new,first post.Navy vet need advice for work

[Clutch cargo]

Hello,
I will throw out several questions help me if you can.My experience is 4yrs as a Boiler Tech, lot of sea time.I want to get back to ship work.

• TWIC card first? then what other cert. card etc.
• Do have to join a union?
• Military Sealift Command?
• Private cargo/container ship ?
• Quality of ship life(living space,food,communications)
• I don't mind long hauls(3 months on 1 month off ???)
• Would I have to start at the very bottom in the Engine Dept.?

Thanks.

[Shellback]

BUMP:
I didn't want his questions to get lost..

I'm not at my regular computer to send him the Marine safety manual,volume III , which deals with prior Navy sea time....Maybe one of you good folks could,..

The answers to your questions will vary depending on what type and size of vessel you end up on...In general, engineering types seem to be in demand..

What will be the determining factor for you is what info you possess from your Navy seperation papers..Any PQS qualifications, watch officer certifications ect..I'm a deck guy so my info on how the Coast Guard regards Navy engine room time is very limited...

[unlim_master]

Hello,
I will throw out several questions help me if you can.My experience is 4yrs as a Boiler Tech, lot of sea time.I want to get back to ship work.

• TWIC card first? then what other cert. card etc.
• Do have to join a union?
• Military Sealift Command?
• Private cargo/container ship ?
• Quality of ship life(living space,food,communications)
• I don't mind long hauls(3 months on 1 month off ???)
• Would I have to start at the very bottom in the Engine Dept.?

Thanks.

Yes, you need a TWIC. You also need a "Z" card. When I got mine you needed a letter of intent to employ.. these days not sure what needs to be done. You also need a host of other schools these days as well.

MSC - a solid no.. read other post here for the run down on that orgainzation.

If I were you I would head for the USCG with transcript of sea duty in hand ( from the USN), and see what sea time you can get out of them. You may get in with a company in the Gulf of Mexico, ( La, Texas etc). If so, they may put you into schools needed after they employ you at an entry rating.

Don't think anyone is going to roll out the red carpet due to your USN background. While you may be able to get a foot in the door a lot of Ex-USN types think they know all about going to sea and I can tell you that at this point little to nothing you learned in the USN will help you out here. Not the same world. I mention this to save you some possible problems down the road. Personally, I would not mention it unless asked when shipping out in the industry.

[Jeffrox]

Clutch Cargo,

Spinner and Paddlefoot say to read chapter 2 here: http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/1...M_16000_8B.pdf

[sailormike]

I can tell you as of 2 years ago that the coast guard will give you 60% of your sea time wich they count as 8 hour days if you were in a deck rateing or a fireman rateing. You will get around 60% of your sea time to count towards a engine room endorsment. The sea time from the Navy has to be documented very well, or you wont get anything.