By the way, thanks for calling it the "Art of Towing", it has a nice ring to it.
I get that you think we ( Towing Master DE's and towing companies) are ignoring the experienced mariners who wish to take a different direction in the industry. I think you're off the mark with your post. They aren't applying here.
We (Towing Master DE's) aren't the ones complaining about the TOAR, we're embracing it. It's the one thing standing between an academy graduate stepping aboard and taking the helm without a clue. It has happened in the past and the TOAR prevents it from happening again.
I think and I expect you may agree, the ones who are complaining should re-assess their position, it's there to prevent an underqualified operator from steering his tow into danger or endangering himself and his crew (Perhaps those who need to complete the TOAR in spite of the license and experience on other vessels)
Any experienced mariner from any sector can agree that our jobs are not the same but for the "being afloat" part. I don't presume to know how to handle a DP rig, I know tugboats. I would expect to need training and the need to put in time to earn my DP certificate.
I don't agree with your reasoning on why we have a shortage of licensed mariners, specifically towing masters.
I think the experienced men and women looking to switch to tugs or towboats are reluctant to subject themselves to the ignoble tasks associated with "starting at the bottom" again. I get that. I don't think you're suggesting that we allow a Master >/= 200gt aboard and start him or her at the wheel without putting a reasonable amount of time on deck, IMHO it would be ludicrous.
One may be proficient with a large supply vessel, even an expert at DP, but tugboats ain't that. One wouldn't have the means to tell the deck gang what to do without firsthand knowledge. There are similarities with tugs and towboats that would apply to many different vessels, but in the end a tugboat/towboat is called upon perform any number of jobs that are very different. It takes a good amount of time to see all that a tug can and cannot do, and longer still to learn how to do them.
Any 3rd Mate that's hired will be deckhand to start just like anyone else, Steersman Apprentice or not). They won't see steering time until the master is satisfied they understand the deckhand's job first. You can't do an "end around" on the knowledge and experience you'll need before you can stand your own watch in the pilothouse handling barges or assisting ships. Yes, some 3rd Mates quit and move on, but it's hardly our fault for demanding they learn the job on our terms. We're not being malicious by asking that much.
That said, I would be happy, no delighted, to assess someone's ability and add to their knowledge and train them for the position, they just have to show up. They'll need to show me they understand what a tug can and cannot do from the deck
first. Putting in the time is necessary, once that is done I will do everything I can to get them where they need to be. There's no way you can manage the work without having experienced it from the deck first.
More experienced people will advance more quickly than inexperienced ones, it depends on many things. I had a fishing boat captain with 20+ years experience come aboard as a deckhand many years ago, he proved to be a helluva sailor. He stated in our first conversation that he wanted to steer eventually. My answer was, "I'll teach you how to deck, and when I see you understand that, I will train you for the wheelhouse". He was determined and allowed himself the time to learn what he needed and ended up as a tug mate within 3 years from that day. He showed dedication in every step he took. He had what it took and made it work, I was happy to help his advancement to the pilothouse.
So, when are
you coming aboard?
to Steve Foster; If you held a Freight and Towing license I believe you should have been
grandfathered for the MOT. The rule states that if you were a tug operator before May of 2001 and could show the time, you would get the endorsement at your next renewal. I've included a link to info that may be useful in your dealings with the
NMC.
Regards,
Capt Bill Brucato