Also…I was told I needed to get a drug test at least 6 months before the classes (which I’m going to do soon anyway since I’m renewing my MMD) and they mentioned something about getting a drug card? Anyone know what that is and or how to get one. Not sure if that Concentra place does it or not just wondering if you guys had any knowledge on that front.
[QUOTE=The Mess;142104]Also…I was told I needed to get a drug test at least 6 months before the classes (which I’m going to do soon anyway since I’m renewing my MMD) and they mentioned something about getting a drug card? Anyone know what that is and or how to get one. Not sure if that Concentra place does it or not just wondering if you guys had any knowledge on that front.[/QUOTE]
Okay, good for you. AB Special is enough to work on tugs. STCW 95 is good to have, the only company that requires it is Crowley. The AB Special will help a lot more for shipping out of the union hall, you will be able to be used on jobs where others aren’t qualified yet. The receptionist you saw is actually the dispatcher, if you are willing to work and she knows it, she can help you a lot. They sometimes will hold a class in the late summer if they are short of people.If you have your AB already and they run short of people, they will go through the book looking for AB’s and call them in.If you don’t have your AB yet and can get it, do so as soon as you can. They often run very short of deckhands during Fleet Week because there is so much work available.
After you get your drug test, they will send you the test results, just bring the results with you when you are called into the union and they will issue you a drug card that you must have on you along with your TWIC and MMC in order to be dispatched for a job.
You’re doing the right stuff. Good luck.
Sweet. I do not have AB special yet but it looks like after 180 or 360 days I forget which now, that you can apply for that even if you’re working on the bay, so I’m looking to try and snatch one of those in the coming years after hopefully getting some work with the ferries. While I think the ferries would be a good fit for me, eventually I’d like to try and get on a tug, so I was just curious about what credential one needed before trying to catch on in that industry. Took my CPR today so all I got left it the 2 days of firefighting for STCW which I’m looking forward and will have to call in sick at my current job to take but it’s worth it. Out of curiosity what’s the rotation like for the Foss tug your working on? Do you stay mostly around the bay or do you ocean tow also?
[QUOTE=The Mess;142213]Sweet. I do not have AB special yet but it looks like after 180 or 360 days I forget which now, that you can apply for that even if you’re working on the bay, so I’m looking to try and snatch one of those in the coming years after hopefully getting some work with the ferries. While I think the ferries would be a good fit for me, eventually I’d like to try and get on a tug, so I was just curious about what credential one needed before trying to catch on in that industry. Took my CPR today so all I got left it the 2 days of firefighting for STCW which I’m looking forward and will have to call in sick at my current job to take but it’s worth it. Out of curiosity what’s the rotation like for the Foss tug your working on? Do you stay mostly around the bay or do you ocean tow also?[/QUOTE]
Stay in the bay all the time docking ships and bunkering. Rotation is either 7days on 7 days off or 14 on/off.
Hey SF Mariner, haven’t posted on here in a while and I had a couple of questions I was thinking up lately. Mostly I was wondering at the 10:15 job call for IBU, I’m somewhat familiar of how it works but what I’m confused on is are the jobs they fill just for THAT current day? I know it’s M-F so does that mean they don’t fill jobs for the weekend? Also what about the boats that start before the job call? Main reason for the question is I’m trying to decide the best transportation to the hall. Wondering if I could BART but then if say I got a job for Golden Gate be shit out of luck. Also wondering if there’s any exemptions, discounts, passes for actually TAKING the ferry? Like again say Golden Gate is my job for the day can I go to the Ferry Building and just say hey I’m working with you guys today and I need a ride to San Rafael? I’m guessing some of this gets explained in the classes but just trying to figure out the best options for getting to the hall, and then getting to the job. And to the classes in the spring for that matter, any ideas of good parking in the area? Hope all is well.
[QUOTE=The Mess;144454]Hey SF Mariner, haven’t posted on here in a while and I had a couple of questions I was thinking up lately. Mostly I was wondering at the 10:15 job call for IBU, I’m somewhat familiar of how it works but what I’m confused on is are the jobs they fill just for THAT current day? I know it’s M-F so does that mean they don’t fill jobs for the weekend? Also what about the boats that start before the job call? Main reason for the question is I’m trying to decide the best transportation to the hall. Wondering if I could BART but then if say I got a job for Golden Gate be shit out of luck. Also wondering if there’s any exemptions, discounts, passes for actually TAKING the ferry? Like again say Golden Gate is my job for the day can I go to the Ferry Building and just say hey I’m working with you guys today and I need a ride to San Rafael? I’m guessing some of this gets explained in the classes but just trying to figure out the best options for getting to the hall, and then getting to the job. And to the classes in the spring for that matter, any ideas of good parking in the area? Hope all is well.[/QUOTE]
Generally speaking, yes, jobs are filled for that day or jobs that start early the next morning. They may dispatch multi-day jobs as well, such as a vacation or sick relief.Weekend jobs are dispatched on Friday To go for job call,you had better drive, as you might need to leave very soon for a job and public trans or the ferries don’t often work time wise to get to the job in time or back home after the shift. For the training, take public trans, because you are there all day. For job call, there is 2 hour parking below the hall on Harrison St.
Question about the process for the Offshore Membership Group of MM&P.
I have a 3rd Mates license and want to go back out to sea. I’m east coast close to the Norfolk hall.
My main question is the hiring hall process. Do you actually need to be present in the hall when jobs are posted, or is there any type of conference call system. I have a shore side job that I need to keep while waiting, so I can pay bills until I ship out. The hall is 2 hours away from my job, one way, so sneaking out for a little while isn’t an option.
I also was wondering about how long each contract is? 2 mo, 4 mo, 6 mo? Totally dependent on the company?
Any ideas how long a new member might need to wait until getting a ship?
Is there a list anywhere indicating what companies have contracts with the union?
Thanks,
Scott
Thanks for the info once again SF Mariner. Wondering if you had any insight on some NON Union work. I see there’s a position for the MSRC for OS. I went ahead and applied for it not sure if they’re union or not. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the company although I have the feeling most of those were Gulf Coast complaints, (actually a lot of talk on here about them, I already did the search) just wondering if you know anything different about the outfit out in Richmond. Someone else stated that it can be hard though in that you’re not getting much sea time except for the few times a month you go out to drill or unless you actually have to respond to a spill. Also curious if you know anything about Marine Express? I hear they’re non union and don’t pay near as much as the IBU jobs, but it looks like interesting work and wondering if you knew anything about getting in with them. Just kinda exploring all options. I guess the appealing thing about the non union to me is that I keep feeling that while joining the IBU would be beneficial, and eventually work out, it’s scary leaving a full time job not knowing if I’m going to be getting regular work. So naturally just moving on to another company in the field seems alright too. Go Niners! (unless you’re a Raider fan, they’re looking pretty tough against the Pats right now though)
[QUOTE=The Mess;144638] I see there’s a position for the MSRC for OS. [/QUOTE]
That’s what you would call a lifestyle choice job. If you don’t care about money and want to be home everyday, it’s good.
I can’t vouch for all their locations, but a couple years ago I talked to them about a qmed opening in LA harbor and the salary was way behind industry standards. You also are on call living by a pager/cellphone in case of a spill when you are off.
Yeah that’s what I’m wondering, the job description says it’s a 3 week on 3 week off rotational schedule. I heard another guy saying that they work the 9 80 schedule, and some of the higher rating job listings say they they have the recall option to I guess keep you on call. Just wondering how some of this on call stuff works does that mean like you just absolutely can never leave the county? I mean I’m willing to be on call but I guess the appeal is the 3 weeks off, but if you’re not really OFF or free to go somewhere on your own time, not sure if that plus the sub standard pay would be worth it. Although maybe in my case just starting out it would be…we’ll see I guess, stuff to ask if I actually get an interview.
MSRC has 2 boats based in Richmond,the OS job at MSRC is on the secondary boat. The boat has a full time crew on it. You live on the boat for 3 weeks then are off 3 weeks.You have to stay on the boat all 3 weeks, you don’t get to go home each night.MSRC is non union. Unfortunately, they spend 90% of the time tied to the dock, so you spend your days doing maintenance and as ctony said, the pay isn’t great. The main boat, the Pacific Responder has basically a day crew that works 7-3 and goes home, BUT are always on call. They have to be able to respond to the boat in 2 hours.
Marine Express does do some interesting work, but again, the pay is lower than union. Their work is not consistent, so you start as an on call casual. Maybe things have changed and they have full time openings, that you would have to find out. Sounds like you have done alot of research, that’s good. Hope something works out for you.
[QUOTE=Scottamatthews;144609]Question about the process for the Offshore Membership Group of MM&P.
I have a 3rd Mates license and want to go back out to sea. I’m east coast close to the Norfolk hall.
My main question is the hiring hall process. Do you actually need to be present in the hall when jobs are posted, or is there any type of conference call system. I have a shore side job that I need to keep while waiting, so I can pay bills until I ship out. The hall is 2 hours away from my job, one way, so sneaking out for a little while isn’t an option.
I also was wondering about how long each contract is? 2 mo, 4 mo, 6 mo? Totally dependent on the company?
Any ideas how long a new member might need to wait until getting a ship?
Is there a list anywhere indicating what companies have contracts with the union?
Thanks,
Scott[/QUOTE]
You have to physically go to the hall. (That’s what makes it fair).
If you can not go to the hall for job call, let alone during business hours to see if an open job is sitting on the board available to the first customer, then the rest of your questions are irrelevant.
Sorry, but that is just the truth.
Ok so when the your 3 weeks are up then you get your full 3 weeks off it sounds like. Also does Manson get hired out of the IBU?
[QUOTE=The Mess;144692]Ok so when the your 3 weeks are up then you get your full 3 weeks off it sounds like. Also does Manson get hired out of the IBU?[/QUOTE]
Manson is IBU out of LA/Long Beach…pretty sure elsewhere too.
[QUOTE=Johnny Canal;144670]You have to physically go to the hall. (That’s what makes it fair).
If you can not go to the hall for job call, let alone during business hours to see if an open job is sitting on the board available to the first customer, then the rest of your questions are irrelevant.
Sorry, but that is just the truth.[/QUOTE]
OK, so assume I bite the bullet and quit my current job. The other questions still beg to be answered.
How long is each contract normally? 2 mo, 4 mo, 6 mo? Totally dependent on the company/situation?
Any idea how long a new member might need to wait until getting a ship?
Would the chances be better as we near the holidays?
Is there a list anywhere indicating what companies have contracts with the union?
Thanks,
[QUOTE=Scottamatthews;145511]OK, so assume I bite the bullet and quit my current job. The other questions still beg to be answered.
How long is each contract normally? 2 mo, 4 mo, 6 mo? Totally dependent on the company/situation?
Any idea how long a new member might need to wait until getting a ship?
Would the chances be better as we near the holidays?
Is there a list anywhere indicating what companies have contracts with the union?
Thanks,[/QUOTE]
a rotary job is a 120 day dispatch, during which time you can take a VLOA. All 2/m and 3/m jobs are rotary. APL was last company to have one permanent 2/m and one permanent 3/m. A VLOA is a “voluntary leave of absence.” This allows you to take a trip off OR 30 days. You rejoin in same port. In the end, the length of your job is more dependent on the vessel route.
USEC trips are 35 days, 56 days, 62 days and possibly as long as 77 days. Those are E-Ships, MLL, and APL, and POS Crowley / MTC (but hey, you gotta start somewhere)
Horizon still has 3 ships running to Puerto Rico. Not sure which call NY and which call JAX. Car carrier schedules are unpredictable (waterman and central gulf) Some old bulkers recently acquired by ISC are running US GOM, but I don’t know much about them. West coast is MLL, APL. amd Maston. Watson Class LMSRs mostly out of USEC.
Just so that there is no confusion, membership is earned in MMP. This is not AMO. Doing nite mate jobs, sleeping in your car, driving from hall to hall chasing jobs, getting beat out by a shipping card only a few days older than yours after waiting for weeks if not months is a reality. You will be an applicant for years, not a member. For the most part, you will not be a member for a couple of years, but that doesn’t really mean anything until you get your “A” Book. That A book will take between 5-8 yrs of minimum 6mos/yr shipping and non-stop nite mating, You can not take, or be offered, a permanent job until you are an A book. Only Master and C/M jobs are permanent.
Shipping off the board is a crap shoot anytime of the year. I personally don’t think the holidays, or summer, or whatever holiday special event that is going on makes any difference. You could get one in a day and it may take months. You are the absolute lowest man on the totem pole.
go to the website and go to the Norfolk hall if you are interested.
if you do go back to sea, forget about the whole going ashore and having a good time thing, with the exception of the extra 3/m at APL, that, shit is over with for mates.
Thanks Johnny Canal, that’s what I need to know.
I knew shore leave is a dream of the past, but all the rest of the information is very helpful.
Scott
I am a senior at a maritime academy seeking a 3rd Mates ticket. We just had a career fair and MM&P reps were there. They said shipping was really good right now, lots of 3M jobs. Does this hold any truth? Or were they trying to get me to join? I really could care less what kind of ship or with what company I find work. With that said, what are some average 3M wages through MM&P? Rotations are not a concern either. Does anybody have any helpful knowledge whether joining MM&P would be a good thing for a new grad? Appreciate any feedback.
MMP down to only 2 Horizon Ships at this time in Puerto Rico. The 3rd one that was the Horizon Discovery is going to Brownsville… Word is Horizon may be out of the game in less than a year, so that another contract lost by MMP and another hall closing.
I heard from a friend in the MM&P that there are a lot of shipping jobs right now out of hall.