Should I even pursue this?

Maritime Employment
1

I was in the merchant marine in the early 90’s and I really would like to get back on a boat. I face some major hurdles though. I’ve worked in Information Tech for over 15 years. But have 10 years of experience as a cook, both in restaurants and a couple of boats. I’m a little rusty but could take over a galley or kitchen in no time. Things have changed since 9/11 though, I got my first Z-card just by strolling into a CG station. I have my TWIC and am currently waiting for my MMD (unlicensed OS) and getting the STCW BST just isn’t doable at this time. I would relocate anywhere and work on any boat as a cook or even a wiper if I could but I’m in Ohio and all of the companies are in the GOM area. My guess is that doing a job search through the Internet would be an exercise in futility and my best bet would be to pound the pavement in Houma or Galliano, LA. Would it actually be worth my while to save a few bucks and go do the 5 day BST somewhere? Should I just head to LA? Or am I crazy for even trying? And while I do like working in IT I’m getting burned out on it and at this point will do whatever it takes to get back on a boat. I’m kind of old… 50 but single and can pretty much move anywhere.

Any ideas, thoughts would be appreciated.

2

Mr. Jarchack,

Here are some cook opportunities. Be warned about headhunters, plenty of threads regarding that subject. Good luck.

1.) Offshore Cooks and Bakers
https://jobs-thomasmarine.icims.com/jobs/1011/job
Job Location: US-FL- Posted Date: 2/9/2012
More information about this job:
Overview:
We are currently recruiting for Cooks and Bakers for the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry.
You will be required to work on Oil Rigs, Barges, or Drill ships.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for managing a team of 3-15 kitchen personnel within a galley environment
Developing menus
Managing inventory
Must be able to cook, bake and prepare meals from scratch.
Heavy volume cooking.
Qualifications:
STEWARD/ Cook

Requirements:
4+ Years of operational knowledge in kitchen operations preferred
Culinary degree or qualifying experience
Knowledge of current health code standards
Team-oriented
Self-motivated

Must have, TWIC, Safe Gulf, Huet Water Survival

2.) , Mates, MOT-IN/OFF, Eng-Lic/Unlic OMED, PIC, OS w BST, Cooks, Crane OP, Deckhands w/exp. & TWIC.
251-665-7125 www.boatjobs.co

3.) VARIOUS - INGRAM BARGE COMPANY, ALABAMA

Job Details

INGRAM BARGE COMPANY, the leader in the inland marine community has openings for: TOWBOAT PILOTS (FLEET & LINE HAUL) VESSEL ENGINEERS DECKHANDS CULINARY COOKS Candidates must possess a current valid Driver’s License and High School Diploma/ GED. Generous wages, bonus plan and advancement opportunities, along with a comprehensive benefit package, (paid retirement, j401K, medical, life & AD&D, etc.) Interested candidates must apply on-line at www.ingrambarge.com EOE, M/F/V

3

[QUOTE=jarchack;65159]I would relocate anywhere and work on any boat as a cook or even a wiper if I could but I’m in Ohio and all of the companies are in the GOM area. My guess is that doing a job search through the Internet would be an exercise in futility and my best bet would be to pound the pavement in Houma or Galliano, LA. Would it actually be worth my while to save a few bucks and go do the 5 day BST somewhere? Should I just head to LA? Or am I crazy for even trying? And while I do like working in IT I’m getting burned out on it and at this point will do whatever it takes to get back on a boat. I’m kind of old… 50 but single and can pretty much move anywhere.

Any ideas, thoughts would be appreciated.[/QUOTE]

Pack your bags, have your paperwork in order, and drive on down there. I know one mariner that was 10 years older than you when he did that, and he hasn’t looked back. And he has a 23 hour drive down.

Go through some of the recent threads on people doing job searches, and there is a lot of good information on how to do pound the pavement successfully. Get on with the right company and they may cover training. Others not, but they may well hire you anyway.

A lot of people limit themselves unnecessarily.

4

I have a list of about 25 companies to hit up and Ingram was at the top along with MSC(I’m ex-Navy) and a few others. While the Net may work pretty well for IT jobs it functions only as an information gathering tool with regards to merchant marine employment. I’ve amassed some great links for everything from CG approved drug testing labs to practically every maritime company on US soil that has a web presence. But it ultimately boils down to a numbers game and doing a face to face with potential employers. And having done a short stint as a recruiter in tech I know enough to avoid them and any type of job agency that charges a fee.

Thank you for your input, it’s certainly appreciated.

5

Don’t forget the Great Lakes companies. Both Grand River and Interlake are based in the Cleveland area. They like to hire unlicenced people from not too far away, so you’re good there. Grand River is 440 930 2024 and Bill Penn is the guy you need to talk to. I don’t have contact info for Interlake.

6

Thanks for the info. Companies that operate out of the great lakes area don’t seem to have as many web sites as the ones in the gulf but seeing as how I’m not too far from Cleveland or Toledo it seems to be my best bet. I really wanted to give Ingram barge a shot but they won’t take applications from any Ohioan north of Columbus :(. I’ll get an app sent to Interlake ASAP. I’m curious why they do not require the STCW BST though. I suppose that’s for ocean going boats >200 tons from what I can tell.

7

[QUOTE I would relocate anywhere and work on any boat as a cook or even a wiper if I could but I’m in Ohio and all of the companies are in the GOM area. My guess is that doing a job search through the Internet would be an exercise in futility and my best bet would be to pound the pavement in Houma or Galliano, LA. Would it actually be worth my while to save a few bucks and go do the 5 day BST somewhere? Should I just head to LA? Or am I crazy for even trying? And while I do like working in IT I’m getting burned out on it and at this point will do whatever it takes to get back on a boat. I’m kind of old… 50 but single and can pretty much move anywhere.

Any ideas, thoughts would be appreciated.[/QUOTE]

NOW IS THE TIME TO COME ON DOWN TO BAYOU LAFOURCHE!!!
Companies are hiring most positions.
I have a guest at my B&B, again, this week who flew in from California on Sat.
He traveled around to see where most of the companies were located on Sunday.
On Monday, his first stop at ECO paid off.
He was hired by NIcky Collins as a 3rd mate, unlimited.
Had his physical and is now going to start orientaion classes.
He is a very happy camper.
Had he not taken a risk and spent the money on a flight to this area, he would have missed this opportunity of beginning a new career with a great company.
Rumor is that ECO can use about 50 more OS’s b/c of all of the new boats coming out very soon.
If this is your dream then you must make it happen.
So far, for the last 5 months everyone that has come down for a job and stayed at my B&B has gotten hired, unless they were in need of surgery.
Remember if you are in need of nice, affordable lodging while in the area looking for a new job or going to school at ECO training center in Galliano or LE Fletcher in Houma, please check out my website at www.achateauonthebayou.com
Or, go to my FB page and “Like” it at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/A-Chateau-On-The-Bayou-Bed-Breakfast-Claudette-L-Pitre/121896531157165
Also, remember that I offer a discounted rate of [B]$60/night [/B]for mariners.
You can email, PM, or call me at (985)537-6773 to make reservations.
Best wishes to all of you.
Claudette L. Pitre
A Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast
3158 Hwy 308
Raceland, LA

8

Thanks Claudette, I’ve already been to your web site and you’d be one of my first reservations. I’ve already contacted ECO and I’d have to get STCW basic safety before they’ll even talk to me. But there are a string of companies in that neck of the woods that I’d like to visit. I’m in Ohio and there are a few companies in the great lakes region that I’m going to hit up but if nothing pans out I’ll be headed south. I lived in NOLA for a while and got on my first ship there so the area is not unfamiliar to me. Thanks again for the info. and I look forward to talking with you in the not too distant future.

9

[QUOTE=jarchack;65405]Thanks Claudette, I’ve already been to your web site and you’d be one of my first reservations. I’ve already contacted ECO and I’d have to get STCW basic safety before they’ll even talk to me. But there are a string of companies in that neck of the woods that I’d like to visit. I’m in Ohio and there are a few companies in the great lakes region that I’m going to hit up but if nothing pans out I’ll be headed south. I lived in NOLA for a while and got on my first ship there so the area is not unfamiliar to me. Thanks again for the info. and I look forward to talking with you in the not too distant future.[/QUOTE]

ECO teaches basic safety training a few times a months. Wonder why they told you that. The Chouest family explicitly decided to build that school to accommodate people that did not have safety training - so they can get it.

10

This is what their reply was:

“Thank you for your interest in our company. See application enclosed.
PLS NOTE: To be considered for employment onboard our vessels, one must possess a valid Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD, MMC or Zcard), a valid TWIC card and STCW95. Obtaining these documents does not guarantee a job offer. For more information on how to obtain these documents please contact the USCG 888-427-5662”

Another person from ECO e-mailed me a couple of days later and it said only “u will also need stcw class”. So, I am not sure if they meant their class or that I’d have to have STCW prior to even applying. I e-mailed back and asked for clarification but haven’t heard back yet. I fully intend on taking STCW on my own(if I have to) at one of the maritime colleges but I just don’t have a chunk of change that large to spare right now.

11

They have been asking OS new hires to complete BST prior to application lately. My guess would be the market is flooded with qualified applicants so why spend the time and money on new hires? I’ve also heard of turnover even at entry level…chasing the dollar.

12

Since it’s an employer’s market and will be for some time, it only makes sense for them to look at prospective employees that require little investment on their part. The downside to treating employees as if they were just commodities it that it will ultimately affect the bottom line in terms of morale and productivity. That doesn’t hold true for all segments of industry but it certainly does in Information Technology or any others populated with jobs that have learning curves.

13

[QUOTE=jarchack;65312]Thanks for the info. Companies that operate out of the great lakes area don’t seem to have as many web sites as the ones in the gulf but seeing as how I’m not too far from Cleveland or Toledo it seems to be my best bet. I really wanted to give Ingram barge a shot but they won’t take applications from any Ohioan north of Columbus :(. I’ll get an app sent to Interlake ASAP. I’m curious why they do not require the STCW BST though. I suppose that’s for ocean going boats >200 tons from what I can tell.[/QUOTE]The Great Lakes do not require STCW as of yet. that’s strictly an Oceans/International thing. I think the time will come when they make it compliant, but the industry is fighting it tooth and nail.