Screwed Myself Licensing

Maritime Topics Maritime Training & Licensing
1

Hello all,

I graduated from CMA back in 2013 and spent most of my time on vessels under 1600 GRT. I got upgraded in 2015 to 2nd mate with a 2000 GRT restriction and Master 1600. I’ve mostly been sailing on the masters ticket since. I’ve been working now for American Cruise Lines (ACL) for several years who’s ships are all magically under 100 GRT despite the 4000ish ITC tonnage. I’m trying to upgrade my 2nd to unlimited so that I can eventually go for chief and master unlimited. I thought that USCG 543 Policy Letter 11-12 would open up an ability for me to use my time as mate with ACL with the ITC tonnage. The coast guard seems to disagree. I’ve applied for jobs as a 3rd on larger ships and just get told I’m overqualified. Any tips on getting out of the hole? Would going union help?

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I’ve never had the union tell me I’m overqualified, so there’s that. If you have, or can get a PIC there is still work to be found in AMO, and I’m sure some sort of work in MMP as well.

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I have to ask - how did they go from 4000 to 100? You can get a 100 ton Masters without ever being near anything remotely the size of ACL boats.

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The absurdity of US tonnage rules for “regulatory tonnage.”

And also, the USCG’s perverted fetish for using that absurd regulatory tonnage for licensing purposes.

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