You can find a cheap place to stay in NYC here https://www.couchsurfing.org/ or AirBnB, as well. Almost all the tow companies in town have docks on The Kills between Staten Island/NJ or Brooklyn and you could probably hit every office in 2 days using only public transport and your feet. As others have said, if you have a bag packed (pack warm) and no strings attached you could easily be hired by being in the right place at the right time. It’s cold and windy, people quit and get fired regularly (see drug tests), and operators are caught short handed on a regular basis. Fcuk the internet and online apps, will not likely get you anywhere. Also some companies that run significant NY Harbor ops are not based or have offices in NY at all (DANN Tampa).
Thanks for the info man, Airbnb looks great and I think that will be the path I choose. Also good to know that I won’t need to rent a car, that is going to be one of my biggest expenses in LA assuming I don’t get hired in New York and still need to make the trip. I am currently working on top of a mountain in Colorado, I am sure any amount of cold/wind will not be a problem. I have worked in a warehouse without air conditioning in july in Phoenix too so no amount of heat could possibly phase me. I can’t wait to make this trip!
Savage services is always hiring