Getting a Licensed Job for Tugs at the Union

**Salinity Now** · August 27th, 2009, 01:29 PM

Ive been doing the deep sea sailing now for the same company (non-union) for 5 years now. Im looking to get back into tug work and a faster turnaround time for time on/time off (like a 14 28day rotation vs 3 months). I worked for a tug company in the Texas back before I got my license, it was an SIU company but I always dealt directly with the company, the only times I dealt with SIU was to renew my annual medical clinic card.

So my question is, if I wanna try something different for a while, I dont have any "hot leads" to deal with any HR folks directly, but Im always hearing "rumors" about tug jobs from the union hall. Any body know which companies actually post tug jobs for licensed mates at the SIU halls? (and to make matters worse, I dont have my TOAR done, I was hoping to get lucky and find a company that has an active "training mate" program Ive heard about, but never been involved in, I do have my PIC and have previous experience on tank barges.

Thanks for any input, Im very leary right now about diving right in to a new area for my career, I have a good thing going now, but with our first baby on the way and Im taking several months off, I was thinking of doing some moonlighting to see what else is out there (but at the same time not plunge to deep with a company and end up burning a bridge.....ie i figured the union route may be a safer bet, just incase Im not ready to commit totally back to tug work)

Thanks for any help.

**da second** · August 27th, 2009, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Salinity Now

Any body know which companies actually post tug jobs for licensed mates at the SIU halls?

I'm guessing you mean AMO and MMP halls.

**injunear** · August 27th, 2009, 02:50 PM

Salinity
Getting your TOAR checked off is imperitive for a mates job. The best money and equal time rotations seem to be with the ATBs. It's hard to get a complete check-off on an ATB. You may have to start AB/utility on a dual mode to comply. Tankerman experience is a big plus.
If you can come back into good standing and recoupe your time with the SIU, Crowley and Penn are a good start. Good luck!

**mtskier** · August 27th, 2009, 03:23 PM

I wouldn't give up the bird in hand right now, especially if you have financial obligations. As of the beginning of the month Crowley wasn't hiring, and I had two years working for them...Then again I didn't really want to work for them or the MM& P either...Before Janet Williams passed she was the one that told the unions who was getting hired by C. Since she passed a number of people have tried to fill her shoes, unfortunately I don't think they know where to look...She is missed by those that actually sail for the Stack...
MTSKIER

**injunear** · August 28th, 2009, 01:11 AM

Sal..
Something else to consider when sailing SIU is the insurance coverage. There have been some changes but I believe you still have to sail 125 days in one year and 1 day the following year before the insurance kicks in.

**Salinity Now** · August 28th, 2009, 05:31 AM

Thanks for the input, some of the companies I was looking at was Crowley and Allied, both SIU companies, stopped by today and talked with the guys at my local SIU Hall, Im still in thier system, but basically starting from scratch. Im thinking the Crowley route may be a good option, just picking up whatever they will give me to get my TOAR done, I have no problem sailing out as a "training mate" or even working on deck for a few hitches just as long as I can get time towards getting my TOAR signed off, I know thats my biggest hurdle right now. Seems times really are harder now than they were a year ago this time.

I will CERTAINLY keep my bird in hand, before I ever thought of leaving for good and not know where my next paycheck is coming from. Im just hoping things turn around soon enough that companies will start hiring again for new guys wanting to work on a new career (not just get a paycheck.....even though i guess those two go together!!)

From talking with the SIU rep, most companies deal from within and then send you to the hall to get signed up (which is how it was the last time I worked for SIU down in Houston). I guess I'll just have to keep putting feelers out there and see where it takes me. But from what Im gathering, the idea of "pre-planning" for a career transition right now is not looking to positive.

Come on Obama.......give me some "Change we can Beleive in...."

Yeah RIGHT!!!!