Which sector would you recommend for an O/S?

[RDEagan]

It's research-guy back with more questions!

If you were starting out this year in the industry, how would you evaluate the various sectors as far as ease of getting hired, pay, and availability of work opportunities? From what I can tell, the available options are:

Fishing
Tug/Tow
OSV
Shipping/Tanker
Yacht
Cruise
Casino
DOT/Ferries

Anthony made a great recommendation earlier of 2 small cruise lines, but am looking to get thoughts on the other sectors. Keep in mind zero experience and assume TWIC/MMD with possible BST acquired by then.

Thanks a bunch guys!

Ryan

[ibdkaptn]

Let me start with the info I have .. I am a 150 ton Master - I was a 200 / 500 itc ton Master but can not find work near coastal . I would like to work on towing vessels but have no documented time on towing vessels . I currently have the following endorsements Unlimited Radar, STCW-95, FCC , TWIC . I spent too much time on 100 ton vessels and uscg dropped the tonnage to 150 tons on my last issue date Oct 2007 . I have 20 yrs experience - all near coastal, with approval to test for 500 ton master . MY QUESTIONS ....What is the the best route for me to take to get a towing endorsement ?... Can I test for a towing endorsement and use the 150 ton master as I work my way up as a steersman / pilot/ mate ? Do I need AB , advanced firefighting or arpa for a 150 or 200 ton towing license ?
Thank You for your time . ibdkaptn

[Ordinaryseaman]

That's easy- any one that will hire you.

Most casino boats don't sail- so you won't get the same kind of experience.

Each of the options you mention has good and bad points- but the important thing is- GET on a boat!

[Ordinaryseaman]

Let me start with the info I have .. I am a 150 ton Master - I was a 200 / 500 itc ton Master but can not find work near coastal . I would like to work on towing vessels but have no documented time on towing vessels . I currently have the following endorsements Unlimited Radar, STCW-95, FCC , TWIC . I spent too much time on 100 ton vessels and uscg dropped the tonnage to 150 tons on my last issue date Oct 2007 . I have 20 yrs experience - all near coastal, with approval to test for 500 ton master . MY QUESTIONS ....What is the the best route for me to take to get a towing endorsement ?... Can I test for a towing endorsement and use the 150 ton master as I work my way up as a steersman / pilot/ mate ? Do I need AB , advanced firefighting or arpa for a 150 or 200 ton towing license ?
Thank You for your time . ibdkaptn

I don't know the answers to your licensing questions. Have you checked the NMC website?

I do know a couple of 100 ton captains who got on at ACL recently- they started on deck and are now in the wheelhouse... might be an option since they have been actively hiring in Texas. Kirby- located next door to ACL in Houston used to have a program as well...

Where in TX are you?

[seadawg]

RDEagan,

"options"??don't mean to rain on your parade but,in this economy it is more about hit or miss than pick and choose..advise that you seriously investigate all "sectors" for any and all opportunities!!

an entry level position right now might just be the hardest to procure with all the experienced crew that is currently sitting idle on the beach??

not to worry..for if and when things do pick up they will be hiring anyone that is warm and has a pulse..much like what went on in the 80's..as in every down turn in this industry many of those that are idle will have moved on to other endeavors in order to feed there families and will be reluctant to re-enter the maritime industry a second time.

strongly suggest that you get the BST training/certification in addition to the TWIC and MMC..as that should provide you with more "options"!!

BEST LUCK!!

[RDEagan]

That's easy- any one that will hire you.

Most casino boats don't sail- so you won't get the same kind of experience.

Each of the options you mention has good and bad points- but the important thing is- GET on a boat!

Well I KNOW that's the important thing, Anthony!

But it wouldn't be as advisable to spend a ton of time focusing on yachting in Ft. Lauderdale when I should be looking at tugs in NYC for instance. If fishing in Alaska pays well but is impossible to obtain without experience, then I want to know that, too. And if (miraculously) I have offers for an OSV out of Louisiana or a tug out of San Diego, I want to be able to rationally look at the 2 offers based on stability of the segment and potential $$ to be earned.

Or, quite possibly, I'm overthinking the shit out of all this and should just go walk the docks in Boston and worry about all this later

Ryan

[RDEagan]

Seadawg...

So basically you and Anthony are in agreement. Blast out interest to the world and see who says "yes". I can do that!

Ryan

[ibdkaptn]

Thank you for the info .. Im in Beaumont .. about 80 miles east of Houston .I will check with those contacts . Much appreciated !

[seadawg]

Seadawg... So basically you and Anthony are in agreement. Blast out interest to the world and see who says "yes". I can do that! Ryan

**Ordinaryseaman is pretty much the guru in this department and is an ongoing asset to this forum..with 592 posts and counting!!

[ibdkaptn]

can you explain to me how to start another thread with my questions ... thank you

[Ordinaryseaman]

Thanks seadog

ibdkaptn-

scroll to the top of the page- click on gcaptain forum.

Scroll down to maritime topics.

Pick Maritime Training and Licensing

There will be a black "new thread" button right under the ad from Jones act Injury Attorneys. Click it.

We are blessed to a have a LOT of knowledgeable people here- including a Coast Guard evaluator- if you wait a while someone more qualified/knowledgeable than myself will answer

[ibdkaptn]

thank you !

[Ordinaryseaman]

de nada amigo

[Ordinaryseaman]

Ryan- you have a Twic and are in MA- right?

Check this out- http://www.newenglandherc.org/c/job....660&jb=6377574

It's money until you can travel/ get an MMC- and it's around boats- you might get an OS spot eventually too

[RDEagan]

Ryan- you have a Twic and are in MA- right?

Check this out- http://www.newenglandherc.org/c/job....660&jb=6377574

It's money until you can travel/ get an MMC- and it's around boats- you might get an OS spot eventually too

Thanks bud. I'll check it out. Woods Hole is actually one of the docks I was going to walk for work. ALOT of boats and ships down there, NOAA is there, I think some Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket ferries, etc.

Thanks for the lead. MUCH appreciated!

Ryan

[Jeffrox]

If you walk the street just outside of the docks gate you can probably make some money...the hard way.

[RDEagan]

If you walk the street just outside of the docks gate you can probably make some money...the hard way.

Should I go ahead and order these ahead of time??

http://www.militaryclothingoutlet.co..._p/209-200.htm

Ryan