to get a job before quitting, but he hated it so bad where he was at he couldn’t take it.

Sending in Resume’s just isn’t going to cut it this time of year. Knock them doors.

1180

I’m planning another trip to Louisiana right now. I’m going this Monday and Tuesday. I’m greatful its only a 5 hour drive this time. When I was in Florida it took me 11 hours. I’ve knocked on almost all the doors I could out here in the Houston area. Most of the companies here will not allow you to talk with the HR unless you are called in for an interview. Thanks guys. I will post how my trip goes.