[QUOTE=New-mate;50088]So just an update i have applied to most drilling companies and quite a few supply companies to no avail but im still keeping my hopes high. Im just going to keep hounding them and sending resumes, I also recently got recruiter contact info for a few of the big companies so im sending resumes directly to them. Seems that this is going to be a long process but thats ok. Also i was trying to figure out which license is required for ballast control operator and also which license in the equivalent of it. USCG site just confused me even more.[/QUOTE]
You need a BCO license to be a Ballast Control Operator… If you hold an unlimited license all you need is 28 days as a Ballast Control Operator Trainee under the direct supervision of a licensed BCO or Barge Supervisor. Your sea time letter should include that sentence. You also, have to complete a one week MODU stability class offered at Martin International (LaPlace, LA) or Randy Smith in Houston. Don’t let anyone blow smoke saying you need one year assigned to a MODU. That is for people who do not hold an unlimited license. I highlighted the parts that apply to you. Below is the CFR:
[B]§ 11.474 Officer endorsements as ballast control operator.[/B]
(a) To qualify for an endorsement as ballast control operator (BCO), an applicant must:
(1) Present evidence of the following experience:
(i) One year of employment assigned to MODUs including at least 28 days of service as a trainee under the supervision of an individual holding a license or MMC endorsement as ballast control operator; or
(ii) A degree from a program in engineering or engineering technology which is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Commanding Officer, National Maritime Center will give consideration to accepting education credentials from programs having other than ABET accreditation. An applicant qualifying through a degree program must also have at least 28 days of service as a trainee under the supervision of an individual holding a license or MMC endorsement as ballast control operator; and
(2) Present evidence of training course completion as follows:
B A certificate from a Coast Guard approved stability course approved for a license or MMC endorsement as barge supervisor or ballast control operator;[/B]
B A certificate from a Coast Guard approved survival suit and survival craft training course; and[/B]
B A certificate from a firefighting training course as required by §11.205(d) of this part.[/B]
B An applicant for an endorsement as BCO who holds an unlimited license or MMC endorsement as master, mate, chief engineer, or assistant engineer must satisfy the requirements in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and have at least 28 days of service as a trainee under the supervision of an individual holding an endorsement as ballast control operator.[/B]
[B]You will also have to take a 1 week class at Martin International or Randy Smith for BCO in Lieu of testing or apply and test at the Coast Guard.[/B]