I have a few Q's about MM&P. First off, can I join via correspondence and if so is it a blanket membership or if I was interested in two regions such as Northern Cali & Puget Sound, would I have to be on both rosters, paying both dues?
You'll have to join in person, but.....what branch? Offshore? Inland? Do you have a license? MMC? TWIC? If you provide a little more info, my answer could be a little more focused.
Interested in the Inland division. San Fransisco and Seattle. Maybe New York in the future? I currently hold
100 Ton Master - Near Coastal
200 Ton Mate - Near Coastal
Apprentice Mate of Towing
Able Seaman - Special (Lifeboatman)
STCW-BST
Vessel Security Officer
BOSIET
HUET
etc.
What's the point in joining the union? If you sign up and start paying dues will they find a position for you? Do you start gaining seniority just by joining even if you are not working on a union vessel?
This topic interests me because I contacted the Puget Sound branch about organizing my wheelhoue, and after numerous attempts they never even had the courtsey to get back to me. I work as captain for a Puget Sound tug company. Our deckhands are represented by the IBU, but the wheelhouse is non-union. Other ports where my company operates, the wheelhouse is represented by the MMP. We have only three tugs and two full-time captains here at our location, and the other captain is my manager, so I figured organizing should be easy. Small potatoes I know, but I figure each and every member they add would only make the organization stronger.
In short, they didn't want to talk to me about organizing...so I figure why would I want to join unless it would improve my chances of finding a good career position (inland division). I hold a 1600T Master on Oceans lic, w/MTV. No plans on going unlimited, I would be happy to stay on tugs.
MM&P Inland does not have a good reputation here in San Francisco.Considered a pretty weak union. MM&P for deep sea Masters and Mates is a very good though.
Assuming you can catch the Regional Agent in his office,you pay $127.50 to work as a casual for 3 months,the Agent hands you a list of phone numbers of the companies that are MM&P,then you go out and make the calls and find your own job. Amnav and Westar run 2 man boats,a captain and a deckeneer. Bay-Delta has 3 man boats,but hear that the company is for sale.
As to belonging to more than one region,sorry,not familiar with the rules in MM&P on that
Do you really want to work at Westar? Bill Sherfy the boss has Grumpy on the front of his hardhat and a--hole on the back. If you want a lot of different work experience that's the company to work for.Warning they will use you like a 2 dollar whore.
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