New career advice needed

[Wet Dog]

Hello all! New to the forum and looking for some advice and hopefully to get a few questions answered.

I'll start with some background info.

I am 37 years old and would love nothing more than a career at sea. I worked on a commercial fishing boat out of Stock Island(in the Florida keys) in the early 90's. I have always loved the water but never pursued a career because of my wife. Well I got rid of the wife after 15 years of marriage, so now I am free to travel and do whatever I wish.

My problem is that I was convicted of robbery without a weapon(strong-arm robbery) and served 42 months in prison. I got out of prison in June of this year and I know that I have to wait 5 years before applying for a TWIC.

I would like to know if anyone here has had any experience with the waiver process?

I will have to wait a couple years to get my life in order and get together some good work and character references before I can show rehabilitation and try to get a waiver of course. I am just trying to get a feel for what my chances would be.

If I do have to wait the the entire 5 years, what kind of obstacles would I have to overcome because of my conviction in order to get the TWIC, MMC, and any other certifications/endorsements?

Would I have any chance of getting a job if/when I am able to get the proper licenses?

What kind of work would be my best choice for getting a job?

What options do I have for employment on the water if I am unable to get the TWIC and MMC?

I am not concerned too much with pay or spending long periods at sea. I am single and have no ties to keep me on-shore. I just love the ocean and would give anything for a chance to spend the rest of my life surrounded by it. All advice, information, criticism, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Mr 100-ton]

What options do I have for employment on the water if I am unable to get the TWIC and MMC?

I think that the only position on a vessel would be fishing as they currently do not require mmd or twic and private yacht as a deckhand
i think all commercial vessels need mmd and twic,, not sure about something like a 50 ton or less commercial vesel

[seadawg]

IMHO..begin your quest here..start a rhetoric with the local TWIC office..you just might be able to get a TWIC..once you get the TWIC then begin the MMC process with your local REC and NMC..BEST LUCK!!

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers...squalification

[Wet Dog]

Thanks for the input. I have read the TSA site in depth "Interim Disqualifying Offenses" meaning it is a temporary 5 year disqualification unless I'm missing something here, but would I even be able to get a job? I mean it seems to that you have to jump through so many hoops in this industry just to get to the point where you can apply for a job that companies should at least give you a chance. Maybe I am just being too optimistic. I know I am fighting an uphill battle here but nothing good in life ever comes easy so I am determined to give it my best.

[seadawg]

IMHO..begin your quest here..start a rhetoric with the local TWIC office..you just might be able to get a TWIC..once you get the TWIC then begin the MMC process with your local REC and NMC..BEST LUCK!!

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers...squalification

sorry!!attempted to edit my post yesterday without success..aquiring the TWIC "waiver" is reputed to be a somewhat "ambigueous process"..wouldnot hurt to discuss directly your individual "situation" with them??as you are probably aware in order to get a MMC you first need a TWIC..in concern to potential employment in this economic enviroment expect your "record" would most likely have an adverse influence??

[Wet Dog]

Thanks for the info seadawg. I know it's tough out there for everyone right now, everywhere I go I see people begging for jobs. Where I live we have 15% unemployment rate. I also see on the boards that there are a lot of people with years of experience and much more qualified than me without jobs. Of course we all know that this situation is not unique to the maritime industry. But I will not get discouraged trying to do this, I mean I have to fight this battle no matter what industry I work in. Thanks again for the input, I will take any advice I can get.

[arkcpt]

I retired earlier this year, 34 years ordinary seaman to master, and can tell you many things have changed over the years. I remember when guys would report to the vessel with parole papers in hand. Having a beer on board wasnt a problem.
My suggestion would be to go the straight to the source,, the REC and get some questions answered. Since you would be coming in on a entry level you might try the Seafarers International Union and they might be able to guide/assist. Other factors: Are you presently on parole. Were drugs and or alcohol part of the original charges and were you convicted on those charges. If so it could be sticky. There are guys out there with criminal records and prison time. Some with licenses. Keep your nose clean stay at it. However since we live in a post Exxon Valdez and 9/11 world you might have some hoops to jump thru.

[Wet Dog]

No drug or alcohol charges. I have never had a problem there. No parole or probation either. I expect that I would have to wait out the entire 5 years to apply for the TWIC but I am going to try for a waiver. Guess the worst that could happen is that it gets denied. I am going to make some calls tomorrow and see what they say.

[injunear]

I am going to make some calls tomorrow and see what they say.

I'd advise inquire with an E-mail or letter. Keep a copy of ALL correspondance. Walking through the process can very easily turn into a slog. Good luck!

[Mr 100-ton]

Give it a shot,,,, the worst thing they can say is NO,, ask question like what is the appeal/reconsideration process and such IF they say no,,,
don't give up on it,,,if you do not like the first answer go higher up the ladder till you get the answer you like,,, might take some time , might have to work for it but if it is what you want then the fight is worth it,,, in the last 18 months I have completed all but 2 classes for the 3rd mate unlimited,,,, those 2 classes will be finished mid janurary,,,, that is 22 weeks of school while working full time,,,, only will lose about 28 days days of pay for the time taken off, most said i could not do it,,,in 6 week I will have a smile from ear to ear,,, i will get it done,,,, take that attitude and JUST DO IT,as for the people who said i could not and tried to stop me and slow me down, they are still OS's and AB's,, talk about going to school but in the last 18 months non of them have taken 1 class or read 1 book,,,,,

put in the application and DO NOT GIVE UP

[Azimuth]

If fishing is not an option, try small inland companies. Documents not required to get your foot in the door. Several smaller companies are located away from major port facilities so you could "slip thru the cracks" with respect to your TWIC. And if you happen to pull into a major port, don't leave the port or you might not be able to get back in. If you find something along these lines they probably won't be one of the better outfits to work for but it is a foot in the door of the industry.

[Wet Dog]

Thanks for the tip Azimuth. Fishing is of course an option. I am looking right now for something in Florida preferably around Ft Myers but I would rather relocate. I was born and raised here and I am ready to get away from this place. It is tough out there right now and I am sure anyone looking for a job will agree. I was thinking of heading to the North West and see if I could get on a boat even a processor, I am not picky at this point I will take ANY job I can get. Preferably on the water but hey if Burger King is hiring I will take it!

[SaltySailor]

Thanks for the tip Azimuth. Fishing is of course an option. I am looking right now for something in Florida preferably around Ft Myers but I would rather relocate. I was born and raised here and I am ready to get away from this place. It is tough out there right now and I am sure anyone looking for a job will agree. I was thinking of heading to the North West and see if I could get on a boat even a processor, I am not picky at this point I will take ANY job I can get. Preferably on the water but hey if Burger King is hiring I will take it!

If you don't mind the cold, head to Seattle and look at getting an entry-level gig on a fish processing vessel. Some pay hourly (minimum wage) others pay a % or a case rate. The Alaska fishing industry always needs people to fill a variety of positions.

Keep in mind that processing seafood is a mind numbing job, 12 hours is an easy day and you might have 16 or even 18 hour days for weeks at a time with very little sleep, often in very uncomfortable conditions. Many of the rooms will sleep 4-6 guys and fights are not uncommon (depending on the company/vessel).

An easy company to get on with seems to be Fishing Company of Alaska (FCA). FCA also had one of it's vessels go down not too long ago with the loss of 5 crewmembers.

3 month contracts are the norm, but it's possible to make 6 grand a month while working 18 hour days. Some of the larger companies do conduct background checks, but I have seen guys with felony convictions out there.

Not east (or fun) work, but it can pay and you don't need a TWIC or any other paperwork.

And if you stick with it, you can also try getting on with either a catcher boat or a tender. In my opinion tenders are the way to go. Day rate ($120-140 a day to start, engineers can make $200 a day) and it's a much easier gig than either cleaning fish or being on-board an actual fishing boat.


Alaska is the last frontier for a reason... If you're willing to work hard, it's possible to make a decent living in the great north.

[Wet Dog]

So in your opinion what would be the best time to go? I t is my understanding that it is busiest up there in summer, so May or early June?

[chgonyer]

Just keep talking to everybody you can and be up front about things, its tough but there are jobs out there and alot of people that are willing to and want to help people get in this industry. persistance pays off brother.
Alaska is all year round, depending on what and where you want to fish. salmon generally spring/summer in places like bristol bay, out of ketchican etc. pollock cod and crab have openers year round out of every where, dutch harbor, kodiak etc etc.....winters suck up there, spent 10 years out of dutch. saltysailor is right though, shitty no fun work.

good luck brother and happy holidays

[Wet Dog]

Thanks, I don't mind the cold so much, I am just leery about getting up there and not finding work. I read everywhere about all the people going up there because they watch "Deadliest Catch" and think that they are going to get rich in one season. I do not have such illusions. Those positions are not easy to get and usually go to a family member or a friend of a friend. I was thinking about getting on a purse seiner or as Salty Sailor mentioned a tender. It seems to me that the easiest job to get would be with a processor, at least then I would be up there and be in a position where I could support myself as well as meet people and eventually move into a more desirable position on a boat. But I am willing to do whatever it takes! Thanks again and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

[Wet Dog]

Are you sure about that? Robbery falls under "Part B - Interim Disqualifying Offenses" which means that I have to wait 5 years or get a waiver. I was released from prison in June of this year. If I am missing or overlooking something here please enlighten me. Have you known anyone that has been through the waiver process? If so I would be eager to hear their opinions or advise on how to best go about it successfully.

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers...squalification

States in part:

Part B – Interim Disqualifying Offenses
Conviction for one of the following felonies is disqualifying if the applicant was convicted, pled guilty (including 'no contest'), or found not guilty by reason of insanity within 7 years of the date of the TWIC application; OR if the applicant was released from prison after conviction within 5 years of the date of the application. The applicant may apply for a waiver.

[Wet Dog]

Also Zypher3 I would be most grateful if you could list some examples of people with worse problems than mine who have obtained a TWIC less than 5 years out of prison or less than 7 years from conviction. What kind of charges were they? How long did they have to wait? What did they do to get it?

[Cmannoia]

Anyone have any input on SIU? I have my MMC with AB (unlimited), RFPNW, OS, FH, Wiper, and Lifeboatman; I have a TWIC and Passport also. I have been sending resumes out for months for all types of gigs (tugs, GOM, etc.), and haven't gotten any answers, much less offers. I am thinking about joining the SIU, but thats another 400.00, and before I spend all this, I want to know if anyone can tell me how long it takes to get a ship.

Thanks

[cappy208]

I think you REALLY need to discuss this with NMC. The way I read your quote is it is 5 years from conviction, not release. So you only have a little less than a year to go. That isn't much time to get all your ducks in a row!

Here is the paragraph from your TSA post:

• Waiver -- If you have a disqualifying offense, meet the description of mental incapacity, or are an alien under temporary protected status, you may request a waiver. When completing a waiver request, the applicant should describe why he/she no longer poses a security threat. Information that assists TSA with this determination includes:
  
  • The circumstances surrounding the conviction.
  • The length of time the applicant has been out of prison if sentenced to incarceration.
  • The applicant's work and personal history since the conviction.
  • Whether the applicant made restitution or completed mitigation remedies, such as probation or community service.
  • References from employers, probation officers, parole officers, clergy, and others who know the applicant and can attest to his/her responsibility and good character.
  • If denied due to mental incapacity, court records or official medical release documents that relate to the applicant's mental health may also be included with the waiver request.
  • If an alien under temporary protected status, information attesting to that.

I know you don't want to hear a broken record, but if you spoon feed the TSA the exact info they want, and have it all filled out correctly and in the order they are looking for it will probably be approved. The 'restitution and mitigation' part is REALLY important. Have you gone to some type of counseling that you could get a letter from? it all helps. Just get all the info you can to add to the package when you apply. Let them know from the get go that you are applying for and have completed the checklist. And include the checklist with your app, so they can see what you are trying to accomplish. Hand carry them through your close observance and completion of their own list!

good luck. BTW, some companies hire released inmates. They get a tax incentive to hire 'rehabilitated' seaman!