I just joined this forum and thought getting some input from current mariners would be helpful.
I’m currently in the process of getting my MMC and Applying for the Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprenticeship and had some questions about the Merchant Marines in general. I have an idea about what ship life is like but there are a few things I’d like to know.
My first question is, what is the general opinion on the Apprenticeship Program? Is it a good way to start?
Second is about the life after you become a Merchant Marine. My father was in the Navy in the Vietnam war and was describing the fights some the crew would get into, but what stood out was the sexual assault that could happen and stories of every once in a while someone getting pushed over board because of grudges or whatever. I know that sexual assault is a problem in the Military but I also know my dad has a way of exaggerating and I’m also not sure he wants me to be a Merchant Marine. Are these things a problem in the Merchant Marines? I read about female crew members being assaulted, and I know female company can be hard to come but as a guy should I be worried about dropping the proverbial soap? It never even crossed my mind, and I’m sure most crews just wait for port and get some local action, but what he said raised a concern and I just wanted to know what to expect.
And career wise. Is joining a Union a good idea? SIU seems to have mixed reviews.
I’ll let others here answer your specific questions but just to clarify:
it is the Merchant Marine not the Merchant Marines (the Marines is short for United States Marine Corps)
a person who works in ships in the Merchant Marine is a Merchant Mariner not a Merchant Marine (a Marine is a servicemember in the USMC)
You did use the correct term “mariner” which is a good thing.
Good luck in your choice of whether or not to “ship out” (a term used by both merchant mariners and members of the military since someone is bound to point their sharp stick at me)
Well, I’m not sure he actually witnessed what he’s told me, I imagine a lot of it was just hear-say. That’s why I was looking for clarification though. There are reports of increased sexual assault in the military, but the military is different in a lot of ways. It was also a different era, I imagine things have changed a lot since then. He also has anxiety and I could see him exaggerating things just because he doesn’t want his only son to go out to sea. He’s tried convincing me to keep to inland waterways for much the same reason it seems.
Hey Bojo,
I went to the SIU Harry Lundberg school and went through the apprenticeship program in 2010. It was a career change for me. I sailed on Trollers and long liners, then got a union land job for eighteen years then went to the Seafarer’s school. I was class 733. When I started at the SIU I already had a degree in diesels which doesn’t really count there. You have to ask yourself, where do you want to end up? Ships are three departments-Deck, Engine and Steward. Deck and engine have both licensed and unlicensed personnal and the stewards is all un-licensed. The details go way beyond what I want to type but suffice to say that anytime you need more education you will have the potential for more pay-and responsibility. I sailed my “third phase” ship through the SIU and ended up leaving the union, transfering some credit here to Maine Maritime and am now a full time student in the engineering program, at 43 years old. I didn’t leave the union because it was bad but because the opportunities are greater with a license. I think that the SIU as a whole is a great organization and well suited for a great many people. If you want more info private message me and we can work something out.
Piney Point class 488. I left the union because as they saying goes there is no “you” in union. I left in 95 for the bayou to work on mud boats and never looked back. It’s good for a young guy to get into the business. Like most things these days unless you are lucky you won’t retire from the SIU. These boards are littered with people who played the union game and lost. There are also many guys who were able to make a career of it. It’s up to you and what you make of your opportunities. Good luck!
Piney Point isn’t a bad orientation, but well paying jobs at SIU are nothing more than a myth. Sure they will probably find you a job, but it will probably pay peanuts. Quit worrying about the stupid shit. The only way you’re going to get violated is if you want to be.
[QUOTE=seadog6608;64801]Piney Point isn’t a bad orientation, but well paying jobs at SIU are nothing more than a myth. Sure they will probably find you a job, but it will probably pay peanuts.[/QUOTE]
I guess I lived a myth for 24 years.lol! Some of the “Inland” contracts paid well. When I left 2 years ago, DEUs made $290. With an AB ticket or QMED they made $325@day, 28/28, travel, plan G medical, 2 for 1 pension contributions, cap-off, wage-related pension, ect. Not much turn-over in those jobs.
My cousin just finished his trainee program and on his first deep sea job. He’ll sit for FOWT after this trip. He’s well aware of the feast or famine nature of the industry.
Which path are you interested in going? OS/AB to Mate, or Wiper/QMED to Engineer?
Seriously, the violence thing is a non-issue for the most part, as there is generally no quicker way to the unemployment line. I’m not even sure what the Coast Guard or Feds would do to you.
Has anyone been rejected by the SIU apprenticeship program?? please help me, I have nothing else in my life at all. I’m broke , have bills and I have a good background… I have an honorable discharge from the Army and went through paul hall center at piney point center 5 years ago for training through NCL cruiseline… why wouldn’t I get in… I’m 27 and in good shape… does anyone know someone that can help me get in or find another school… I have nothing now
[QUOTE=Fraqrat;64759]Piney Point class 488. I left the union because as they saying goes there is no “you” in union. I left in 95 for the bayou to work on mud boats and never looked back. It’s good for a young guy to get into the business. Like most things these days unless you are lucky you won’t retire from the SIU. These boards are littered with people who played the union game and lost. There are also many guys who were able to make a career of it. It’s up to you and what you make of your opportunities. Good luck![/QUOTE]
Hey buddy. I graduated from class 488 too!!! You talked about working on the Bayou?? I’m guessing. Coundin?? Parsons?? With a username like fraqrat?? I’m gonna guess Louisiana Coundin. I used my real name for my username so youd know who it was. Get at me brother!!!
You are drunk Sir Winston, you are disgustingly drunk. ’
Yes, Mrs. Braddock, I am drunk. But you, Mrs. Braddock are ugly, and disgustingly fat. But, tomorrow morning, I, Winston Churchill will be sober.”
I thought that reply was to Lady Astor.
They had a long standing relationship base on mutual loathing as expressed by this rejoinder:
“Mr Churchill you are such a horrible man that if you were my husband I would poison your tea.” To which Churchill replied: “Lady Astor if you were my wife, I would gladly drink it!”
