Incidentally, MSC happens to be one of the few employers left that you can sail with and actually experience enjoyable port calls in exotic locales, and actually have a little time to do some stuff while ashore.
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I second Tugslasthitchâs advice. The maritime industry is in crises mode but the clouds may be breaking. MSCâs dilemma is probably your golden opportunity to fast track into shipping. They need seamen, period full stop. Do not walk, run. Contact MSC. If not contact SIU directly. Check out their Piney Point Harry Lunenberg Seafarer school website.
Some companies/ vessels no longer have ordinary seamen o/b. MSC or SIU, your best two bets.
Sounds like i need to make a trip to Jacksonville. Siu told me they do seminars every Wednesday. Thats the closest. They said basically that i cant do anything without attending a seminar
After you get through the credentialing process, the best place now to âgo see the worldâ is either on UNOLS research ship fleet vessel or a mega yacht. The bigger vessels in UNOLS (Tommy Thompson, Atlantis, Revelle, NOAA Ron Brown) will hit more foriegn ports. Those will be limited to areas that other foreign national research agencies donât cover.
Good luck.
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Except you probably wonât have much money to do anything.
Sailing the grey hulls out of the Halls might be a better choice.
Given your initial post statement, I am following up my previous response by going beyond credentialing to developing general shipboard knowledge.
My guidance is similar to other threads found on gCaptain regarding developing a professional foundation and background.
Consider the current USCG Policy letter 02-24 on the sea time requirements for advancement to the next national level in deck department. While perusing your MMC credential looking ahead to obtaining some general shipboard knowledge thru professional reading.
Professional Reading assist in shipboard OJT instruction regarding: Sea Language / Nautical Terms / Equipment nomenclature/Knots/Helm Commands etc⌠as defined in 46 CFR 12.405 and 46 CFR 12.407 or 46 CFR 12.409.
For the moment here are few electronic suggestions:
Sidebar: Army Deck Mariners (88K) are required to set for their USCG endorsements and licensure so their manuals have some good information.
- o U.S. Maritime Service Manuals Preliminary Training, Engineering Branch, Deck Branch
- o Army Marine Crewmanâs Handbook TC 4-15.51 2018 Ed
- o Army Marine Crewmanâs Handbook FM-55-501 1999 ed
- o Army Rigging Techniques, Procedures, and Applications FM 5 125
- o Army Rigging Techniques, Procedures, and Applications FM 5-125/3 1995 Ed.
- o Army Cargo Specialist Handbook TC4-13
- o Knights Modern Seamanship 7th Ed
- o Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook.
- o IALA Buoyage System
- o U.S. Aids to Navigation Systems Plates
- o U.S. Aids to Navigation System
- o NMC National Checklist
- § Lifeboatman
- § Able Seaman
Hopefully this will get you started down the path you are looking for.
So. Im trying to keep it simple. I am going to do pay.gov today. Got my drug test results. If i send in the 16 pages of paperwork will i get an mmc? I want to work on ships immediately. Will i have that possibility after going to Jacksonville for an SIU seminar
If your application documents meet USCG requirements; have no clerical errors; and there is no security or subtility issues you should receive an entry level MMC.
If there are issues with your application, you will be notified by the Coast Guard in an Awaiting Information Letter. Once any questions are resolved then the credentialing process should be completed.
As to your road trip to Jacksonville and the SIU seminar, that becomes a mater of open deckhand or shipboard utility positions available for new union applicants.
If you are looking for guarantees, be realistic, there are none. Just possibilities and opportunities.
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I guarantee msc would take you MSC - Entry Level
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So i want to be sure. Send this along with the 719 and i should get an mmc. Entry level. Go to Jacksonville and maybe would get a job?
Thanks for all the help as well so far. Happy 2025
Send (email) your packet to USCGâs NMC email address. Go to Jacksonville and learn what is required for you to get a job through the SIU. Understand without going through SIUâs Apprentice program you will start out as a âCâ Book. That is the lowest seniority level looking for an entry level job.
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So i dont need to mail it? Just email to the correct address? So scan it in and email? No need to send? I only want ordinary seaman. Maybe i can work up the ranks.
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/
Yes, scan and email. Be sure to list the entry ratings of Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, and Food Handler.
Steps to Apply for an Original MMC
- Step 1. Determine the Officer and/or Ratings that you wish to obtain by visiting the NMCâs Checklist Page. Specific requirements can be found on the checklists. Then come back to this page.
- Step 2. Obtain a Transportation Workerâs Identification Credential. Be sure to list your occupation as a Merchant Mariner. Make photocopy of TWIC or copy of the TWIC application receipt.
- Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.
- Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement.
- Step 5. Fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate or CG-719K/E Application for Medical Certificate for Entry Level Ratings.
- Step 6. (OPTIONAL) 3rd Party Release: Can be listed on Page 5 of the CG-719B, Page 10 of the CG-719K, Page 5 of the CG-719K/E and/or on an alternate form.
- Step 7. Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form or options listed on Page 2.
- Step 8. Pay user fees at https://www.pay.gov (preferred payment method). Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.
- Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
- Step 10. (IF APPLICABLE) Obtain relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and/or Assessment(s). Make photocopies of all course completion certificates and/or completed assessments.
- Step 11. If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit all your forms and supporting documentation to the local Regional Exam Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications, submit all your forms and supporting documentation directly to NMC at: MMCApplications@uscg.mil.
- Step 12. (OPTIONAL) If you wish to receive your credential via a method that can be tracked and will reach you in a few days, consider using an expedited mailing option.
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Follow the instructions on the NMC Website noting that:
- All scan documents are in Adobe PDF format only,
- In the subject line of your e-mail include your Last Name, First Name, and your last four last digits of your SSN .
- Send your email to MMCApplications@uscg.mil.
45 is only the issuance fee, there is also an application fee unless something has changed
What to do now? Paid 45 to pay.gov. what do i pay for now. Have no problem with it. But i dont want to send in the paperwork and get denied. Also. Want to thank everyone for help. It is so appreciated. Happy 2025 to all.
There should be a drop down for application fee . Search pay.gov for national maritime center itâs like 95 bucks or 100 or something
Get your personal info off the 'web!!! Remove the pic or black out the data!
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