WA State Ferries is desperate for any body with an MMC to work for them. The biggest issue is being a newb and having no fixed work schedule. You need to be “on call” for at least 6months I believe and lots of people don’t like that kind of BS.
further if you come in already holding a license with enough tonnage you cannot be a mate/observer for at least 6months and still have to go through the on call period as a seaman although you do not have to be an OS if you hold AB so get to bypass cleaning the toilets.
regarding promotion potential, you cannot find better. Paid training, great benefits, easy work (basically being a bus driver and parking garage attendant if you are deck). no chipping or painting either…that is for the shipyards to do.
if you want to escape the GoM and Joe Boss you will do very well