STCW confusion (and a few noob questions)

[Brad D]

In my first post, I wanted to start off with gratitude to all of the contributers to this forum. You have saved me MUCH time and agrivation by helping me to understand the confusing (to me) pathway to become a Merchant Marine. Thank you.

I did my TWIC interview today and got the receipt, I downloaded and filled out the Coast Guard forms to get my MMD, I just need to get the drug test and physical, which I've scheduled for next week. I already have a passport. So I should have everything taken care of in short order. I understand how everything works up to this point.

My question is, what's next? I also got the application for the SIU apprenticeship in Piney Point, but they say the wait is beyond six months... So can I take a safety class and go work? Is it just the STCW -95 BST (the one week class) that I need? Or is it more?

I live in Arlington, VA - does anyone know of a school that's close (or in Baltimore, Annapolis, or somewhere within 100 miles) so that I don't have to fly to Cali, Seattle or Ft. Lauderdale? Those were the only places that showed up that were offering to teach just the one week class. I'm SURE I'm missing something, but I plugged it in several search engines and thats what I came up with. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Once I get everything I need to work, I'll start knocking on doors until the apprenticeship opportunity comes up I guess... Which ever comes first. Any other suggestions on how to break in to this trade?

Some back ground on me: I'm 36, was a commercial electrician for 12 years and then got into real estate the EXACT time the market crashed! My dumb luck, right? I've been fighting an uphill battle for three years and I'm worn out and not making the income I need to justify it. My great uncle was a Merchant Marine and I grew up around boats and I love the water - I think the career will fit me perfectly. I think my background would be more suited to the Engine department, but I'm going to keep an open mind and not rule Deck out just yet. So there you have it.

Any and all advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

-Brad

[Jeffrox]

These 2 places teach BST (Basic Safety Training)
MITAGS Admissions
692 Maritime Boulevard
Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090
Toll Free at 866-656-5568
Main # at 410-859-5700, ext. 3246
Fax # at 410-859-5181
E-mail at Admissions@mitags.org


Calhoon MEBA Engineering School
27050 Saint Michaels Road
Easton, MD 21601

Some jobs here with MSC, as a noob look at Wiper Advancement Program and/or Ordinary Seaman Advancement Program, they'll hire you without the BST.

[seadawg]

here is a school in Virginia: http://www.mamatrains.com/

also see this NMC link for approved schools and courses: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/approved_courses.asp

[Robert]

Best option for finding CG approved schools is always the NMC web site. You can look by course name and geographic location. I wish they still included the actual approval language, but it is still a helpful site.

[Brad D]

Thanks for the advice, guys. As far as MSC goes, I don't think I can get a security clearance (bad credit and a conviction from 17 years ago), so I'll probably have to go a different route. I think MITAGS is the way to go - I didn't realize PMI was in Baltimore as well. Thanks again for the advice and I'll be following along the rest of the forum closely.

I am also starting to get the impression that the Engine dept. has more of a job demand than the deck department. Is this accurate? Is the Engine dept. the way to go for better job security?

Any other tips to get my foot in the door would be appreciated!

-Brad

[Mr 100-ton]

If you have got the TWIX you should be able to get the clearance for MSC,,, if the FBI has any question they will ask you,,, friend of mine has convictions and for the clearance,,, just be honest with them and go from there,,, look at it this way,, if you do not try you will NEVER know,,, nothing to lose at this time, just stay POSITIVE if you go that route with MSC,,

[Jeffrox]

MITAGS is by BWI, (PMI is there sister school in Seattle), The MEBA scchool is is a bit farther away across the Chesapeake Bay. FYI, not all schools are shown when I check the NMC link for approved BST schools and courses: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/approved_courses.asp. Not sure why that is!?

[Brad D]

Thanks for the encouragement. I actually gave the MSC employment hotline a call today to try and see what their opinion was, and I was told that I am eligible to be hired, but that they have nothing to do with the security clearance and that it's handled on a case by case basis. So once I get all the required documents in hand (TWIX and MMD) I'll take it as far as I can with them. Hell, I was able to get a job with a BANK - you figure they'd let me chip paint off a ship! LOL At anyrate, we'll see where it goes, I'm still going to take the STCW BST class while I'm waiting. It cant hurt, right?

I recieved my copy of the Merchant Marines Seaman's Manual, Seveth Edition today and I began to read through it. Also, I got some line and I am beginning to practice all my knots. I also bought a sextant and have begun learning about celestial navigation (I own a sailboat, so I am interested in this anyway). I also am going to brush up on my electrical knowlege as well - I've been out of it for three years, so a review wouldn't hurt. Back when I was an electrician, I was at the upper end of the food chain working primarily on motors, generators, ATS, MCC, VFD, PDU, and UPS systems (if it had three letters in it, I worked on it). I am also a certified thermographer. I figure all that will be more transferable to the Engine Department, right? Or is it not considered? Not to sound like a broken record, but which department is better for job security? I've been lurking quite a few of the forums and I keep coming accross references to people with AB working as OS and Captains working as Mates... Also, on the MSC website, the Wiper position is paying several thousand more than the OS position for the same entry level... That's got me thinking that Engine may be a bit more secure. Does any one have an opinion on that? Or am I in the wrong forum to open THAT can of worms? LOL

Thanks again for taking the time to help me out.

-Brad

[cappy208]

check out CMTI in Hayes, VA. They are a private, accredited, no nonsense school. http://www.chesapeakemarineinst.com/

one of the things I dislike about the union affiliated schools is you are beholden to them. If you have the ability to pay on your own you will be free to move anywhere you want.

You mentioned a security clearance. My advice is DON"T LIE. Once you are caught you will in all likelihood be shot down everywhere. So be honest, and you will probably be passed. But if you lie, and get caught you are done. If you have done all your court ordered penalty and rehabilitation then you will most likely be approved. But if you lie all bets are off.

Do come back and post more questions, since sometimes everyone has been there, and done that at least once, so we can help you not repeat our mistakes!

[Jeffrox]

Back when I was an electrician, I was at the upper end of the food chain working primarily on motors, generators, ATS, MCC, VFD, PDU, and UPS systems (if it had three letters in it, I worked on it). I am also a certified thermographer. I figure all that will be more transferable to the Engine Department, right? Or is it not considered? Not to sound like a broken record, but which department is better for job security? I've been lurking quite a few of the forums and I keep coming accross references to people with AB working as OS and Captains working as Mates... Also, on the MSC website, the Wiper position is paying several thousand more than the OS position for the same entry level... That's got me thinking that Engine may be a bit more secure. -Brad

I think you are correct...

[Mr 100-ton]

If i could start all over again i would seriously consider going to the engine room,, found less politics and more money faster,,you can always use some of the seatime in the engine towards a captains or mates license and have a DUAL license

[Brad D]

Well Guys, I scheduled my appointment with the Coast Guard for this coming Monday to get my MMC at the REC in Baltimore. I have everything on the checklist and I even was able to pick up my TWIC earlier this week. I was surprized that it took such a short time. I am hoping that I can get my MMC back in a reasonable time so I can get out there on a boat. I suppose I'll be bugging you guys for tips on finding a job next! LOL

Thanks for all of the advice. I'll keep everyone posted. I'm excited to begin my new career.

-Brad

[Brad D]

Well my MMD is in the mail (according to the email from the Coast Guard). Frankly I'm shocked that it was processed so quickly - it took less than two weeks. I called MITAGS and their next STCW BST class is at the end of January for $1400. I'll be registering for that, but until then, I was going to see if I can get some time on the water on a Tug. I have a friend who works for Moran and he told me the big four in Baltimore are Moran, Vane Bros, McAllister and Krause.

A few questions:
He also told me that there is more work in Philly for some reason. Can anyone corraborate this? (or point me in the direction where I can get on a Tug until I take the BST class) My next question is, once I get the STCW BST under my belt along with my MMD and TWIC, I can get a job in the GOM or on an larger offshore vessel, correct?

Any advice or tips on what the most advantageus next few moves are would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all of the helpful information so far - this forum is truely a blessing. Seriously, I could not have learned so much, so quickly if not for GCaptain.

[Capt. Lee]

Well my MMD is in the mail (according to the email from the Coast Guard). Frankly I'm shocked that it was processed so quickly - it took less than two weeks. I called MITAGS and their next STCW BST class is at the end of January for $1400. I'll be registering for that, but until then, I was going to see if I can get some time on the water on a Tug. I have a friend who works for Moran and he told me the big four in Baltimore are Moran, Vane Bros, McAllister and Krause.

A few questions:
He also told me that there is more work in Philly for some reason. Can anyone corraborate this? (or point me in the direction where I can get on a Tug until I take the BST class) My next question is, once I get the STCW BST under my belt along with my MMD and TWIC, I can get a job in the GOM or on an larger offshore vessel, correct?

Any advice or tips on what the most advantageus next few moves are would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all of the helpful information so far - this forum is truely a blessing. Seriously, I could not have learned so much, so quickly if not for GCaptain.

Brad,

I have a question for you. Are you burnt out with being a commercial electrician? There are lots of jobs on the rigs that pays better than deckhand wages for someone with electrical experience. I myself am not an electrician nor do I know how being an electrician shoreside correlates to one offshore. Have you thought about applying as an electrician or electrical apprentice at a drilling company. Check out rigzone.com There could be something there you may already be qualified for.

http://rigzone.com/jobs/search_job_r...?JobCategory=6


BTW, you can get a job with an OSV company without the BST. As a matter of fact I would be trying to get on with a company that offers the training as a benefit instead of paying $1400 bucks out of pocket. This is coming from a guy that has paid out of pocket for schools in the past, but I always felt like I shouldn't of had to do it.

[Brad D]

Brad,

I have a question for you. Are you burnt out with being a commercial electrician? There are lots of jobs on the rigs that pays better than deckhand wages for someone with electrical experience. I myself am not an electrician nor do I know how being an electrician shoreside correlates to one offshore. Have you thought about applying as an electrician or electrical apprentice at a drilling company. Check out rigzone.com There could be something there you may already be qualified for.

http://rigzone.com/jobs/search_job_r...?JobCategory=6


BTW, you can get a job with an OSV company without the BST. As a matter of fact I would be trying to get on with a company that offers the training as a benefit instead of paying $1400 bucks out of pocket. This is coming from a guy that has paid out of pocket for schools in the past, but I always felt like I shouldn't of had to do it.

Thanks for the reply, Capt. Lee. I am not burnt out as an electrician at all, the fact is that I havn't done it since '07 (I was pretty burt out then) because I got into the real estate market. Don't get me wrong, I was a darn good electrician for more than a decade - but I haven't done it in three years. In this job market, that doesn't fly too well on a resume...

All of the jobs that I've been seeing are requireing a DDE, or a QMED with electrical endorsement (neither of which I have the sea time to get). While I'm confident that I understand Ohm's law and the physics of electricity and sound commercial electrical installation standards, the fact is that I've never wired anything on a ship or an oil platform before... I'll definitely check into the electrical apprentice for an oil platform though.

Now I'm going to ask a REALLY STUPID Newb question: What is an OSV company? Is it Ocean Service Vessel? Oil Supply Vessel? The accronyms are killing me! LOL How does one go about applying to an OSV company and getting them to pay for your BST training?

[Ea$y Money]

You can get the bst class done sooner, cheaper elsewhere. Maritime Professional Training in ft lauderdale fl gives them weekly I think. Quality maritime training in St Petersburg is probably the cheapest and it is a good school but not as often. I would try to get the bst as soon as possible because you have to have that to work on vessels over 200 ton and that is the magic number if you want to move up. AB RFPNW requires service over 200 tons. I know it sucks paying for classes but you are not waiting for someone to "give" you something, as they usually are not in a big hurry to do that unless they are in a bind. With this job market... They ain't in a bind. He who hesitates, masturbates.

I spent my last dollars of my last unemployment check to go take the class and it was the only reason I went to work where I did when I did. Moved up to AB and now a year away from my 3rd mate, yes I'm paying for all those classes too. Which, incidentally, requires all service to be on vessels over 200 ton. I can't say you will be as lucky but you will be prepared if opportunity knocks. The harder you work the luckier you will be.

I know catchy sayings don't pay the bills but I believe you go get what you want, not wait until it comes to you.

OSV offshore supply vessel, basically anything working on sucking resources out of the bottom of the sea.

Good luck.

[Michojay]

"..........................

[AtomicPhil]

Will I finally got my MMC today in the mail, it was quick. Found this post as i was going to ask the same question, since i got the mmc and dying to get out of security having 2 jobs to make it trough. should i get my stcw-95 first? starting applying for jobs without it. i am planning to go to the siu hall in port everglades tommorrow to start or hoping to work right away, hopefully a chance to give 2 weeks notice. well the union hire without the stcw whats the deal?

[B ry]

I would call Edison Chouest Offshore in Galliano LA. You need your TWIC and a merchant mariners document . Good luck .

[B ry]

Just read all your thread . Chouest will send you to your stw-95 classes for free . They have there own school . Starting to pick up and they are hiring a few . Be sure to tell them your back ground and the engine room is where you want to be. Be persistent if they say were not hiring ask Miss Laverne if you can call back next week. Do this till she knows you on a first name basis and it may take time but they will give you a chance . Started there 4 years ago made mate 6 months ago with the company's help . I was 36 when I started in the industry . All you need is what you already have in documents to start with Chouest .

Good luck

B ry