USN to MMD
Hows everyone doing? I would like to introduce myself. I recently got out of the Navy after 4 years of service. 3 years, 2 months of which were spent on the USS Porter (DDG-78) out of Norfolk, VA. I was a STG (Sonar Technician/ Surface) but I did spend a lot of time out of my division. I worked my way up to supervisor of aft sea & anchor operations. I also spent my whole time on the ships VBSS (Boarding team) which wel did a lot of small boat operations.
I got out in May 2008 and moved back to my native New York City and got a job with NYC DOT @ the Staten Island Ferry as a deckhand. I ahve been there since January.
Its a really good job and I have been working on moving up. I am trying to learn about how things go with MMD. I am looking to get my 3rd mates license (as a first step). My only problem is that things are kind of confusing because there aren't many people in the same boat as me. Most either got their mate's ticket a long time ago and cant help, graduated from a respective academy with a ticket, or are content staying on deck and have no aspirations of moving anywhere. So it is hard for me to find out the exact information.
My biggest issue is sea time. I have heard conflicting information about the requirements, or should I say documentation of the requirements. My DD-214, whcih is my separation paperwork, says 3 years, 2 months of "Sea Time." But that is just time served on the vessel the majority of which is tied up to the pier. It was where I went to work everyday but some people tell me that they only count the actual underweigh time, some tell me that the whole 3 years will count. Does anyone have any clarification on this? Any other info or advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks
//Kyle
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