I am deciding on where to take my Chief Mate upgrade classes, I was looking at M.A.M.A. Can anyone give me some insight on that school, I haven’t really heard much about it but I’ve also been recently looking. Thanks.
I have taken classes, 3rd mate at MAMA school, MPT, Quality Marine, I can recommend the first two highly, Capt Lee just finished his Chief Mate schooling about 1 year ago I think, maybe he will comment, do a forum search and you will find more info on the matter, it has been discussed before,there are several hotels 2 within walking distance from the school,one is a dive but at 230 including taxes is worked for me, red roof inn I think, there is a gentlemans club attached to the hotel, NO COMMENT on what goes on with it,enough restaurants nearby to eat at and only 18 dollar taxi ride from the airport,
I havent taken any high-license classes at MAMA but the classes I have taken have all had good teachers. When I start studying to test for 500 im going to do their prep class I think.
[QUOTE=shipshape08;47045]I am deciding on where to take my Chief Mate upgrade classes, I was looking at M.A.M.A. Can anyone give me some insight on that school, I haven’t really heard much about it but I’ve also been recently looking. Thanks.[/QUOTE]
Mid Atlantic is fine. I mean all the courses for Chief Mate are taught by pretty sharp guys. The major difference is the facilities and training aids. MITAGS by far has the best facility. Star Center has the best simulator and location. MPT has the best location also and good instuctors for FRC and Medical PIC (disclaimer…those are the only two classes I have taken there. Great instructors for both) and Mid Atlantic has the best Steak house right around the corner. Aberdeen Barn. Excellent!..I took Advanced Cargo handling and stowage there, flashing light, Colregs and ARPA. The instruction you receive there is just as good as the rest. The facility just sucks and who the hell wants to be in Virginia anyway? You really don’t have many choices. Pretty much the four I mentioned. The important thing is you get your certificate and take away a little something from each course.
I just read where you work. Your number one thing you should do right now, before you spend on penny on these classes, is hire on with a company that is going to pay for these courses. Go to a drilling company as a DPO. You will have more time to complete the training, get your classes paid for, get your travel paid for, get your meals paid for, get you hotel paid for and get paid to be there. I paid for over half of my chief mate classes out of pocket. Looking back now I wish i had moved on before I had forked out all that time and money. My first year with a drilling company I made over 35K in training pay taking classes. It was like a part time job. It won’t be easy. Not matter what you decide it is an investment in yourself and it will pay off getting your chief mate license. I don’t know if Danny is still on the Amber, but tell him Lee said hi if he is still there.
Thank you everyone so far for the quick responses. Captain Lee, I’m off the Amber now working on the Palmer, but I will be sure to let Danny know you said hello if I talk to him. Thanks again.