It’s not really about pay but I didn’t want to start a new thread…
While the manning shortage has hit our industry hard, I would like to know what anyone thinks would help a tanker company help draw and retain talent with the ongoing shortage of mariners? Specifically First Assistant Engineers?.
If you could make suggestions to an office manager who may be in a position to effect change to help ease some of the pain and secure talent, what would you suggest?
Asking for a friend…
Equal time, double time for any extra days beyond scheduled rotation, fully funded training (including travel/lodging/per diem), a PENSION, and a half-way tolerable crew…cull the slackers and surly wanna-be C/E and Captains who are still riding as AB or QMED.
Life is too short to sail with miserable people, bad food, and weak coffee.
I know, a dream…
Well one CEO says that money isn’t going to solve these problems…
If you already have the skills it shouldn’t take you too long to learn the area and get your recency trips. As stated earlier, it’ll depend on what company they end up at, some expect mates to be mini-captains, others just want buoy mates. There is a big gap between those skill sets
I’m stealing this for … something. Words to live by (or at least aspire to).
Feel free, I haven’t registered it as TM/logo yet!
Not many people do this for pure love of adventure/water anymore!
For me, I do it because it gives me the $ and time to do what I enjoy, which generally involves a fly rod or a shotgun, my bride, and my doggo…or just a comfy chair, a book, and gin/bourbon/coffee (depending on season and time of day).
Here is another one:
“Life is too short to sail an ugly boat.”
I’ve seen a revolving door of 1 A/E on tankers. They get more $$ for less hours worked on non-tankers. Throw in a couple A-hole C/E’s and Captains, and they don’t come back.
It’s only going to get worse since relief’s are very difficult to get and tours are getting longer. It takes YEARS to cultivate a good reputation. Everyone wants a quick fix.
If the company(s) in question really want to know how to solve the problems, ask the Engineers WHY they aren’t coming back. It’s a small industry and everyone talks.
Ha! I always felt embarrassed the whole time in the two car ships gigs I did.