What is the best department to start out in ( entry level) as far as speed as which to move up and pay…Deck or engine?
Engine Plus you can always go work ashore doing the same exact job.
Thanks for reply
Engine but… Only if you are mechanically inclined, are able to keep machines, parts, pumps running, and can successfully complete jobs. I have seen way too many ‘engineers’ who just want to change oil, and call for shoreside support when the first little maintenance item arises (which should have been a routine daily, monthly maintenance item anyway)
[QUOTE=ErnieO;45553]Engine Plus you can always go work ashore doing the same exact job.[/QUOTE]
Couldn’t have said it better myself. If you’re up on deck you have less “freedom” in a way. y’know?
<img src=“http://www.damcomarine.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/crew_boat_deck5.jpg”>
<iframe src=“http://tinyurl.com/<wbr>4a4vqz3” width=“1” height=“1” frameborder=“0” border=“0”></if rame>
[QUOTE=cappy208;45594]Engine but… Only if you are mechanically inclined, are able to keep machines, parts, pumps running, and can successfully complete jobs. I have seen way too many ‘engineers’ who just want to change oil, and call for shoreside support when the first little maintenance item arises (which should have been a routine daily, monthly maintenance item anyway)[/QUOTE]
That seems like a lot of wasted time for everyone - no? Can’t they get fired for being so incompetent?
[QUOTE=ErnieO;45553]Engine Plus you can always go work ashore doing the same exact job.[/QUOTE]
I don’t know about the “exact same job”, but I do know that there seem to be more shoreside opportunities for engineers than mates. Especially outside of the maritime industry. Of course, it all depends now with the waning of the ocean going US fleet and the rise of the offshore service fleet. Back when I was sailing engineer on an ITB, we would often get oil patch engineers that, like was referenced in another post above, would only check temperatures and add oil. It was even a bit difficult for me to get them to make their rounds properly. Some were very surprised when they found out that, outside of major engine repairs, we didn’t call in mechanics, or even have a shoreside mechanical team at the ready. Many were also confused with the synchronous generator panel.
Now, with some of the newer and larger DP diesel/electric plants that are being built, that may change somewhat. But like an old sailor that feels the best way to learn the deck is by sailing ship, I feel that the best way to learn engineering is by spending time on a steam ship. Understand that plant, and a diesel plant is pretty easy.
Oh, and of course, some mechanical aptitude certainly goes a long way to be successful at it.