So this is my first time posting on Reddit I’ve been rolling around in it for 2 or 3 years now. But I have never posted anywhere, with that I’ll get into what I’m asking. I have been working on boats since I was 20 years old via the US Military. But recently I got out due to a medical retirement and got my 100 Ton Near Costal Master Captains License. But the company I work for has a lot of Sailboat and Fishing type Captains running these boats. Luckily the Captain for our specific boat is a highly seasoned 35 year veteran of the industry. He has given me a lot off good advice and is hard yet fair if that makes any sense. But I want to get into the FSV Crewboats and Oil Field type Crewboats. I was curious what advice endorsements and certifications would assist me in getting there. Also is it true that Dredge Crewboats won’t get you into the Oil Field life I was told this by our manager. That may also be cause I have accepted a job offer at another company due to feeling like my career is at a standstill. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hello! I am researching to put together an enlisted man's uniform from the US Shipping Board (Merchant Marine) during World War One. Did merchant sailors get the World War One Victory Medal regardless of where they served?

Hey guys, I'm interested in getting into this field. I learned I needed to do the STCW Basics Course to become a sailor. Right now I'm living in Colorado, and I'm wondering where I can go to get this course completed. If there's a way in without needing the course I'll look at it but I'd imagine taking the course is best.

A few months ago I received my paper USCG mariner license and couldn’t find a holder that was simple and I liked. I went on the search and partnering with a company in California to design and produce this holder. They were able to make me something I approved and ordered. The photos are the design we worked and I have in stock to ship.

The USCG Credential Holder for new mariner license after March 2024. This is for the paper copy licenses. It will hold your license on the right side and a passport with multiple cards on the left side. It is made from a canvas material and only available in black right now.

I’ve placed processing time at 4-6 weeks since I have a lot of inventory in transit and wanted to give people worst case before I can fill orders. Realistically should have inventory by end of year.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1824591063/

Lurked around and saw some people did their VPDSD through NEMO's online program, saw they also offered an online basic training course with an in person exam? Wondering if anybody's ever gone through that and if it's a viable alternative to taking a week off work to go do the basic in person?

https://northeastmaritimeonline.com/product/basic-training/

Alright merchant's I need your advice I took a at home Drug Test and it wasn't negative but came back as a Preliminary Positive..... Should I take the drug test to get my MMC or wait, haven't smoked in a month and going on two weeks and done with it but should I wait and take another one within another week until I come back fully negative...... Looking for guidance. 👍🏾

What’s up beautiful people, what’s the news on Keystone Shipping!!. Rotation? Pay for AB? Work like?

Hi I’m currently in nursing school and I’m interested in becoming a merchant marine nurse. Basically working on a merchant ship as a nurse. I was told some ships have nurses.

I’m just a bit confused, mainly on is training required like an apprenticeship or something. I know you need passport, mmc, and twic but do you also need an apprenticeship and do you need a BSN or ASN? Any information is appreciated honestly because I’m very confused 🥲

I am currently active duty and trying to get my MMC but cannot for the life of me find out where to get the waiver and where to submit it. If anyone could explain this it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thanks

I've read over the previous threads over foot fungus prevention and the like, but I'm curious what I should bring for steward? A guy at the union hall suggested I buy some cheap white kitchen clothes, and that I consider getting my own knife set. Anything else I should consider bringing for steward specifically?

Hey, my name is Malik 22, when I was 15 and 16 I got into trouble I was charged with GTA and Burglary, ever since then I have not made any other mistakes may be a couple of traffic tickets but nothing far as that currently I am under my security and invading process, but I did recently receive my two-year medical certificate now I’m just waiting for my MMC book if I get it, does anybody here in the merchant, mariner industry have any records that are worse than mine please tell me I’m not alone

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/5ps/MMC/TEMPORARY%20CHANGES%20IN%20SERVICE%20REQUIREMENTS%20FOR%20STCW%20DECK%20RATING%20ENDORSEMENTS.pdf?ver=7c4d1WWb40kqisP9Kr07mw%3d%3d

Is anyone familiar with this temp change to STCW deck rating endorsements? I am trying to get this endorsement: STCW Able Seafarer Deck

My sea time is in commercial tourism, operating as deckhand on vessels under 100t. I don't believe the captains I've been under or the company signing off has been RFPNW/STCW endorsed which I think makes it so that my sea time does not qualify, but I wonder if these temporary changes which came into effect last month changes that? On the offhand does anybody know?

Unfortunately CG is off for holidays, I tried calling them. I'm also trying to get registered on G Captain forums, but when I try to verify email the link goes to an error page that says "page does not exists or is private". I've resent email half a dozen times clicking on link every time, waited a day tried again I always get the same thing.

The specific endorsement I'm trying to get is STCW - able seafarer deck so that I can get hired onto MSC as Able Seaman.

Are there other unions besides siu in the u.s.?

I am completing my MSC profile right now .. just added my info from my MMC & I see another checklist for “ Selective Service “ When I turned 18 I don’t believe they sent me anything because my mom would have told me but is this required ?

Let me know guys thanks !

First time entry level here and was wondering, can I send my medical certificate application and my mmc application at the same time , or Do I need to wait until my med certificate comes back to send off for my mmc ?

Hello,

Going to be studying for 3rd mate unlimited as a hawsepiper.

I’m looking for a study tool where I will get instant feedback on the questions. If i get the question wrong, I’d like to know instantly the correct one. Is there a specific application for this ?

Thanks !

I'm a 3rd A/E, hawspiped my way up, and was wondering what jobs other engineers had or currently have that they really enjoy?

So got all my stuff and applied to MSC for wiper entry level. But last year it got this far and I forgot about it till I was sent an email to take another drug test? I emailed the service to check on the statues of the application and it said the same thing as last year , to wait for further information. Any advice or ideas of some companies that would offer a way to get experience like an apprenticeship would be awesome. ( can't do the siu one due to it costing an arm and leg.)

I have a phone interview with them coming up, anyone here work for them? Any pros / cons, I am applying as an OS.

Thanks yall!

Ordinary Seaman - Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD)

R/V SALLY RIDE

December 26– March 3, 2025

Ports: San Diego, CA > San Diego, CA

POC:Faye Shittu (fshittu@ucsd.edu)

I was wondering as a merchant seaman how much time do you get to spend in port? Like to get off the ship and go explore and shit? Or do you have to stay on the ship?

Have to take a Drug test in order to receive my MMC for sea merchant career. Just wondering if anybody here who uses bud(thc) & vapes can let me know their experience with it. I stopped but somehow the at home test are still coming back positive . Any advice or recommendations

Just found out I’m shipping out as OS to the Pililaau. I was going somewhere else but it got changed today. If you’re on the ship or have been before— hit me with your tips for a brand new OS!

Do I just need to send them an email confirming AB special or do I need to send them a copy of the endorsement page from the MMC application with AB Special stated in the box at the bottom of the page?

Son's status with MMC has been "Your application for this credential completed initial processing on November 05, 2024 and is currently pending assignment to a Professional Qualifications Evaluator" is this normal wait time? Seems a little long to me but then again it is the first time he has applied for it.

Can you receive mail or packages on SIU ships like MSC? I’m only able to get a 3 months supply of my medication at a time so I would need to get my refill mailed to me.

all i have left to do is grab my mmc but i want to make sure i pay the right amount. I believe its the endorsement for ratings other than qualified but not 100% sure. Can someone help?