Hello to all of you,
I’ve been a follower of the forum from when I started sailing and am glad I finally got a chance to post something here
I’m an Indian 2M on Container vessels with a Masters Unlimited License from the UK and am moving to New York on a work visa as my wife got a job here
I’m fully aware that I can’t sail here unless I’m a citizen and honestly I feel the Jones act is a brilliant way to safeguard and pay the sailors here what they deserve so that they don’t get flooded like other countries.
I was hoping that the community here could guide me as to what shore jobs I could apply for. Any leads would be helpful and any criticism is more than welcome 
A lot of foreign flag shipowners are based in and around Greenwich, Connecticut. They employ a lot of foreign mariners in office jobs. Indian officers are very well represented in management.
I suggest that you join the Connecticut Maritime Association, and network.
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Stamford, Connecticut too
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I’m by no means an expert on the issue & going off my memories from over a decade & a half ago when I mostly worked state side but it used to be you could sail on US flagged vessels with a work visa but only as unlicensed. I’ve worked with scores of non-citizens with uscg AB & QMED tickets. I think US QMED’s make good money nowadays, maybe $350-$500 a day. I’m not a license consultant but I would guess you need to start working on the simple process of getting a TWIC, uscg physical & o.s/wiper document to find out?
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New York does have a wealth of maritime jobs available. Depending on your financial situation, you might consider going back for a masters degree, either at SUNY Maritime if you want to stay in the industry or really anywhere. Many tugboat companies on Staten Island, most with office jobs available. A lot of ship finance/insurance/chartering jobs in the NY area, depends on what you’re looking to do.
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Try your luck here:
And here:
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/us-maritime-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,11.htm
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Thank you. I’ll join the association and get in touch with them regarding this
Thank you Sir, that is a good suggestion I was thinking of the same. No offense to the brilliant crews I’ve worked with but if I go down this path I’d end up sailing as an AB forever. I do wish to sail as a 2M and then as a Chief but since I can’t do that I’d rather move ashore and move up the ladder since there’s no barriers there. I have worked as a dangerous good and stowage planner in my company office for 6 months but I’m open to other paths too
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Would that be the Masters in Shipping and Logistics at SUNY ? They are online also so I am considering doing it online while I sail since it does put a dent in the pocket
The Masters degree would help me network. I’m wondering if it’s worth it to invest the money, Would it help gain further career opportunities
I’m mostly looking to get into operations for liner companies since I have experience with it…Moving ashore is still a challenge for any seafarer,so I’m trying to learn as much as I can about it
They do offer an online program, but I’d honestly say a bigger benefit would be the in-person networking opportunities to line up a job.
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Right I understand. They allow us to do half remotely and half on the campus. I will consider that. Thank you
Look around for information on becoming a SIRE inspector
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To all the responders to the post. It is very heartening to see many of you taking the time to respond with good suggestions. This is more than generous and kind.
To the original post - my 2 cents.
In addition to all the good advise, try these as well.
Gulf coast. Oil and Gas industry. Focus on your safety knowledge. Write to all the oil majors such as Shell, BHP, etc. who have rigs in the GOM as well as the contractors/designers of rigs based in Housto
East coast. Insurance. Check out and write to all the P&I clubs who have offices in NY
Class. Write to all the Class societies … they may a requirement for a person stationed in NY
Good luck.
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Yes it’s honestly really good to hear all the advice from everyone. I was apprehensive about moving to a new country initially but it looks like the community is rather supportive. I truly thank all of you with the years of experience for helping a new guy out.
I’ll follow your advice sir. Will start reaching out to the oil and gas majors
Insurance should fit my profile mainly in loss prevention, I have seen some openings at North Standard and other P&I clubs. Will check with the class societies.
I will visit all of them personally once I reach there, to network and gain some information.
I’m thinking with my experience I’d be a good fit in liner operations departments and as a safety advisor and auditor if possible
Thank you for your time
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One would think if you are currently or recently sailing on non-US flag ships using a UK 2nd mate CoEC or CoC, and hope to advance your license, you can just continue doing so.
Most employers of seafarers do not care where you live.
This is true but USCIS definitely does care. I’ve know people who had their tourists, B1 & B2 visas renewals denied because they weren’t sufficiently used. To move from the 2 yr temporary resident to a 10 permanent resident the applicant had to spend 75% of that 2 yrs in the US. If a person enters on a F129 visa they can’t leave the US until their temporary resident is approved. The US government makes it hard for those entering the US legally imo. From my experience with my wife & friends who migrated to the US, flying back in on a visa alone was always nerve wrecking becausee entry could be denied for all kinds of dumb reasons.
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There is a huge number of Indians living in the USA that are employed shoreside in shipping. I have no doubt they will be very helpful
Must have two years as CM or Capt on a tank vessel to become a sire vetter.
I do work in a good company and have a UK COC, 2M here make like 5000 usd a month and I can sail six to seven months a year but that’s really not enough money to live in New York. I have been planning to move ashore earlier too and tried a stint as a stowage planner but was waiting till I get promoted to Chief so I could have better options. Honestly I want to be close to family also, it’s been 10 years of long stints.
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Just an idea…usually plenty of jobs as an HSE coordinator at shore based plants/companies. When I have dabbled with the thought of going on the beach, I have received good response when inquiring about HSE jobs. Resume should highlight experience with ISM/details of background with safe work policies along with documentation of same and form management.
The pay isn’t bad, certainly not what I make sailing, but just sleeping at home more nights is awfully appealing. Of course working M-F and missing midweek hunting and fishing is a drag for me!
Best of luck.
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