Can I get a job: 1600 mate NC no STCW

**Chris** · August 15th, 2008, 08:41 AM

Hi All: I decided to get back into water work again after a 20 year break. After tracking down old sea service and taking a few classes this summer my orignal application is complete and in the Portland, OR REC. The REC Chief tells me Ill have have papers in hand in 6-8 weeks. I need some career advice. I now have my MMD, AB Special LB, BST, (No RFPNW yet) 50 GRT Master NC. My plan is to work 360 days as an AB/deck in the GOM. Maybe a > 200 GRT AHT. Added to my already 360+ days NC should qualify me for 1600 Mate NC if my next 360 days are on boats > 100GRT. Now, if I do get that 1600 ton Mate NC license what is the reality in the GOM of actually sailing on it? What else will I need as far as classes, practical assessments, or experince to work as a Near Coast Mate on an OSV or AHT? Chris

**chaos** · August 15th, 2008, 05:14 PM

FOR CAREER ADVICE, THERE IS AN INSTRUCTOR AT <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com

ffice:smarttags" /><st1

lace w:st="on]<st1:PlaceName w:st="on]L.E.</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on]FLETCHER</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on]COMMUNITY COLLEGE</st1:PlaceType></st1

lace> BY THE NAME OF KEN BRUCE. HE IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE IN CAREER PATH GUIDANCE. THE PHONE NUMBER IS 985-857-3658. HE HELPED ME GET MY 3rd/2nd MATE UNLIMITED OCEANS LICENSE. KEN WILL EXPLAIN TO YOU WHAT IS NEED FOR YOUR 1600T MATE. HE WILL ALSO HAVE ALL CLASSES AND PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS NEEDED.
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt]<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com

ffice

ffice" /><o

> </o

>
ONCE YOU HAVE THE LICENSE GETTING A POSITION ON A VESSEL IN THE GOM IS EASY. THAT IS THE LEAST OF YOUR PROBLEMS. I DON’T WANT TO DISCOURAGE YOU BUT YOU ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THAT IS PAVED IN USCG BUREAUCRACY AND ENDLESS PAPERWORK BUT, ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETE THE JOURNEY THE REWARD IS WORTH THE TROUBLE. 
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt]<o

> </o

>
<span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA]GOOD LUCK CHRIS

**Doc** · August 15th, 2008, 09:40 PM

As Chaos stated, getting the job is easy. Several folks on here gave me the advice that flying down to Louisiana and dropping off resumes in person is the best way to go, and I found that to be true. The key to success is finding a crew that is willing to train you, and that is luck of the draw. My first boat was miserable, and I was ready to move on after a couple of hitches. But, after talking to Capt. Lee I decided to stick it out to finish my DP cert. My company moved me to a new boat and now life is grand and advancement is moving quickly. Get your license together and get down to the bayou. Get your training in and get ready for the offshore drilling explosion! Drill Here, Drill NOW! LOL! Doc