seadog6608
Top Contributer

Hey JD, 28/14 is pretty much everyone. So that's normal for new hires. I think the starting rate for new hire deckhands is about $200 per day for a 10 hour day. You don't get paid for your off time, but you are eligible for unemployment. Travel is paid to and from home.. Good luck.

Oh one more thing. When you say travel is paid, do you mean the off time is paid?

It would actually be a career change for me. I've never sailed before. My dad was a sailor for years, and I always thought it would be an interesting job. I guess my main concern is on/off time. Talking with my dad, it sounds like most companies go 90 on 30 off. That would be a little to much for me. I've got a family and a Harley that need my attention. The 28/14 schedule sounds like it would be managable. I'm use to hard work, so that doesn't bother me. What kind of money would I expect to make at first as a greenhorn? Would there be a certain time frame before I would get the 28/14 schedule? Sorry for all the questions, just really thinking of trying to get in there. I want to find out as much as possible before doing so. thanks

The schedules are pretty much the same. Basically you work 4 weeks on and two off. Travel is paid, even for greenhorns. Sometimes the skeds are a little different for a new guy. Depends on your rate. Are you a deckhand or what? New deckhands usually do two weeks on one boat, then transfer to a second boat for two weeks. After a position opens up then you get permanently assigned to one ship. Hope that clears it up. Grand River ain't bad. They expect alot of you, but they pay well and have good benefits through MMP.

Hey sea dog I take it you work for Grand River. I was wondering if the crew rotations differ from the ships to the ATB's and what they would be for a greenhorn?

I am actually friends with the head of personnel for MSC. He was my best man at my first wedding in 1983.

I have a 2nd officer package ready for MSC,They are hiring. Also Transocean (drillship) and Conoco Phillips. It is nice to have options now with Second Mate Oceans license.

Hey there P&S. He was a pain to work with but fun to socialize with. Thanks for the reply. Seadog

This is Pick and Shovel. Though my screen name was inspired by the Bos'ns newsletter, I didn't know him and I am not him. Heard he was a character.