Update 2: My MMC was just issued, and I finished the STCW training at MPT. It only took 3 weeks to approve my MMC, and the STCW training was good to go. Now it’s off to find gainful employment as a OS/wiper. I have not quit my part time land job yet, but I let my boss know that I may disappear with short notice. I am vigorously following up with my friends and connections in the industry, and I plan to do my first round of door knocking here in the NE Florida area. I want to hit Crowley in Jacksonville, but I’m not sure about etiquette; they have a huge high-rise building in Jax, but I don’t know if that is the right door. I also want to check Mobro in Green Cove Springs. This is my first time knocking on doors in the maritime industry. I am fairly personable and I clean up well, so what can I expect walking into the building of a big company like Crowly or the office of Mobro?
[QUOTE=gatorzeroone;68958]Update 2: My MMC was just issued, and I finished the STCW training at MPT. It only took 3 weeks to approve my MMC, and the STCW training was good to go. Now it’s off to find gainful employment as a OS/wiper. I have not quit my part time land job yet, but I let my boss know that I may disappear with short notice. I am vigorously following up with my friends and connections in the industry, and I plan to do my first round of door knocking here in the NE Florida area. I want to hit Crowley in Jacksonville, but I’m not sure about etiquette; they have a huge high-rise building in Jax, but I don’t know if that is the right door. I also want to check Mobro in Green Cove Springs. This is my first time knocking on doors in the maritime industry. I am fairly personable and I clean up well, so what can I expect walking into the building of a big company like Crowly or the office of Mobro?[/QUOTE]
In general, I would at least be wearing what goes as “business casual”, i.e. slacks, dress shoes and a nice shirt. As far as Crowley, I am pretty sure that they crew their tugs via the SIU, especially for unlicensed/entry level positions. I worked for the Jacksonville division from the Lake Charles office. I was hired via the KP alumni job listing and didn’t have to interview for a traineer engineer position, but I did have to stop at the Houston SIU hall on my way to Lake Charles to join the union. In my view, it certainly can’t hurt to visit the office. It may not help, but you may get direction from HR with regard to their hiring policy. Of course my experience is a couple (okay, three) decades old.
Ahoy, it’s time for an update. I have had my MMC since May 8, so I have been on the job hunt for just under a month. I am still upbeat, and I’m optimistic that I will land something in the next few months. I am searching the gCaptain threads for leads, and I have compiled a list of about twenty companies to pursue. I defiantly feel the disconnect of the online application process, so I am planning my trip to the gulf for sometime in the next three weeks. I feel like my application paints a picture of a washed up man looking to make some sort of escape, and nobody wants to hire a guy like that. I will say that I am desperate to get back to work in a meaningful way. I have a few more questions for you folks.
- I see a lot of stuff about medical records, so my question is, what should I take medical wise to show I don’t have any medical problems? The only real surgery that I have had was a hernia surgery about 16 years ago. I have the physical that I submitted with my MMC that gave me a clean bill of health; will that do? And should I even mention the hernia I had fixed if I have had no other issues with it?
- How do I know what office to go to speak with a hiring manager person type? Many of the outfits I am looking at have offices at the port, and corporate office. Some have offices in TX, LA and AL. So where do I go to knock and talk?
- I saw someone mention Tuesday was a good day to go by the offices. Is that a fact across the board? How do keep from getting turned away by the sectary? Is it kosher to call and set up something informal?
- Is there anyone here who would be gracious enough to proof my resume and give me feedback on how to make it GREAT? PM me if so.
- This is a big one for me. I have some issues with my student loans that have ruined my credit score. I don’t mind being honest with my employer, so should I mention it in my cover letter? Is that going to hold me back? I would gladly get back into good standing with my student loans if I had a job.
- Are there many small companies that don’t advertise online? What section should I look at in the local phone book to locate these companies?
- My financial situation is bleak right now, so I will be staying with friends in Pensacola. Are there many maritime companies in that area. I plan to hit AL first then LA. Is 4 days enough time to hit the hot spots?
8)I will be taking a sea bag just incase, and obviously I will have my MMC, TWIC, STCW Certs, Passport, SSCard, and drivers license. Will I need anything else?
Ok that’s enough for now. Thanks for the help!
I can’t answer all your questions but I can help with a couple, or at least give you my opinion.
3.) Not sure if tuesdays are a good day to hit the doors, but I can say with almost 100% positivity that mondays and fridays are the worst days. Monday they are catching up from the weekend, getting manning set for the week. Friday they are trying to get out the door for the weekend.
5.) No need to mention anything financial in your cover letter. If it comes up, and they are interested in you, they will give you a chance to explain. Other than the government, or working in the financial sector, I can’t see most companies pulling financial records, but I could be wrong.
It also might be worth talking to SIU and seeing what they have available. Might be worth it to join up if you can get the sea time and experience. Then it will be easier to get a foot in with other companies if you aren’t interested in sticking with the “union”.
Checkout the jobs on rigzone.com With your degree in civil engineering, the drilling, subsea, and construction companies should be interested in you.
Thanks for the responses.
Seasick, I am looking into the union, but I have heard mixed reviews. Some say it’s throwing money out the window. Pay the dues and get your book, but no guarantee for work. If they said join up and we will ship you out; I would be all in.
Tugsailor, I have been watching rigzone every day. As far as my degree goes; I would think I would be fairly marketable, but I have experienced just the opposite. I am not sure why there is not more value in my degree. I would think the drilling companies would love to put me to work, and I would love to work my way up to drilling engineer, from the bottom if required. That said I don’t think they give a rats a$$ honestly. No experience, no job…
[QUOTE=gatorzeroone;66792] I have been in contact with a good friend working in the gulf. He had me email him my resume and a cover page. He then cc’d me on a glowing recommendation he sent to their company h r rep for a roust about position in the DP section. He’s on a semi submersible rig. My question is; is this where I want to be this early in my career? Will I get sea time on a semi submersible? What kind of compensation should I look for? I can work like a dog, so conditions are not a big factor. I do have other possible options, but all I can do is wait for my MMC and see what happens. I know a fellow who is a captain on a research vessel out of Seattle, and he has called me every week to see if I got my MMC yet. We had a few beers about two weeks ago, and he was very excited about my opportunities. I’m not sure if I should jump at the first opportunity if it’s on a drill rig, because I have no idea what’s what in the industry. What do you gentlemen think?[/QUOTE]
Drillrig = an industrial job with a bunch to tobacco spitting YahBoes…12 hours on 12 hours off 28 days on 28 days off and on and on…BUT BETTER MONEY THAT ANYWHERE ELSE.
Research vessel = kind fun job working with educated people going to interesting places you’ll get your RFPNW signed off BUT WON’T MAKE NEAR WHAT THE RIG PAYS
your choice
btw…which research vessel? The T.G. THOMPSON or one of the NOAA fleet?
[QUOTE=gatorzeroone;70538]Thanks for the responses.
Seasick, I am looking into the union, but I have heard mixed reviews. Some say it’s throwing money out the window. Pay the dues and get your book, but no guarantee for work. If they said join up and we will ship you out; I would be all in. [/QUOTE]
I agree. SIU is well, SIU. I’m not sure I would call it throwing money out the window. Yeah, they aren’t a real union, IMO, and they make it really tough for their members to get medical and pension credits each year, but if all you are looking for is some sea time and experience, it might be worth it short term. They have the most offshore entry jobs, and a lot of Near Costal stuff too, and if you aren’t too picky about what you are doing, and can put up with a shit job, at least you are getting sea time and a little pay check. I’m not sure how shipping is with them, it couldn’t hurt to poke your head in the hall and talk to the dispatcher and some of the sailors.
[QUOTE=gatorzeroone;65964][B]SECOND QUESTION: Will my Civil Engineering degree help me in the merchant marines?[/B][/QUOTE]
You have a civil engineering degree and want to sail as an OS/wiper? ARE YOU EFFING CRAZY!
Move to Houston and go to work for a major offshore engineering firm like Technip or Acergy! You will make a good 6 figure income and have a great ride upward as offshore grows and grows.
If you can do design work on risers and pipelines you will go far young man. Forget this nonsense about going to sea and clawing your way upward in some stupid union!
[QUOTE=c.captain;70554]You have a civil engineering degree and want to sail as an OS/wiper? ARE YOU EFFING CRAZY!
Move to Houston and go to work for a major offshore engineering firm like Technip or Acergy! You will make a good 6 figure income and have a great ride upward as offshore grows and grows.
If you can do design work on risers and pipelines you will go far young man. Forget this nonsense about going to sea and clawing your way upward in some stupid union![/QUOTE]
Not to be a stickler for details but they dropped the Acergy name last year. Even though they still have never renamed thier ships that have the Acergy names, the corporation is now under Subsea 7.
I have to deal with those bloody brits everyday.
It would probably be a good career path if you have the civil engineering. Technip has a large facility in Mobile Al. as well.
[QUOTE=ChiefRob;70570]. Technip has a large facility in Mobile Al. as well.[/QUOTE]
And the scumbags have been lifting coiled pipe out of Theodore for years with a foreign ship and carrying it offshore to the OCS with all foreign labor!
Still good work for an engineer in Houston tho!
I just picked those two firms off the top of my head but there are a ton of others in Houston a civil engineer could approach. Hell, I bet our guy could go to Cameron, Varco, in fact anybody and make bank. The only engineers in the country out of work are the ones not in Houston!
Yes I never understood how the Frenchies get away with that.
Gulf Island Fab in Houma comes to mind as well, and like you say any one of about 100 there in Houston
Technip is hiring for the Global 1200 which is, or at least was, in Mobile. I have seen a couple ads where they appeared to be hiring directly for some positions, and some ads where they appear to be hiring though Northern Marine Manning, but most of their US hiring is done through Alliance. You will see their ads on Rigzone. Search “Alliance” or “Global 1200” Its a nice new ship that apparently has, or had, serious electrical problems and a lot of crew turn over. They are looking for a “Rig File Clerk” with TWIC and MMD which should pay about $500 per day. This may not be a great place to work (there is some reason for the turnover), but its a start.
If I were staying in Pensacola like your are, I’d shoot off a resume to Alliance and Technip, Then I’d drive over and knock on Technip’s door in Mobile. I’d ask about shore and afloat jobs, and I’d ask for a tour of the Global 1200. Alliance crews for other vessels too. You might see if Alliance would arrange an appointment at Technip and tour of Global 1200 for you before you go over to Mobile. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
My buddy is over there and likes it. But it could be cause he getting paid good money to hang out at the dock
Sent from my iPhone using gCaptain
I’m not sure what research vessel my friend is on. He should be back soon, but I spoke with him via email. He said his company is only hiring cadets for their entry level stuff. I guess the company has a contract with one of the academies. My other buddy with seadrill sent a hiring referral email to the HR people, but I have not heard back. I have followed up with email and I called, but the secretary would not put me thru to the HR people, she said “apply on line, have a good day” so both my contacts have fizzled out. TBE.
I will look into Technip on my trip. Thanks!
Haha, that seems to be the general response I get…I am a lil crazy I guess. I don’t have much exp with industrial design, but I don’t think it’s outside my scope. It’s just hard to get a seat at the table with no experience. I was dreaming of getting my hands dirty learning how the systems operate on the ground, and then with a working knowledge move into a design capacity. I also like the mariner schedule more so than the 9-5 job schedule… 9-5 usually turns into 7-7 for us any way. But 6 figures, hell I’ll live at the office.
[QUOTE=c.captain;70554]You have a civil engineering degree and want to sail as an OS/wiper? ARE YOU EFFING CRAZY!
Move to Houston and go to work for a major offshore engineering firm like Technip or Acergy! You will make a good 6 figure income and have a great ride upward as offshore grows and grows.
If you can do design work on risers and pipelines you will go far young man. Forget this nonsense about going to sea and clawing your way upward in some stupid union![/QUOTE]
Haha, that seems to be the general response I get…I am a lil crazy I guess. I don’t have much exp with industrial design, but I don’t think it’s outside my scope. It’s just hard to get a seat at the table with no experience. I was dreaming of getting my hands dirty learning how the systems operate on the ground, and then with a working knowledge move into a design capacity. I also like the mariner schedule more so than the 9-5 job schedule… 9-5 usually turns into 7-7 for us any way. But 6 figures, hell I’ll live at the office.
Call Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. They are always hiring and have a location in Green Cove Springs.
More like ALOT CRAZY! Check this out from RigZone:
The Global Edge Consultants Sr. Mechanical Engineer Mechanical Engineering, Refinery Specialist Houston, TX May 31, 2012
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Advantage Technical Resourcing Subsea Structures and Foundations Engineer Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Subsea Engineering Houston, TX May 31, 2012
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Clover Global Solutions, LP Facilities / Process Engineer Chemical Engineering, Facilities Engineer, Process Engineer Houston, TX May 31, 2012
Clover Global Solutions, LP Mechanical/Technical Lead Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Technician Houston, TX May 31, 2012
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Fircroft Inc Project Verification & Classing Coordinator Design Engineer, Process Management, Risk Management Houston, TX May 31, 2012
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Brunel Utilities Operations Representative - Long-term contract Facilities Engineer, Operations Manager Houston- Various, TX May 30, 2012
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ARRGGGHHHH! AND THIS IS ONLY FOR THE LAST THREE GODDAMNED DAYS!
LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF HARD LEARNED EXPERIENCE. DO NOT…REPEAT…DO NOT GO TO SEA AS A WIPER IN THE EFFING SIU!
btw, you know the only business likely booming more in Houston right now than oil and energy engineering is headhunting for engineers!