OS?

[Kevin]

I understand that without my MMD, TWIC, passport..etc I have basically nothing. But..I have sent a message to Chouest....any other companies I could get into contact with that is hiring entry-level? I am in the process of getting MMD, TWIC, passport right now so I understand if they wont look at me due to no credentials. Just trying to get ideas into the future...

Thanks
Kevin

[Kingrobby]

Entry level is really hard right now. Not impossible to get work, but darn close. right time right place is probably your best bet. I dont think there is much you can do until you get MMC, TWIC, and Basic Safety Training for good measure. good luck though.

Are you bringing any previous experience to the industry? What is your background? Any transferable skills from somewhere else? Anything that would hold up or deny your MMD, TWIC? More info would be helpful.

[Kevin]

I have nothing that would hold up getting my MMD, TWIC etc. I have experience on the water aboard fishing boats. Ive worked on an 86' open charter fishing boat all the way down to working as deckhand on a 41' privately owned sportfisher. These jobs should add up to about 75 or so trips total, but I doubt this experience is very relevant. At any rate Im just going to work toward my MMD and maybe something will happen between now and then.
Thank you for your response

Kevin

[tugboat146]

Good luck with that, but I can tell you that contacting any company with out having documents is like teaching a pig to sing...you are wasting your time..there are many way to many qualified people out there looking for the same work. Get the documents then show up at their door then only then you may have a shot.

[Kingrobby]

I am not sure but I believe some of that sea time could count towards an AB license, but don't quote me on it, other guys on here would no WAY more about that than I would. Try to get that MMD and Twic, etc rolling as it can take awhile. Good Luck

I havent been able to find any work as a wiper or deckhand since December, tried the same thing last year and couldnt get anything either. This week I got an offer to go back to my old job on cruise ships this weekend as an acrobat and took it with both hands. It gives me 6months of steady decent work and I get out right before my marine engineering program starts in September. Going to a year of school was also a decision I made when finding entry level stuff just wasnt happening for me. A year of school and I could come out with 5-6 ratings a QMED and a RFPEW. Then I should be more marketable to companies, if i dont get a lead during my internship.

[Ordinaryseaman]

Hi- I'm an OS too. It's tough out there right now.

Ideas-

1- you have fishing experience (yes seatime counts!) why not a fishing job on a small boat? Look on Alaska (southeast) craigslist- I see ads every few days.

2- Apply with companies and tell them your twic, etc. are on the way. I'm assuming they are?

3- If you get your twic but not mmd- do inland- tugs, cruise ships, etc.

4- The EASIEST jobs to get with little/no licensing are small cruise ships- cruisewest, american, etc. They will often help you get an mmd/mmc.

5- NCL America will help you get your basic Safety training (BST) IF.. you are willing to work a dishwasher. Not glamorous- but it's a start- and how I got started (and lots of others including captains).

THIS IS THE EASIEST SHIP JOB TO GET-PERIOD_ IF YOU HAVE ZERO EXPERIENCE.

They hire ALL the time- because people quit. It's hard, it's dirty- and it's a foot in the door.

I started out there. Email shipboardemployment at ncl dot com and tell them you want to be a utility galley on the "Pride of America' Tell them you have twic and MMC coming- you will get a call or email from them.

It's easier to get hired (still hard for now though) if you have some experience- even as dishwasher.


Good luck-Anthony

[kfj]

I got hired on at a tug as an OS with out any documented seatime. Its possible but like everyone said. Its pretty much being at the right place at the right time. Good luck

[Steamer]

I am not sure but I believe some of that sea time could count towards an AB license ...

There is no such thing as an AB license.

[tugboatjason]

Get the Cap to write you a sea-time letter(letter head is best and if he doesn't have one design one for him), ask him to put down that you worked 12 hour days. You'll get a day and a half of sea-time for your sea-time towards your AB.
Cruise West is another great company to check out if you can handle dealing with people and enjoy it. They'll even pay for you to get your BST.

TJ

[brfoot]

One of the easiest ways that I know of to get sea time is to work for NOAA. As they are Federal, they are not dictated by USCG licensing rules. You can work for them as an OS that they call a GVA (General Vessel Asst). You do not need a z-card or MMD. They are hiring ABs right now. Go to the OPM web site at http://www.usajobs.gov/ . You can accrue sea time and get your licenses that way.

[jthomas1600]

Get the Cap to write you a sea-time letter(letter head is best and if he doesn't have one design one for him), ask him to put down that you worked 12 hour days. You'll get a day and a half of sea-time for your sea-time towards your AB.
Cruise West is another great company to check out if you can handle dealing with people and enjoy it. They'll even pay for you to get your BST.

TJ

I worked 18 hour days on trawlers and crabbers and the coast guard would not accept that. I'm not saying don't try, but in my experience if it's not an official 12 hour watch like in the GoM the C G is just going to give you eight.

[Kevin]

Thanks for all the information guys, it is much appreciated. I have been away from the computer all weekend, but I am definitely taking in every piece of advice.

Thanks

Kevin

[guavakai]

I'm not sure if you had fishing time. I had been a commercial fisherman for many years and have been able to use all my sea time and now have my 1600 ton masters. As for 12 hour days they do count as 1 1/2. They don't recognize any more than 12 hrs in a day. NMC probably screwed it up. Your sea time counts!!!!!

[HawspiperJeff]

Best bet is to call a crewing agency and take what ever they give you!!!! Just to start

[TUG4LIFE1968]

Hi- I'm an OS too. It's tough out there right now.

Ideas-

1- you have fishing experience (yes seatime counts!) why not a fishing job on a small boat? Look on Alaska (southeast) craigslist- I see ads every few days.

2- Apply with companies and tell them your twic, etc. are on the way. I'm assuming they are?

3- If you get your twic but not mmd- do inland- tugs, cruise ships, etc.

4- The EASIEST jobs to get with little/no licensing are small cruise ships- cruisewest, american, etc. They will often help you get an mmd/mmc.

5- NCL America will help you get your basic Safety training (BST) IF.. you are willing to work a dishwasher. Not glamorous- but it's a start- and how I got started (and lots of others including captains).

THIS IS THE EASIEST SHIP JOB TO GET-PERIOD_ IF YOU HAVE ZERO EXPERIENCE.

They hire ALL the time- because people quit. It's hard, it's dirty- and it's a foot in the door.

I started out there. Email shipboardemployment at ncl dot com and tell them you want to be a utility galley on the "Pride of America' Tell them you have twic and MMC coming- you will get a call or email from them.

It's easier to get hired (still hard for now though) if you have some experience- even as dishwasher.


Good luck-Anthony

You are an all around good guy here man! Always trying to help people! Way to go friend!

[TUG4LIFE1968]

Kevin, times are hard right now and if you really want to do this, if this is in your heart then you should do what OS told you up above. Now, this is a life style kind of job not everyone were born to do this and you should consider your possibilities and if this is something you will be doing for life like most of us here. Best of luck to you.