Laid off from HOS in April. Looks like a loud mouthed, very opinionated, often described as combative, spiritual and optimistic tugboat skipper is not exactly what HOS needed to survive the downturn. Now I’m back on the east coast towing again and doing fine. My first trip in the oilfield was a six year stint from 1993-1999 and I learned a lot and did well. But going back in 2013 was entirely different. No longer were experience and boat handling skills needed. Administration replaced the need for officers that can run a crew effectively. The new oilfield is looking for college educated Mariners and also Mariners with a military background that can follow orders and not ask questions or express doubt in regards to the folks that make up the rules in the first place. I tried and looked out for my crew, my vessel and then my company. I’d like to think I was only let go because I didn’t hold a 6000 ton endorsement but I think it was the boys and girls in Covington are wanting a different type of individual to run their big pretty black and orange boats. The oilfield that exists in the GOM in 2015 is a very hot political place without much room for undisciplined behavior or mistakes. Promotions and demotions occur daily and men and women fear and worry for their positions. The USMM should never let their employer hold them in this position so I’ll pray that these good men and women ban together and gain a better foothold in this landslide of doubt that exists for employees of these major companies. I’d like to think if the money came back to the rates that were offered in 2013 I’d return but it’s a very difficult decision after what water has passed under my keel since that last day with the Company of Choice.
Having the same thing happen to me… Obviously they don’t like “assholes” out here cause that’s what I get called on a regular basis… Got a possibility to go work on tugs… How is the transition from OSV’s to Tugs? What advice can anyone give me?