marine job information

**brendle5** · June 5th, 2009, 06:27 AM

i have been interested in the marine industry for awhile now but find it difficult to get information...i have been a mechanic for 20 years..autos,heavy equipment,military tactical equipment,generators,etc...are there any shipboard jobs that my background would be an asset..

**Capt Brian** · June 6th, 2009, 04:04 AM

Brendle5 - The answer is yes. Your skills would transition over to the maritime industry. You will have to have seatime on a vessel and then some testing. Of course, there will be more then just engines on the tests that you will have to take. First step would be to apply for a TWIC card, then after you receive that, apply for with the USCG for a MMC. Getting both of these will "help" you get your foot in the door with a company. When you finally get hired on with a company, you will probably start as a wiper in the engine room. After you get more seatime then you can again submitt your application to the USCG for the next step to moving up. I am a little baffled with the procedures in the engine room for moving up to Chief Engineer, so maybe one of the other more informed members will pick up where I left off.

Good luck

**brendle5** · June 6th, 2009, 09:06 AM

thanks for the info.i have a TWIC card and will check into the other monday...really looking for a second career right now...been working around the world for the last 20 years and now that i have pretty much stopped doing contract work,i just can't hardly stand being at home all the time..

**Shellback** · June 6th, 2009, 06:12 PM

Brendle,
welcome aboard

In regards to the TWIC card that you have..Do you know what occupation you listed it under? Example, marine , trucking,ect...

The Twic will need to have a marine occupation or the Coast Guard won't be able to read it..If you call the TWIC help line they can answer this question for you and I believe they can change it for you if need be...

Good Luck..