MSC or bust

Maritime Employment
1

I have a coastal job running a 42 foot boat and make $50,000 a year 40 hrs a week. Am I crazy for wanting to sign on as an OS at Military Sealift Command (MSC)?

Thanks,
Brad

2

YES unless you want a future as a deepsea mariner with a license

3

Brad

from what I’ve read here its one of two things- either spending lots of time ‘in the pool’ 'cause there isnt enough room in the ratings or always at sea, since there are few reliefs

4

I would definately like to get the training done and get the upper level sea-time. It would seem to me to be more money in the long run if I am able to get my third mates and then come back to coastal or to a company with better leave time. I have my 200GT and AB Spc and I figure that sailing deep-sea for a few years would be a good experience and benefit me in the long run for my overall goals.
Thanks for the replies,
Brad

5

[QUOTE=captainbrad;58453]I have a coastal job running a 42 foot boat and make $50,000 a year 40 hrs a week. Am I crazy for wanting to sign on as an OS at Military Sealift Command (MSC)?

Thanks,
Brad[/QUOTE]

YES. Don’t do it.

6

DO NOT DO IT. worst thing I ever did. I am here now have ab unlimited got hired as os. thought I could deal with it to get sea time. 2 months training 3 months on ship and only have 24 days seatime. they are short os’s and advancement will take you at least a year or more with very low pay. alot more negatives, pm for details. keep your job and enjoy life because this is not living.

7

Why not work on getting your 500 ton and getting on with an osv company? Better yet get you’re ab and find a tug company that’s doing long distance tows. Better pay and more time at home.

8

[QUOTE=captainbrad;58477]I would definately like to get the training done and get the upper level sea-time. It would seem to me to be more money in the long run if I am able to get my third mates and then come back to coastal or to a company with better leave time. I have my 200GT and AB Spc and I figure that sailing deep-sea for a few years would be a good experience and benefit me in the long run for my overall goals.
Thanks for the replies,
Brad[/QUOTE]

There, you have answered your own question. Do it as a stepping stone.

9

I go back and forth sometimes, but I suppose I will see in a few months when I see if I made the hiring list or not.