Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyle G
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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The
USCG generally counts 40-60% USN time. The CG knows USN ships are in port, and also your rate is not really a deck rate, so you may also have some issues there. But at least they should give you some credit. You will just have to add that time to your present sea time. Also, in the past the
USCG did not take a dd214, you had to ask for a transcript of sea duty when you departed the USN. Not sure that is the case these days.
You also need STCW95, and a ton of other schools these days. Years back just sea time was needed, not the case now. Going from the deck to lic can be very costly unless you can locate a company that will employ you, and fund the schools.
Bottom line is: head to the
USCG, and ask them for an evaluation of seatime and tell them what lic you are going for. You may not be able to go right to the unlimted lic types, but may be able to land a smaller lic with more sea time and schools. good luck...