Recently accepted an appointment as an ET

[Q695]

Since The Department of The Navy (the paperwork is sent through them), and no one else seems to have the answers I'll try here.

Are uniforms issued, or do I go out, and buy my own cloths?

Does everyone provide their own detergent to wash cloths, or is there someone on the ship who does it for everyone?

Are full beards (when my beard sizzles, and makes that horrible smell I know I'm too close) acceptable?

What should I be doing to prepare to go to sea?

What will my work day normally be like?

Is there anything else I should be concerned about?

Thanks,
Kevin

[Jeffrox]

Since The Department of The Navy (the paperwork is sent through them), and no one else seems to have the answers I'll try here.
Once you finish your physical, etc and they call you to tell you when to come to Norfolk, VA much will be explained in that phone call...
Are uniforms issued, or do I go out, and buy my own cloths?
You'll buy your own uniforms, but only a set or two will be required, coveralls and safety boot will be provided free...
Does everyone provide their own detergent to wash cloths, or is there someone on the ship who does it for everyone?
On the ship you'll wash your own clothes, machines and detergent will be available....
Are full beards (when my beard sizzles, and makes that horrible smell I know I'm too close) acceptable?
A full beard will interfer with various filter masks and fire fighting apperatus and aren't appropriate....
What should I be doing to prepare to go to sea?
Loading your laptop with beaucoup movies and music; calf muscle exercises; spending lots of time with important people in your life; getting your affairs in order and turning things over to someone else...
What will my work day normally be like?
ET in engineering? Self explanatory. ET in the radio room? Freezing...
Is there anything else I should be concerned about?
Send me a PM or email if you really want to discuss what condition your condition will be in....................
Thanks,
Kevin

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[Shellback]

Are full beards (when my beard sizzles, and makes that horrible smell I know I'm too close) acceptable?




You might try a razor rather than a bic lighter, it will cut down on the smell and sizzling...

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[Navy SWO]

With whom specifically did you get a job with? MSC directly or an MSC contracted vessel?
I am an AB on the USNS Martin and coincidently got the room that the ET previously onboard occupied for 6 years.

[Q695]

ET is http://www.sealiftcommand.com/electronics-technician, and I got in with a BSIT.

Why is ET in the Engineering Department, and not the communications department, when ETs would be concerned with communicating between devices, and shore?

Is there any tips that you can provide for making sure you can work when you don't have anything going on at home?

Are ETs still in a high demand like I've read they are in some documents?

How many ETs are usually on the ship?

Why Norfolk, VA, and not San Diego (dad needs a vacation, and his side of the family lies down there), then working on the east coast (I've heard there's more work on that coast, and I have a good word in at Florida Seabase)?

Thanks,
Kevin

[Navy SWO]

I'm on an MSC contracted vessel which is very different than working directly for MSC so I can't answer most of your questions. I think you'll have no problem getting work plus after you get all the MSC required training you could sail on MSC contracted vessels through one of the unions, they make real good $. We no longer have an ET on this ship but have a Radio Officer. He spends half his day working with Engineering (doing what I don't know...) and the other half his time he works on radio/electronic related stuff.

Seems like a great opportunity for you, you'll get lots of great training and experience that will come in handy no matter what you do long term. MSC always makes you start on the east coast then you can put in for a transfer to the west coast.

[Jeffrox]

That link is for the ET that woks for engineering, there are others in the radio room.....You'll be assigned to a ship about 9-10 months a year, you'll work when and where they need you, not when you want it.

[CaptAndrew]

Why is ET in the Engineering Department, and not the communications department, when ETs would be concerned with communicating between devices, and shore?

It's because you will end up working on ANY type of electronic or similar equipment. Even the Captains game system in one case I know of.

[Q695]

What does MSC classify as an annum, if you decide to work the whole year, because you have no one/nothing to go home to?

I think you'll have no problem getting work plus after you get all the MSC required training you could sail on MSC contracted vessels through one of the unions, they make real good $.

What union is an Electronics Tech under, because I read somewhere that seafarers is AB, and officers have their own too?

How does being mentored on a ship work by someone in the position you're interested in?