Networking?

[marinergirl]

I'm kind of at a crossroads. SIU Paul Hall Center, or go with bare minimum: 40 hour Deckhand Orientation with 8 hour First Aid/ CPR, MMC and TWIC which I've had for 3 years. Do I need STCW courses? or am I ready to network? If so, where in Hampton Roads do Mariners (including Captains) hang out? I want to MEET those who can answer a head full of questions. In advance, Thanks to all mariners who can help...

[CoastalDPO]

Depends on what you want to do. If you want to sail union, pay dues, sit in the union hall and wait on a job, I would say go to Piney Pt. / S.I.U. School. As far as where the Captains hangout, there really isn't a particular place. Ask questions here, this is about the best networking place there is. If you have a question about the Hampton Roads area shoot me a PM, I will be glad to help you best I can.

[bizzyboi]

I'm thinking of going the siu route. The guys I kno who went don't seem to be broke after paying union dues, and they are never get desperate for a job at the hall. Maybe there is a lot of jobs where I'm at though?

[marinergirl]

I'm moving to Hampton Roads Aug 1, and I'm thinking network in person after the move. Although, GCaptain does seem like an EXCELLENT place, as I have found. As far as Paul Hall Center, or more classes, I'll wait to see what kind of bind I'm in, if what I do have is not enough. Timing is a big deal, I may have to pick up other work in the meanwhile after the move. Other than tugs, what kind of other jobs could I look at, as a Deckhand/ OS- until I can get on board with a tug company, to bridge the gap? I want to utilize what I have, until I can get to where I want to go.

[seadog6608]

Since you're moving to Hampton Roads, you might consider MSC. Should be fairly easy to get on as an O/S or in the Steward Dept. Two sailor hangouts come to mind, the Thirsty Camel on OceanView Ave and Dockside on Hampton Blvd.

[marinergirl]

MSC is one option that I haven't considered, though it is at the back of my mind. Dockside must be near ODU...I'll drive down Ocean Viiew sometime during the daytime!

[captblighe]

Last time i was in that area most of the activity was in Newport News, Hampton Roads was mostly Commercial Fishing Vessels which is why i was there.

[marinergirl]

I don't know much about the peninsula, when it comes to this industry, though I have seen Mcallister's Tugs a lot, C&P Tug Company a few times, and always fishing vessels docked at Oyster Point, I believe - just before going in the 664 tunnel. I am looking to find work anywhere on the East Coast, the closer the better, local is best. I'm trying to find out what I can, and yes, I need help. I will start where I can, beit a Cruise ship.