Transitioning to Commercial from Tall Ships

[windofheaven]

Fellow mariners,

Just moved to Baton Rouge and looking to make my way into commercial maritime from tall ships.

I've worked as a deckhand and bosun/2nd mate on schooners (all) over 100 ft, so I think I have a decent foundation in seamanship and line handling pertaining to larger vessels. Also earned my 100-Ton Master Inland/200-Ton Mate NC recently and have my OS and STCW certificates as well.

I'm willing to start as an OS or deckhand and work my way up. I qualify as an AB Special and can spend the money and obtain it someplace like Sea School, but I've noticed that some of the bigger companies like Chouest have classes of their own (for free). Any input?

Not quite sure what would be better for me - offshore supply vessels or inland tugs/barges - would rather keep it semi-local and establish some kind of life ashore in Baton Rouge. I know there's lots of options with types of boats, days on/off, etc. I'm sure some are better than others. I'm single with no kids, so that doesn't factor. I'm also 48, which is why I'm looking for some kind of stability long-term. I'm in good physical shape and have held my own for the past couple of years with 20-somethings on tall ships. Notwithstanding, I'd like to make it to the bridge within 3-5 years if possible.

Have put in with a few dozen companies online - mostly on or around the Rt. 1 corridor. No reply, so far. I figure I'll probably have to beat some pavement soon.

Appreciate all the knowledge I've obtained reading thread after thread in gCaptain. Really good stuff. If some of you could send a few crumbs my way, I'd be more than grateful!

[water]

I figure I'll probably have to beat some pavement soon.

That is the best way to do it. Bags packed, ready to step on a boat. Might be able to land a job using your NC license. Just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

If you don't land something the first time, go back two week later and repeat.

Good luck!

[PMC]

Your tall ship experience is probably great. But don't expect it to open any doors for you. STCW courses will be valued a lot more than knowing how to set a square sail. Same with rust busting.

Get your AB as soon as you can (as long as it is not AB sail). No need to take a course. Purchase a good study guide and you will be fine.

[cappy208]

I won't sugarcoat anything for you. From my own experience (both as I came up into the industry from yachts when I was a kid, and having sailed with and had as crew ex 'tallship' guys). Your experience tarring ratlines, climbing the main truk, and splicing, worming parcelling serving, whipping and making baggywrinkle is NOT applicable to the modern merchant marine. You will be 'stuck' working with some low class, barely competent crew, aboard barely manned, poorly maintained, and bandaided vessels, trying to maintain your established experience and ideals. The first thing you must realize is that you ARE an OS. The second is that you may have to move around, using what you learn both from reading here, and what you learn wherever you go, to get an acceptable place to work/ learn/ and get a license. The reason for this hard call is that you are not in a position to expect a position on demand. You are crossing over into another aspect of the industry, with no references or experience (yet), fighting with other experienced guys who do have experience in it. Not that you can't do it, or won't transition well, just so your eyes are wide open as you enter the foray.

[windofheaven]

I won't sugarcoat anything for you. From my own experience (both as I came up into the industry from yachts when I was a kid, and having sailed with and had as crew ex 'tallship' guys). Your experience tarring ratlines, climbing the main truk, and splicing, worming parcelling serving, whipping and making baggywrinkle is NOT applicable to the modern merchant marine. You will be 'stuck' working with some low class, barely competent crew, aboard barely manned, poorly maintained, and bandaided vessels, trying to maintain your established experience and ideals. The first thing you must realize is that you ARE an OS. The second is that you may have to move around, using what you learn both from reading here, and what you learn wherever you go, to get an acceptable place to work/ learn/ and get a license. The reason for this hard call is that you are not in a position to expect a position on demand. You are crossing over into another aspect of the industry, with no references or experience (yet), fighting with other experienced guys who do have experience in it. Not that you can't do it, or won't transition well, just so your eyes are wide open as you enter the foray.

Appreciate it, cappy208. Focus will be on working hard and staying teachable.

[windofheaven]

Your tall ship experience is probably great. But don't expect it to open any doors for you. STCW courses will be valued a lot more than knowing how to set a square sail. Same with rust busting.

Get your AB as soon as you can (as long as it is not AB sail). No need to take a course. Purchase a good study guide and you will be fine.

Word, PMC.