Hey all, I was accepted into SUNY Maritime and still waiting to hear back from USMMA. I do want to serve in the Navy but I want to be guaranteed of the job that I will be doing. I know that the maritime academies have the SSMP program (Strategic Sealift Officer Program) that allows people to commission as a SSO after graduation. In case the program doesn’t work during my 4 years at an academy, is there a way to become an SSO after graduation without the program? All responses are appreciated!

Right now I'm 1ae unlimited on the great lakes. Been on the lakes my whole career. It's getting old, got the itch to try something new.

Currently I make around 850 a day on a 30/30 schedule. Is there anything similar to that outside the lakes that might be worth looking into? Or something better?

Hey everyone

I just turned 20 and I’m currently studying to become a deck officer at a maritime academy (eastern europe). The problem is I’ve realized this career isn’t for me at all. I feel no passion for it and honestly the only reason I even went into this field was because of my parents. Of course it was my decision in the end but I see now that it was heavily influenced by them.

The education process itself isn’t enjoyable as I struggle a lot because it’s not in my native language. The main reason I was pushed into this path was money. After graduation I’m basically guaranteed a job at a good company through family connections. The work would involve refueling ships near the shore meaning I’d be away from home most of the time even though I wouldn’t be out at sea for months on end. The pay is great 10k euros per month per contract so realistically 5k per month. Some family members also say I could work in an office later on but I find that unlikely and even if it were possible I’m not interested in that either.

My parents and relatives keep telling me this is the only path where I will be successful where I will make real money and where I will be happy. But I honestly don’t see the value in earning this much while losing so much time away from home. I’ve seen firsthand what this career does to people since my father is a chief marine engineer and I saw how it affected both him and our family. I don’t want to go through the same thing. He keeps insisting that working as a deck officer on refueling ships is easy and the best choice for me but I just can’t see myself doing it.

I can’t even have a proper conversation with my parents about this because every attempt just turns into them yelling at me. There’s a high chance they will kick me out of the house which feels incredibly depressing because it’s literally just because they don’t like my choice in life. I would understand if I was refusing to study or doing nothing with my life but I actually proposed an alternative. Yet all I hear is that I won’t find a job and that I’m ruining my future. Because of this they’re pressuring me to stay until the end of the year and “decide” then but I feel like it’s just a way to force me to continue and then yell at me and threaten me again until I give in.

Everything in my family is centered around money which, to some extent, is understandable. But my parents take it to another level. My father keeps telling me that as a man I’ll always have to provide for my family and that women only stay with men for money. My mother constantly repeats that women need financial security and can only truly love a man if he has enough money. I won’t argue that there’s some truth to this but looking at my own family makes me question it because my parents are literally on the verge of divorce. Honestly, it feels like these are their personal issues that they’re projecting onto me.

They also constantly bring up rare cases of people they know who struggled to find a job after graduation and ended up lost in life. I get that they’re worried about me but at this point, it feels less like concern and more like psychological pressure.

One major downside of leaving is that I would lose my military draft deferral which means I’d have to change my citizenship to avoid mandatory service. It’s not impossible but it would be a financial strain on me. At the same time I’m being told that if I leave I will regret it and that it will be the biggest mistake of my life.

I know this post might not fully fit the subreddit and may come across as more of a vent about my problems. But I feel completely lost and would really appreciate any advice perspectives or personal experiences. Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply.

Ive been having a very hard time finding a job on a tugboat so I thought maybe I could get a job with MSC, sail with them for a year, get my AB limited and work on tugboats? Because it seems all the tugboat companies that I have been applying to want experience, but I know being an OS on a ship is a lot different than being a OS on a tug. Would I be able to get my AB limited on a ship and then apply for AB jobs for tugboats? Or would I still be a OS deckhand on a tug?

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🚢

“Leadership starts with one fundamental aspect—being a good human being.” – Rear Admiral John Okon

In the latest episode of The Last Dinosaur Podcast, I sit down with Rear Admiral John Okon, President of SUNY Maritime College, to explore what it means to lead with character in today’s fast-paced maritime industry.

🛠️ What does it take to forge the next generation of leaders?

• Learn why SUNY Maritime prioritizes character-based leadership alongside critical thinking.
• Discover how this approach prepares students to navigate the complex challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.
• Hear Admiral Okon’s inspiring journey and how he’s shaping the future of maritime education.

💡 “If you want to make a difference in this world, you need to be a character-based leader.”

🌊 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Hey everyone,

I’m considering flying to the SIU hall in Houston to look for work as either an STOS or OSM. I was wondering if anyone has experience with the average lead time from getting a job call to actually shipping out.

If I fly down there, should I have my bags packed and be ready to leave immediately, or is there usually a couple of days before departure? I live pretty far from any of the halls, so I want to plan accordingly.

Any insights from those who have been through the process would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello everyone :)

I’ll be graduating next year with a Computer Science and Engineering degree from a maritime university in Europe. I’ve always loved the industry but didn’t pursue any offshore careers because when I applied to university I had my mother to take care of (who unfortunately has passed away).

I started studying CS&E in this specific university because I thought it would be a nice way to mix the maritime industry with computer science, something I also enjoy. Unfortunately all of my colleagues want to work regular IT jobs not at all related to this industry. I’m the only one in the class who actually has interest in maritime work. There are no older students to ask because the course opened when I got in.

Next semester I’ll be trying to speak with professors that teach the Deck and Bridge Operations course but I’d like to know if anyone here has experience with IT professions working in the industry, offshore or not! Masters recommendations or any general advice is also welcome :)

Once again, this is western Europe but available and willing to travel and/or move!

Pretty self explanatory. I feel like this guy takes any chance on making condescending, rude remarks when there is no type of input needed for the moment at hand. Operationally, technically, and professionally I do my job well, but even the most minute tasks i can get criticized. I understand if i slack off, if i dont follow standing orders, or if im late to something. But never once have i failed or made bad decisions that go against any kind of order or procedure that puts the ship, crew, cargo, or anything at risk. Everyone on this ship hates the guy. And he’s got something to say to everyone. i can only eat shit for so long before blowing up.

So whats ur guys methods ? Anyone ever experience this kinda thing ?

Have heard through back channels that they are having some issues over there but lacking on details…

Got my hands on a DNV software "Port Navigator". Anyone with experience? Is it worth it?

Hey everyone, I just got accepted into the Great Lakes Maritime Academy for this August, and I’m super excited to start! I’ll be in the engine department and wanted to reach out to current or recent students for some advice.

I’m planning to apply for the campus apartments this week. I know there’s a waitlist, so I wanted to see if anyone could share their experience with the apartments. If that doesn’t work out, what are some good, affordable housing options around the area? It’ll be me and my girlfriend, so any recommendations would be appreciated.

Also, any tips for the academy in general? I’ve never worn steel-toe boots before (didn’t need them during my time in the military), so if you’ve got suggestions for durable, comfortable boots, I’d love to hear them. Anything else you’d recommend bringing or preparing for?

Lastly, we’re moving from Idaho to Michigan—any moving tips to make the process smoother?

Thanks in advance!

Were stumped onboard, no one has a clue. Quite a new ship (photo)

Looking to get my 150 ton master and 500 ton master down the road and considering getting a job as a deckhand / OS in the merchant navy, however wanted to ask about both boatswain and NWO trades in the Royal Canadian Navy

Would sea time in these trades help obtain Transport Canada competencies as per Marine Personnel Regulations

Giant grommet on display at the Sydney office of the Maritime Union of Australia

Transcript of text: GIANT GROMMET

The BHP Engineers said it couldn't be done. Hand manipulate a 50 metre long single strand of hard, inflexible 50mm iron wire into a grommet of a size never made before.

Australian Seafarers proved them wrong.

Created by Kiwi Rogerson, in a rigging loft under his home in Umina and his assistant was 76 year old George Martindale, both veterans of square riggers, Kiwi on the vessel "Pamir" and George on the "May Wind".

This was the end piece of an exhibit of grommets sized from this giant to one the size of a wedding ring.

It was recovered from the old home of Kiwi where it had laid for many years after his death. It is a unique example of the wonderful seamanship skills inherited by and nurtured by generations of seafarers.

(Words by Alan Oliver)

So I have applied applied and applied! I am feeling a bit discouraged. I am changing careers. I am currently a truck driver. I've got my MMC credentials, VPDSD, STCW BT, Twic, and Passport. Maybe it's my resume. Am I missing something? Everyone has to start somewhere. What helped you all? I am all eyes and ears. HELP!!!!!!! Female here located in Charleston SC. Once again HELP! Thanks in advance.

Just about to graduate and have my 3rd a/e. How are amo job boards looking (oceans and lakes)? Are they still plenty of jobs open like they’ve been saying the past couple of years? When are the best times to try and get jobs as a fresh 3rd ?

I've been accepted into Maine Maritime and am going to be moving there later this year. Maine Maritime's subreddit is inactive so this is the next best place i can think to ask these.

I'm a 26yo navy vet and I've been told that most vets/ older students move out in town after RPT. Looking at Castine on the internet, where in the hell are people moving to? There seem to be no apartments for rent anywhere within an hour's drive, and the area is so rural i doubt there are more than 4 or 5 people renting out their houses. Also, I can't really justify trying to buy a house there when I've never even stepped foot in Maine before. I hear on campus, The Commons is a suitable place to try to room at, but there's only 30 or so rooms if I recall correctly. Are these like single rooms shared by two people?

Aside from housing questions, what's RPT and the Regiment like? I can't picture RPT being worse than boot. Is the Regiment alot like active duty navy life? Lastly, what's life in general like for veterans there?

Hey everyone,

I was planning to join NOAA this February but missed out due to the hiring freeze. I’ve worked on the Great Lakes with SIU as a direct hire for American Steamship Company, but I’ve never been inside an SIU hall. Since the closest hall to me is over 300 miles away, I’m looking for advice on which SIU hall I should visit to complete the hall hiring process and possibly secure immediate job placement.

After calling around, I learned I need to visit an SIU Hall to take the English Proficiency test, and I should also be eligible for a Red Book. My SIU medical cert is valid until May 1st.

As for credentials, I have an AB Special rating with RFPNW, VPDSD, Survival Craft, and BST, though I’m still waiting on the Able Seafarer-Deck endorsement (which I’ve just submitted). The halls I’ve called have confirmed I’m eligible to sail as either an OSM or STOS, and once I get the AS-D endorsement, I’ll be able to sail as an AB.

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions

I’m about to turn 20 and I want to get on an ATB barge tanking. I just recently sent off for my ticket (PIC DL). I am kind of lost. I heard some people say you could get out there as an OS tankerman, but everywhere I check says they’re not hiring. Any advice on where I can start?

I am embarking on my new career as a yacht stewardess. Seem to tick all the boxes besides one concern. An antidepressant that I've been taking for about 3 years isn't listed in the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual?

Trazadone/Molipaxin: phenylpiperazine compound of the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) class. Ver common anti-anxiety medicine.

Does anyone know if it's common and accepted prescription for crew?

Hi all,

I'd like to get some perspective on the most cost and time efficient route to becoming a merchant mariner given my situation:

- 36/m
- Bachelors in Philosophy
- Former teacher
- Worked as a first mate on a charter boat ages ago as a teenager

I have some $$ saved but am reticent to invest 6 figures in additional schooling without having an idea of whether this is something I want to do for the foreseeable future. On the other hand, I'd prefer not to 'hawse pipe' it and would like to leverage the BA that I already have (I realize philosophy has f all to do with this path, but I believe I can be admitted to a SUNY graduate program with a bachelors in anything - can anybody confirm this?)

Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

Has anyone ever been on a ship that was denied entry into port? If so, what precipitated the denial, and was denial eventually rescinded or did you divert to another port that allowed entry?

Life happens and between working, buying a house, and having a baby this year my one year to test is almost up and I don't think I'm ready. Anyone have experience requesting an extension, or do I have to start from the bottom and reapply with all the documents?

Any input is appreciated.

CNN is reporting that a US Coast Guard “crane” vessel is enroute from the Port of Baltimore to the plane-helo crash site on the Potomac River. A photo is circulating of the USCG vessel with no description. The vessel identifying marker is “557.” The 557 is the USCGC FRANK DREW built in 1997 in Marinette (shipyard), Wisconsin. It is a Keeper-class buoy tender with a lifting capacity of 20,000 lbs, and a fully loaded draft (water depth) of 8 feet. Although handy, it is small. There will need to be much larger marine capability to remove the plane and helicopter from the river once recovery ops have completed — perhaps a combination of larger deck and crane barges, tugs and landslide staging and crane ops.

I worked at an Amazon warehouse for one year, currently work as a Security Officer, have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and have been commissioned as an Officer in the Army Reserves. What career paths within the MSC could be a potential fit for me? And where do I start?

Had a issue in piney point and got sent home nothing to serious. But they say I can come back but I don't really know if I want to is there other opportunities available with jusy mmc twic and passport also the med cert?