I got accepted to piney point SIU and failed the last drug test in 2022. I then had to report it to the coast guard and I signed a contract for a one year assessment. I ended up getting a new opportunity as a plumbers apprentice and didn’t complete my assessment. I then got a dui last year and had to quit being a plumber and now want to get my mariners credentials. How likely can I reapply and get it back? I am in a court issued program that last a year which requires rehab, AA meetings, and drug test weekly. My goal is to finish through my court order and reapply by the end of the year?

Hey all, newbie here. I’m in the process of getting my mmc. I have some questions about medical waivers related to mental health. I’ve had anxiety and depression for a while and I’ve been seeing a therapist and psychiatrist for over 10 years. Ive had them both under control for some time. I work well under pressure and the meds I take don’t effect my ability to function. Nor am I a danger to myself or anyone else. I was reaching out to ask if anyone who has anxiety or depression has had issues getting your mmc ? What does the letter from my psychiatrist need to say ? I’m really excited about this career possibility if you have Input or suggestions I would love any input. With gratitude.

Hello, I am currently studying at a Merchant Marine Academy. I have completed all my firefighting, safety, and medical training, and soon I will be qualified as a deck cadet. I want to work on a cruise ship as a cadet. What are the chances of getting this position without any connections? I have submitted my resume on their website and on LinkedIn, but I haven’t received any responses yet. Are there any agencies that help find jobs on cruise ships?

Anyone who has worked for ASC as an OS; what was your experience like? How did the hiring process go and when did you start in relation to the shipping season? The lakers are all in lay up right now, but Spring is coming soon enough and I have a good feeling about getting on with them. Thanks!

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! cross posted in maritime subreddit as well.

y'all I finally got em. Sending in my MMC app tomorrow. It's Wiper time 😎

Are there any disabled vets that have been disqualified? Should I be worried about my process being extended?

Can someone explain what units, monthly and rates mean on the pay voucher? I have my son's voucher but we can't understand it.

Hello all,

Been working on an inland tug and will qualify for my AB special in a couple months. My ultimate goal is to sail blue water with SIU (With the lakes as a backup). The Piney Point approach didn’t fit with my life so I wasn’t able to take that route. This being said, I have a couple questions.

1. On the RFPNW checklist it’s listed that under AB special, there’s no sea service requirement for RFPNW. Am I understanding correctly that once I have my AB, I can take an RFPNW course and forgo the seatime requirement?

2. What endorsements/courses should I acquire to make it easier to bid on a job for SIU?

3. With AB Special & RFPNW can I sail as an AB for SIU, or will I be relegated to OS positions until I can acquire my AS-D?

Thank you all for your help.

Hey folks, so I have my medical certificate and I used the CG-719E and was approved even with my mild case of cerebral palsy. What I’m worried about is when I go and renew I’m going to have to use the 719K…and it’s an obviously deeper medical history, if I can’t renew and the docs think I can’t do the job (which I know can) what should I do? Are there options for working on the water without an MMC if that ends up happening? I guess I’m just worried because I know I can do this work and I’m afraid when I renew my docs think I won’t be capable. Some words of advice would be appreciated!

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?

I was starting to lose hope with MSC, especially after getting a job offer from ACL just three days ago. But after Tongue Point didn't work out, four or five interviews with no call-backs, and dozens of job applications, I finally landed two offers-both from companies known for being great stepping stones in the industry. I'm beyond excited for this next chapter in my career.

If you were in my shoes, which company would you choose? I'm supposed to start with ACL mid April, but l've heard MSC's hiring process takes around the same amount of time from where I’m at now.

What up yall, just here to update all the prospects on my process getting on with MSC. They sent me an email this morning that I needed to provide some paperwork regarding my background check. Easy day. Emailed it to them tonight. So we’ll see where the process goes from here. For context I was prior Navy with a Secret clearance that’s still active so it shouldn’t take too long.

A recap for anyone new reading this, I got my MMC last summer. Had my Twic and Passport already. Applied in October for MSC entry level and got the offer letter last month. Just waiting on background check, drug test, and another physical before I go to NEO.

I’ll keep yall updated as I get more info, fair winds 🤙🏼

Coast guard did not approve my application for my medical certificate due to my a1c was high but It been low lately now. They need a letter from a doctor saying I’m good to go but I can’t find a doctor to sign the letter to get sent off and I don’t have a primary care doctor right now. Anyone got any suggestions?

Just recently graduated (engine) looking for any advice on how many clothes or type to bring. Any specific items to make life easier/better? Let’s say at least 3 months.

Being in the union ( siu) can I live anywhere in the USA?

A recent AMA on Reddit was from a cargo ship engineer, lots of good insight- https://www.reddit.com/r/AMA/s/aFqLVOiiAa

From what he says about life in the engine room, between the chemicals and equipment, a long healthy life is pretty much impossible.

I’ve seen others say dissimilar things here though, that the newer ships and good companies take better care of their health. I understand this industry will inherently come with some risk, but are certain positions like the Engine Room always so detrimental to your health?

Can a DOT physical be used for the CG-719k? Where i live there are no places which offer the "coast guard' physical, so I'm not sure how I can get this done.

Are there any folks that are currently in MFOW that i could bend their ear on some questions

Anybody else start Piney points Academy May 12th? What all should we Bring? Can I bring my Xbox?

Hey folks,

Just had a quick question regarding my medical cert expiry date: if I’m wanting to work exclusively on the Great Lakes, which expiration date should I pay attention to, STCW or National, I’ve heard that because STCW doesn’t apply on the lakes, I should pay attention to the national date. Is that correct?

I plan on doing my STCW the first week of march and I already have a Secret clearance from the military.

Hello, I'm currently a CS major and I was thinking of trying to go towards the IT route and work in environments like off shore oil rigs or other places similar. I was wondering how someone would be able to go about doing that and the qualifications necessary to do that? Or if there's even entry level positions for those roles? I don't know of it helps or not but I'm also a veteran.

Has anyone here every worked for them for 28 weeks and if so how much money did you bring back home and did you get a better job after Getting your first amount of sea time

Has anyone here every worked for them for 28 weeks and if so how much money did you bring back home and did you get a better job after Getting your first amount of sea time

I'm a recent CMA graduate, 3rd Mate Unlimited Tonnage. I am also a transgender woman, and I started working for the Military Sealift Command in June because MSC had the best diversity policies. During the previous administration that might have been true, except perhaps only Crowley.

Now that the new administration has federally banned recognition of trans people and kicked trans service members from the military, I'm deeply concerned that my job is next. it's my understanding that the general reputation of MSC is that they're hurting so bad for qualified billets (especially officers) that it's impossible to get fired. I'm worried that if I do get dismissed from MSC, that would give the impression to future companies that I'm deeply incompetent. Or worse, if it's like a Discharge Other than Honorable from the military, I'll essentially be labeled a Felon, inelligible to work in federal service again and even own a gun. I can't quit now because I used the signing bonus to pay off some debt, and I don't have enough in savings yet to pay back the prorated bonus. I can't switch to MMP Offshore until 2 years into MSC or I'll be an Applicant instead of a C Book, so I'm worried that I'll owe money to the government and also not be able to get a job.

What can I do besides grind insane overtime, save every penny, and pray? Should I get license insurance? should I put into continuity and try to hide out flipping burgers for 4 years?

it really feels like my options are

• Stop being trans (impossible)
• Hope Trump doesn't notice MSC (maybe get fired and lose my license if he does notice. eviction, homelessness, the bottle, the needle, the shallow unmarked grave)
• Quit and try to tough it as an MMP Applicant (uncertain, indebted, might get denied employment for being trans)
• Abandon the Sea (indebted, no transferable skills, Arby's, eviction, freeze to death under a bridge)

I filled out an application around 4am this morning and the got back to me at around noon. So now I have an interview tomorrow with American Cruise Lines for the deckhand position, and I'm pretty excited! This would be my first "maritime job" and a big step toward eventually working in deep-sea shipping. If anyone has experience working with them or any insights about the job, l'd really appreciate the information!

How long was it for you? If you are not local do you pay your way to Virginia and back to wherever you come from?

Hey everyone. I just got out of the Coast Guard, and I'm looking at inland deckhand positions to get started in the maritime industry. I have my TWIC and medical certificate, but on a lot of job applications, I keep seeing a requirement to hold a MMD. Is that the same as an endorsement, or is it something different?