# Please Help -new career working on ships **URL:** \ **Category:** gCaptain\ **Created:** [December 25, 2024, 11:20pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448 "2024-12-25T23:20:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 11:20pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/1 "2024-12-25T23:20:55Z")
I was wondering if some people could help me out. I want to start a new career working on ships. I plan to be an ordinary seaman. Im 48 years old. I have gotten my twic card and passport and just did my coast guard physical and passed. I know i have to pay a fee to get the MMC. I just really dont know what to do next. Any help is much appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![DavidMT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/278dde/32.png) [@DavidMT](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/DavidMT)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 1:50am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/2 "2024-12-26T01:50:26Z")
Where do you live? ---
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 2:03am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/3 "2024-12-26T02:03:18Z")
Kennesaw Georgia ---
**Author:** ![DavidMT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/278dde/32.png) [@DavidMT](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/DavidMT)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 2:09am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/4 "2024-12-26T02:09:09Z")
What type of shipping interest you? ---
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/5 "2024-12-26T19:44:51Z")
For now i would like to see the world. Maybe some day ill settle down and work on tugs ---
**Author:** ![ombugge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/ombugge/32/11217_2.png) [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 8:00pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/6 "2024-12-26T20:00:11Z")
Take your holiday trips to whatever country you would like to visit. The days were seafaring was an adventure is long gone. **Reality check:** Ships mostly calls at ports far from any interesting places and stays too short for you to see anything. ---
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 8:28pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/7 "2024-12-26T20:28:16Z")
Can someone help me on what i should do. I know I have to send in the paperwork to the coast guard. I guess i have to pay a fee correct? From what i gathered i have pay a 45 dollar fee. So do i pay that and then send in the paperwork? Also i took my drug screen and the dr didint fill out the first page of the application. I am not worried about passing as i dont do drugs or alcohol. So i should go back when i get the results to have them fill out that first page? How long will it take to get the MMC? How should i look for work? ---
**Author:** ![chuckspence](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8dc957/32.png) [@chuckspence](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/chuckspence)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 5:42am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/8 "2024-12-27T05:42:26Z")
Consider looking at the following **[Credentialing Guide](https://usw5000.org/credentials)**. This guide is provided by USW 5000 union and has some responses to your questions as to the USCG application process. It also speaks to possible employment and employers on the Great Lakes. As an unlicensed entry level mariner, Great Lakes employment does not require STCW endorsements which are required by deep sea vessel. However Great Lakes or other shipboard employment will get your feet wet. Once you are employed, then take the next step to start look into National and International STCW training and endorsements and the required sea time needed for advancement. Keep in min this training and MMC endorsements will have associated cost. So save up some money for upgrading to the next position. If you want to be in this industry, you will need sea time, tonnage and experience on a vessel in a ship’s department (deck, engineering, or steward) pick the one that you feel represents the best path for your future. Good Luck on your future choice. ---
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 6:12am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/9 "2024-12-27T06:12:10Z")
So i cant go as an ordinary seaman so to speak on maersk container ship? New to this. So excited to get in the industry. I used to live in Michigan so great lakes shipping not a killer for me. But was hoping to get out to sea or on a tug boat. ---
**Author:** ![DavidMT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/278dde/32.png) [@DavidMT](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/DavidMT)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 8:50am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/10 "2024-12-27T08:50:21Z")
Yes If you join SIU My advice would be to join SIU or SUP ---
**Author:** ![chuckspence](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8dc957/32.png) [@chuckspence](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/chuckspence)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 5:02pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/11 "2024-12-27T17:02:18Z")
As I see it there are two parts to your posting (1) USCG Credentialing (2) Employment. As to USCG Credentialing for International shipping. An entry level mariner requires STCW schooling e.g. Basic Training and Security classes. This schooling will need to be reflected on your MMC as STCW endorsements. After completing this initial training you will encounter shipboard training and assessment requirements for the specific department you are working in e.g. Rating Forming Part of Navigation (EngineerIng) Watch and Able Seafarer Deck (Engineering)Become familiar with the NMC Credentialing Website Checklist. In addressing the second part of your post. Certain positions based on your shipping focus will require completion of the credentialing process for entry level MMC . Seeking Employment: Being realistic your first job should focus on getting your feet wet immediately - not to find your dream job which possibly takes years. (1) The individual employer’s job descriptions will indicate employment requirements e.g. MMC, passport, and STCW requirements. (2) As for deep sea container shipping, they are usually controlled by union contracts. I recommend you research primary union websites to understand their shipping requirements. e.g., Seamans Union Pacific, Seafarers International Union, Marine Firemen’s Union, USW 5000 and etc…, (3) Towing industry you can search gCaptain threads that have a wealth of information on this specific industry. In your research you will find possible companies that were hiring this year and some of the discussion will address possible STCW requirements. Another possible list of companies is the website for American Waterways Operators Now it is up to you to do the research, research, research etc… ---
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 10:13am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/12 "2024-12-28T10:13:53Z")
Thanks for the help. Looks like im still quite a way from a new job so i wont quit my day one lol. So i was told by SIU that i have to go to a seminar which they do every Wednesday. Jacksonville is the closest to me. They said i go. They will do the rest? Sound right? ---
**Author:** ![Twofathoms](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/twofathoms/32/68890_2.png) [@Twofathoms](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Twofathoms)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/13 "2024-12-28T14:21:52Z")
Check out joe franta on YouTube. [Joe franta YouTube](https://youtu.be/H7HgVOFXCU4?si=UYU0mzqmOlg-qbwW) ---
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 2:38pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/14 "2024-12-28T14:38:25Z")
I watch a lot of his videos. Even tried to connect to no avail. I should ask if i need the mmc before i can do aything with SIU. I am looking too get out of my current job asap and star a new one. Jacksonville fl. Seems where i need to go. asap? ---
**Author:** ![Twofathoms](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/twofathoms/32/68890_2.png) [@Twofathoms](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Twofathoms)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 3:14pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/15 "2024-12-28T15:14:20Z")
Military sealift Command [MSC](https://sealiftcommand.com/?utm_source=MC&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_term=Departing_Military&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L67BhDUARIsADWrl7EPd6_wt_dUpKzS8yp0lwR_en0hwEGIRHVSGtObWoK4lyot9aBNPmIaAu_FEALw_wcB) ---
**Author:** ![chuckspence](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8dc957/32.png) [@chuckspence](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/chuckspence)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 3:39pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/16 "2024-12-28T15:39:34Z")
In general you will find that maritime employers are looking for seamen. So it is worth your time to gain the information that they will provide. . ---
**Author:** ![TDawg2003](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/tdawg2003/32/59014_2.png) [@TDawg2003](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/TDawg2003)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 9:15pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/17 "2024-12-28T21:15:30Z")
Join SIU I would say try msc but you better be ready for long trips ---
**Author:** ![Thalassophile79](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thalassophile79](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Thalassophile79)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 9:30pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/18 "2024-12-28T21:30:05Z")
I would suggest MM-Seas, if you have not submitted your application to the NMC. $10 plus the $140 for the USCG and they will take care of the application for you. ---
**Author:** ![mmonroe194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@mmonroe194](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mmonroe194)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 9:54pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/19 "2024-12-28T21:54:55Z")
Thats what i am wondering about. The fees. What should i do first. Submit my application to coast guard. Then pay my fees. Or vice versa. Or go to SIU and make a seminar and they do it? ---
**Author:** ![Tugslasthitch](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/tugslasthitch/32/1129_2.png) [@Tugslasthitch](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Tugslasthitch)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 12:59am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448/20 "2024-12-29T00:59:41Z")
Did you read the application page or anything because if you did you would know you have to submit the receipt from [pay.gov](http://pay.gov) with the application. Military sealift command would proudly take you. Prolly won’t even send you home for 8 months or so [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/please-help-new-career-working-on-ships/71448.md?page=2)