lift boat capt. starting pay

[jthomas1600]

I have a 200 ton masters near coastal. I have 15 years exp commercial fishing on the west coast and 4 years exp running a 200 ton crew boat with a 6-8 man crew. I have sent out resumes and applications to several companies and may have a few leads. My question is - given that I have no experience on lift boats and will have much to learn does any one have any suggestions on what to ask for concerning starting pay? What's a reasonble expectation for day rates a year down the road after I have been trained? Any suggestions for getting a job on a lift boat in the first place would also be appreciated.
Thanks, Joe

[Capt_PatrickMacan]

Lorraine at Laredo Offshore in N.O. was offering 300 per day for 200 ton mate back in Sept. Hitches were 2 weeks on 2 off. No idea about raises or master pay.

[The Rover]

Go & work as a mate for at least a year, as liftboats sometimes do not move that much. It might not be the handling expierence you need, but get use to the jacking procedures & the paperwork that comes along with it. If you never been on one, once you go & see for your self you will understand what I am talking about. Theres nothing like sliding into a can hole underwater that you can not see, are being stuck in the mudd with the seas pushing you into the platform, then 2 legs popping free & one leg still stuck.