Is There Anybody Out There?

[Sea-K.]

Hello All,

<O:p</O:p

I've been visiting the site for about a year now and I'm a huge fan, thx gCaptain. I'm a new member to the forum, and already impressed with the quality of people, responses, and camaraderie I have seen here. This is the type of environment you hope for when reporting to a new vessel, thumbs up.

<O:p</O:p

I'm a hawsepiper that’s been shipping for over ten years and have a little experience in many different sectors. I just earned my Mates license last summer, but can't find work even as AB. I've been applying since July of last year and still nothing. Hornbeck was hiring AB's several weeks ago for their ATB fleet, but the positions have been filled. I felt like I was going to be a top-competitor but apparently NOT. This isn't the first company that has turned me down, and I'm starting to think that there's a problem with my resume or the way I'm selling myself.

<O:p</O:p

My resume reflects that I hold a Mates License and have experience as Master 100GRT. I thought this would increase my chances of getting hired. Would you salts disagree? I have heard that some companies don't want AB's with licenses, is this true? I know that some managements don't want to be hassled by AB's about advancements to the wheelhouse, but generally speaking don't companies look for candidates that want to work their way up the ladder and be around for the long-haul, so to speak?
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

I don't want to sound desperate, but funds are running dry and the mortgage isn't going to pay itself. Has anyone heard of any companies hiring or entertaining the idea of bringing new-hires aboard any time soon? It seems like it's picking up a little bit but I can't wait another 6 months to get hired.
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

If anyone's got some advice or information for me I'm all eyes and ears. Thank you for any responses in advance and smooth sailin!
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

-Andy<O:p</O:p

[Ordinaryseaman]

Hi Andy- thanks for stopping by.

The good news- no it's probably not you or your resume. Trust me- I've thought that too- many times

It's just TOUGH out there right now. I've been there- going months with no calls- and being broke.

Having the mate/captain license is a BIG plus- but it doesn't guarantee anything.

Cruisewest has high turnover- I'd check there- and the other small cruiselines.

One last thing- and this is a tough pill to swallow for some- be willing to start at the bottom. I don't mean looking for AB spots- I mean looking for OS or utility spots. yes- it su@$s taking a step back- but it's a job. It's a lot easire to get promoted from within- and a lot easier to find a job if you're working.

I know 1600 ton and unlimited captains working on deck. It's not beneath them (or you) and it's what you may have to do to pay the bills.

Desperate times call for desperate measures- and most companies will respect that you don't mind starting at the bottom.

Lasly- have you tried Captain Kelly Sweeney's company? He has found lots of people work.

Hang in there!

Anthony

[TxKingfisher]

Whats that you said about 1600 ton Masters working on deck? *plugs ears* lalalalalalalalalalalalalala I cant hear you lalalalalalalalala I really dont want to ship out as an AB . It's not that I think it's beneath me, it's just..... you know...... damn......

[10talents]

Andy,
Welcome to the forum. You are not alone. I am glad to see you are a young man with the same problem as me. I have been thinking that it is because I am an OWG but seeing your post is actually an encouragement for me. I hold Master 1600 Oceans w/ MOTV and am working as AB on ferries. Things are picking up and you will be hired, so keep those applications going out.

[Azimuth]

I have heard thru the grapevine that OSG (ATB's) may be hiring via AMO. I know AMO might as well be a four letter word for a lot of folks here but if they can provide you a job, it's better than nothing

[10talents]

I have heard thru the grapevine that OSG (ATB's) may be hiring via AMO. I know AMO might as well be a four letter word for a lot of folks here but if they can provide you a job, it's better than nothing

Feb 21, 2010 was my last application with them. I got the standard general email reply on March 3, 2010.

[CaptRob1]

Sea-K.
There are jobs out there. You just have to do your homework. Ask around but one thing, as you know, times are very slow now. Being that you have a 100ton, that is a very popular license. You have alot of competition to compete against. You have to stand out.
I, myself, have never heard of Unlimited Master's working on deck. I have heard of an Unlimited Master working as a 2nd Mate, for the simple fact he did not have any DP time.
My advice is, if possible, to get on with a company that has Dynamic Positioning vessels. That is the becoming the norm now. And when you'll get that DP certificate, you will have something else to add on your resume, not many have.

Good luck

[10talents]

Sea-K.
I, myself, have never heard of Unlimited Master's working on deck.

I have one working alongside of me. 15 year unlimited master as master of foreign flag vessels. I call him Captain Broom and he calls me Captain Mop. We help each other keep things in perspective.

[CaptRob1]

He is a US citizen and has a USCG license and worked foreign flag and now working on deck of a US flag vessel?
Just trying to understand.....

[10talents]

He is a US citizen and has a USCG license and worked foreign flag and now working on deck of a US flag vessel?
Just trying to understand.....

He is foreign and in the process of becoming a US citizen.

[Tugted]

There are jobs out there, you just have to leave every stone unturned. I got a job recently just cause i was checking with the personnel guy once a month like he asked last june.

[Capt. Fran]

I call him Captain Broom and he calls me Captain Mop. We help each other keep things in perspective.

10, you are awesome. So I guess I'm Captain Ospho.

Just to add to the conversation. 1600 Master here, sailed on my AB last winter. Sailing in my mind today. ooh, pretty clouds...

[richard8000milesaway]

guys (and gals, sorry fran), check out Helix ESG. they seem to need AB's right now, but you never know they may have that immediate need for a mate....
was a lot of turnover until recently. now replaceing all previous "temp" workers with premanent employees. many vessels. good money. unlimited tonnage. sailing foreign. internet. etc. etc.

[SaltySailor]

One last thing- and this is a tough pill to swallow for some- be willing to start at the bottom. I don't mean looking for AB spots- I mean looking for OS or utility spots. yes- it su@$s taking a step back- but it's a job. It's a lot easire to get promoted from within- and a lot easier to find a job if you're working.

I know 1600 ton and unlimited captains working on deck. It's not beneath them (or you) and it's what you may have to do to pay the bills.

Desperate times call for desperate measures- and most companies will respect that you don't mind starting at the bottom.

If there are Masters working as Mates and Mates as AB's and AB's as OS's. where does that leave an OS? I guess outta luck and options.

If entry-level rates can't get sea-time (and all those RFPNW/RFPEW assessments) and some experience, folks aren't going to advance.

Maybe that seems OK right now, but give it a while and when it's booming again and the companies will be desperate for folks again, but where are the qualified ratings and officers (lower-level esp.) going to come from?

[10talents]

guys (and gals, sorry fran), check out Helix ESG. they seem to need AB's right now, but you never know they may have that immediate need for a mate....
was a lot of turnover until recently. now replaceing all previous "temp" workers with premanent employees. many vessels. good money. unlimited tonnage. sailing foreign. internet. etc. etc.

R8KMA,
How often do you recommend that I apply. Last time was 2/21/10. Haven't received even as much as an auto-reply from them.
Thanks,

[10talents]

10, you are awesome. So I guess I'm Captain Ospho.

The best part, my taskmaster is a 4' Mexican lady who use to be the chief of maids at a local Hotel. She told me yesterday that I loaded the boat wrong and it was leaning. I told her that she must have one leg shorter than the other.

Just to add to the conversation. 1600 Master here, sailed on my AB last winter. Sailing in my mind today. ooh, pretty clouds...

I like Captain Awesome better than Captain Mop but today Mop had to deal with a bio-hazard in the ladies head. I guess the look on my face must have scared off the line of women because when I was done there was no line. Hmmm...
Hey I just had a brainstorm idea. Maybe I shold blog "The Adventures of Captain Awesome", Going places no one DARE go, Seeing sights rarely seen by the average Joe, Bringing calm in the mist of panic.