I was looking to join MSC entry level as a deckhand, don't have any experience. Since Trump won i'm worried about legislation being passed allowing outsourcing for these positions, should I even continue through with the process or for my best interest in finding a career should I look into different fields? I would enjoy working towards this but I really don't wanna get fucked over on pay or opportunities.

I was a mate, Lost my license after being convicted for a nonviolent firearm charge. Ive applied for a new license and im currently submitting letters of reference for a TWIC card which was initially denied. Ive heard that most people are granted waivers. If I can get my twic card how hard is it to get my MMC back?

(Msc)Checked into the pool Monday (yesterday) wondering how long to expect to be in the pool. Kinda bored :/. What’s the longest you guys been the pool?

Anybody scheduled for February 2025 got an official date yet ? Just wondering. 3 months away so I’m curious thinking I should just call admissions

Does anyone know how long it takes to hear back from SIU after you’ve taken your test and interview I took mine on the 4th of October and haven’t heard anything yet?

Hi I'm applying for My MMC and I and I'm stuck at the conviction part I have a quiet lengthy record of misdemeanors but I'm not sure if I was convicted of any of those crimes. I really don't want to mess this opportunity up it's been a while since I've been arrested and I have changed my life around drastically

I guess I'm confused on the process of getting off at ports around the world. I've watched many videos on YouTube and everyone shows getting off and spending an afternoon but not the process. Does your passport have to be stamped at the port or what?

Hi guys!

I've been in college approximately 10 billion years and am looking for something better to do with my time. I was recently told by a guy in one of my classes who's done a few hitches aboard a ship that its something I might enjoy/be good at.

At this stage I'm working on getting an MMC (I have a passport and I'm picking up my TWIC later this week.) I have a lot of questions and know very little about this industry but I am eager to learn more. In short: My goal is to get aboard a ship this summer between my spring and fall semesters and see if this is an environment in which I will do well and would like to make a future. I have an associates degree in nothing useful and most of a bachelors degree in something slightly more useful and very few skills/certs beyond Wilderness First Responder and Saw card (neither of which seem useful on a boat) and very little work experience aside from a summer crew-leading for an Americorps-type program.

My friend from class was saying that whatever company hires you will give you the necessary training before you leave and that all I need is an MMC and a pulse. Is this true? I am not very discriminating and am used to being payed poorly.

At this stage I am not interested in going to a school for this and really just want a short (~3 months) hitch this summer to see if I'm interested in a career in maritime.

Also I'm red/green colorblind and don't know if that will cause issues with the medical check.

Is this feasible or even possible? If so, what steps should I take in the meantime to maximize my chances of finding such an opportunity. Any help is greatly appreciated and sorry if i have misunderstood something about your industry or this post is meant to go elsewhere. I know nothing, please help me.

I'm a new union member, waiting for the job call to ship out as an OS. This will be my first ship, whenever it happens. 100% hawespiping, no schooling beyond the BST/VPDSD courses. (Hoping to get a ship before the end of the year but one never knows.)

I know exactly nothing about the job. What do you seasoned sailors expect of a brand new, totally green OS when you're at sea with one? I know it depends on the crew and the ship, but I'd appreciate some insight into how fast I am expected to learn, what kind of work I'll be doing on day 1, etc.

Cheers and Happy Holidays.

I take my tests and interview Tuesday. What would be the next steps after? I have my Passport processing and twic received. I don't know if I should wait till I know I'm accepted or go ahead and work on the physical, dental, etc... wanting to get into program ASAP.

Got a couple of emails this morning from NMC. MMC has been under evaluation and medical certificate is in the mail after about a month. At least the process is sort of moving along.

Hello, I’d really appreciate some advice. I’m in my mid-40s and currently working in a field that’s entirely unrelated to my true passion: becoming a merchant marine for which I have zero experience. I understand the traditional path typically begins with starting as an Ordinary Seaman (OS), working up to Able Seaman (AB), and so forth. I’m prepared to take on the hard work, but I have some concerns about whether my body could keep up with the physical demands over the first few years or so, given my age. (Oh how I wish I’d started right after high school!)

Is there any kind of accelerated program or pathway available for someone in my situation that could help me advance quickly to at least 3rd Mate as efficiently as possible? Thank you so much for any insights!

Looking for deep sea jobs as OS, would be willing to head to the west coast if I can't find any here. I've heard joining SIU/SUP isn't worth it till you're an AB due to the lack of OS jobs, correct me on that if I'm wrong.

Already have all certs needed to work deep sea.

Hey all, I’ve recently began looking more into maritime and Kings Point. I’ve applied to SUNY Maritime as well as Kings Point, but I am a little bit confused on a few things. I’ve heard controversy about the Merchant Marine Academy as well as the Merchant Marine itself. I’ve read that the Jones Act wants to be repealed or something, and I’m not exactly sure what that would mean for maritime. After reading this I’m sure you all can see I have no idea, so I’d greatly appreciate if the Jones law could be explained and the future of the Merchant Marine.

All responses are appreciated!

Tldr: Is the Merchant Marine Academy and Merchant Marine failing?

Hey guys so I finally heard back about my mmc being in security vetting for 4 months now . I was contacted from a uscg investigator letting me know my application is sitting behind hundreds of others currently being investigated right now . I was arrested back in 2022 for a simple weed possession and I completed pre trial intervention to have the case dismissed . My problem was I put no to “convictions” on my application because I was told the case was dropped and dismissed after completing the PTI which it is . The investigator told me he doesn’t have a time frame of when my this step will be done but I went ahead and emailed him my court documents showing I completed PTI and my charges were dropped . Does anyone have any information on this or has went through this process before ?

I took my drug test Monday but I have not received my results back, did I need the results to submit my application? I have my twic, my oath, payment confirmation, and the mmc paperwork. Will I get rejected if the drug test results aren't attached or do testing facilities send that for you? I'm a little concerned I'll have to resubmit.

I’m talking about if you work every day getting all your overtime what’s a good estimate that I could net? I appreciate any answers, but if anyone from SUP could give me some insight since that’s the union I plan on joining.

I am new to the process and I am wondering if this is something you do before or after hiring since these courses are expensive.

I have my passport, I have my TWIC, all I need now is my MMC. I haven’t taken any training courses however I am an Outside Machinist/ Diesel Mechanic. I have been working on nuclear carriers, nuclear subs, container ships, super yachts and smaller vessels (mostly engine work) for the past 6 years. From full overhauls to bow thruster installations, I worked on the USS Kennedy and more. My question is with my experience I want to be an engineer what do I need to do from this point. I’m tired of being on land.

Hey all, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an IT on a small ship and enjoyed the ship life well enough. Separated the same month as the mass tech layoffs were hitting (Dec 2022) and it's been a rough time since.

I'm looking to use my GI bill to get back into the maritime life as an Officer. From my understanding IT or Radio operator isn't it's own department like the Navy and the breakdown is Deck, Engineering, and Hospitality. What kind of path or degree would be the smoothest or most similar transition?

I'm not opposed to doing a full career swap just curious to hear what life is like as an officer in the various departments and what degree/certifications everyone recommends

I live an hour away from one of the maritime academies and just looking to pick yall's brains before I hit submit on a degree path and application.

Im trying to help my husband navigate this new career change and it’s confusing where to look for jobs. We are near Norfolk, VA. We have heard pretty bad things about MSC with long deployments and toxic working environment. So he likely won’t be applying there.

I was looking up SIU and it sounds like this is more contract work where you can pick and choose assignments as they are available? Am I right, halfway right, completely wrong?

If this helps, his background is retired navy engineer and he wants to stay in engineering. He has everything to be a MM but his MMC (package has been submitted. Just waiting for the card now).

There's a lot of terminology and acronyms used here that can be confusing for outsiders. What is the simplest way to become an officer and make good money in this career starting with 0 experience? I already have a BS degree.

What type of vessels does SUP work with? Are they tug boats or ATBs and such? Do they have dedicated cooks?

Do you get a background check from the hiring company after you sign a contract or does the union do it?

He has High blood pressure and diabetes. It’s controlled. How often does USCG and companies deny a guy that has those medical issues?

I have insurance through Medicaid and I just got off the phone with them because I know I’ll need ample supply of my meds before I can go overseas. They said that they can only provide a 30 day supply. Just going off my meds for 3 days sends me into withdrawal. I’ve been taking these meds since middle school and I’m four years out of high school now. I’m willing to try to wean myself off of three of my prescriptions if I have to, but I need my insomnia prescription.