Brand New to Shipping

**mleners** · March 12th, 2010, 01:28 AM

So i am brand new to shipping, and i have my MMC with OS/Wiper qualifications and i have my TWIC but i cant find a job. I have considered getting my BST but some companies don't require it. Where should i go from here?

**anchorman** · March 12th, 2010, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by mleners

So i am brand new to shipping, and i have my MMC with OS/Wiper qualifications and i have my TWIC but i cant find a job. I have considered getting my BST but some companies don't require it. Where should i go from here?

Start knocking on doors. Under the current economic conditions, it may take a lot of leg work and a little bit up luck to get your foot in the door.

**HawspiperJeff** · March 12th, 2010, 02:23 AM

If you have the time and the money go get BST!!! A lot of jobs require BST and even if they don't it looks good on a resume, make you look like you have some ambition not just another guy getting an os MMD looking to get a job. Also shoot this guy an email http://www.maritimeheadhunters.com/ Unless you have really good luck or work REALLY hard job hunting, finding an OS just is gonna be really tough right now. Take what ever Capt. sweeney gives you to start out, then when you have time under your belt more doors will open for you.

**mleners** · March 12th, 2010, 02:30 AM

thanks hawspiper. that really helps.

**TraceywithMercyShips** · March 12th, 2010, 05:52 AM

Mercy Ships is a non-profit, charity organization that operates the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship. We have volunteer positions from Entry Level to Ratings to Officers. Great way to help others as you gain experience! We do require BST and current licensing relative to position. Check out our website at www.mercyships.org.

**mleners** · March 12th, 2010, 05:55 AM

how long are the positions open mercy? and how long can i work for the ship

**Brian Lawson** · March 12th, 2010, 11:32 AM

While you may not leave port, Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation is always looking for staff to qaulify nuclear operations and then train the sailors on land based prototypes for sea service on submarines and carriers. Lots of maritime academy and Kings Point grads in the program. Part of the US Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

**rjbpilot** · March 12th, 2010, 09:06 PM

Get the BST. If you want to try inland go to http://www.tugboats.net
there are lots of links there. I would recommend looking in to Marquette shipping.

**Capt. Fran** · March 13th, 2010, 06:03 AM

You should shoot a message to Ordinary Seaman (Anthony). That kid seems like he knows all the tricks about how to get in the door.

**Ordinaryseaman** · March 13th, 2010, 11:00 AM

Thanks Captain Fran

Having a good attitude, applying like CRAZY and being persistent help a lot. That said- I've still only worked 5 months out of the last 18

It's rough out there.

mleners- you're 19? I would HIGHLY recommend one of the following. Each has pluses and minuses though.

1-Mercy Ships or a similar outfit. See their post above. It's not for everyone- but you'd get seatime, experience, and the ability to help people

Downside- no pay/ have to pay expenses. My mom probably would have paid to get rid of me when I was 19- so there's a possible source of "funding"

2- Navy or Coast Guard- enough said.

3- MSC Supply utility- see the world- lots of seatime- better pay than Navy- you will be gone a LOT though..

4- While all of the above are good options- the one I wish I knew about when I was 19? JOB CORPS

look at www. tonguepoint.jobcorps.gov

Benefits-

free airfare to get there and back (no joke)
Free housing
Free food
Gym, TV, etc
FREE BST!
Great location- Ever see the movie "The Goonies"
Some money- they actually pay you to study- not much though

You already have an mmd and twic- so they will love you- I would be ALL OVER this if I were you!!

Best part- you come out with an AB or Qmed- and they help you get a job.

I need to put a post in the employment area about this- it's ONLY good if you're under 25.

If you're serious-Call them AND email them- NOW! My little brother was in job corps- they bent over backwards to help them.

Good luck-Anthony

**mleners** · March 14th, 2010, 01:36 PM

Anthony- I have applied to MSC i sent in an application last mon. and so im calling them this mon.
i may not be able to join Coast Guard or Navy yet, because of ADHD meds., but im off them now so im going to go see soon .

I knew about tongue point but i didnt know if it would be beneficial but i guess it is. Ill call them on Mon. T

Thanks Anthony!!!