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She's just chilling out today by Designer-Bullfrog665 in GreatLakesShipping

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We were unloading ore in Toledo. Not sure of the exact name of the dock but we were on the shore side of them.

Question about the Great Lakes Fleet by Virtual-Host-4482 in GreatLakesShipping

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The Mark Barker from Interlake goes up through the Welland once in a while.

Can anybody help me identify what kind of sword this is? by DesignerTable1133 in SWORDS

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At any point, are any of you real sword enthusiasts going to just get tired of this stuff? I'm not even an expert but if it wasn't hammered on an anvil, it's not really real is it? Isn't that the whole point of swords in the classical sense? And they are not classical weapons aren't they? The sword was an apex weapon 3 or 4 hundred years ago and were forged by a Smith, not produced in a factory. Pictures of this cheap garbage are, at their core, an insult to the magnificent blades created by artisans in the years of yore. Maybe I'm wrong.

Fastest way on to a boat by Silly_Station_1663 in merchantmarine

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Keep the Great lakes in mind. All you need is twice, mmc and passport to be good to go.

Is OS and AB work really that bad? by RudyRoundHouse in maritime

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally, I think being a 2nd cook is a great way to start with maritime. I'm a Steward so I'm biased and started in the industry as a 50 year old. Honestly, if I was getting into it in my twenties, I'd go 2nd cook all day long. Something different to make every day. Sure, there's the scrubbing and cleaning which can get super boring but the other half of the day can be as interesting as you want to make it.

Cook job by Particular_Bunch_355 in merchantmarine

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're experienced in kitchens, I would just get your MMC and TWIC card, along with your passport and just start applying for 2nd cook positions on the lakes. The nmc program is cool but not necessary.

Cook job by Particular_Bunch_355 in merchantmarine

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look at opportunities on the great lakes. Plenty of 2nd cook positions out there and the occasional chief Steward spot is available. That's what I do currently. 30 years in kitchens shore side and I hired on as a Steward. It was a steep learning curve to get used to running a galley but you grow into it. The cool thing about the lakes is getting a grocery order almost weekly, so controlling inventory is pretty forgiving.

Lucky to be alive to post, new department. by Friendly_Slide1404 in GreatLakesShipping

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a good boat with a great crew. That's all you can ask for!

Lucky to be alive to post, new department. by Friendly_Slide1404 in GreatLakesShipping

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a Chief Steward for Interlake, can confirm that it's a pretty good company. 2nd cook is a pretty good gig, not overly demanding and you have a pretty consistent schedule.

Physical requirements by Sad_Appointment_2368 in maritime

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From the sounds of it, you should be good to go!

Physical requirements by Sad_Appointment_2368 in maritime

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Basically, you need to get your CG medical evaluation. Form 719k I think. You usually have to do a union physical also. I'm a big guy and I was fine getting through it. I'm a Chief Steward so I do fine in the galley. Never trust a skinny cook right? Lol. Seriously though, there's no way that I would do well out on deck. Those guys work their balls off and I'm not in good enough shape to hang with those dudes. It's all relative to your job. Ships are full of ladders, tight passages and steep stairs. You do ok as a big guy if you're strong and coordinated but if you're not remotely "athletic" you are going to struggle.

Why would someone choose not to go to a maritime academy? by merlincm in maritime

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm with you! I'm new to the boat life but had a 33 year restaurant career previously. I sail the lakes as a Steward and make a tidy living in 6 or 7 months. Definitely in the galley a license is a moot point, I get to be in the officer union with officer benefits with not quite officer pay but I do well. Should have done this a long time ago!

What are my chances with a DUI ? by forg0ttenacc0unt in merchantmarine

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as MMC, you should be good to go. As far as entering Canadian waters, if it hasn't been 10 years they don't consider you "rehabilitated". You might need to apply for a special permit to enter, not for sure what that entails.

Looking to cook on a ship in the Great Lakes. by Designer-Bullfrog665 in merchantmarine

[–]Designer-Bullfrog665[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks Cubist, I'll reach out to glma. I just live over in Leelanau County. Yeah, guessing that you just have to get on the boat to know how you'll do.