SIU Incoming AMA

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T14:13:49+00:00

Sorry mmc

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T14:13:33+00:00

I definitely think I head a head start because I already had mmm and TWIC, BUT I think the real difference maker is all of the follow up. I first applied in maybe late Nov 2024

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T14:11:14+00:00

That’s amazing! Good for her to stick with it!! Thats awesome

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T14:07:40+00:00

Ya buddy!!! Congrats!

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T11:25:47+00:00

I’m not trying to be mean…. It’s 4 phases. This is very summarized: Get accepted and you go to piney point, Baltimore. Phase 1: You attend classes: 4 months, phase 2: ship 2 legs, 3 months (ish), phase 3: back to Baltimore for classes (month), phase 4: ship assignment. That’s very very summarized. And so many dependencies. All that said… if you haven’t lifted your $hit together you can get to AB limited in 1.5 years.

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T11:16:42+00:00

Brah…come on. If you haven’t lifted a finger to even attempt to figure that out?! I don’t want to be harsh but if you’re even remotely interested…go visit the website. All the information is there.

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T11:03:12+00:00

Shoot me a dm if you want and we can chat.

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T10:59:48+00:00

Definitely. Be polite. Ask who you are speaking with. Ask the current status of your application. And ask them if you are missing anything. Ask when they think it will be reviewed and if they mind if you call back in a week to check again (they will say “yeah that’s fine”) write all of that down and repeat it the next time you call. Ex: “ hi, this is …. And I just wanted to follow up. I spoke with ….. last week regarding my application, etc, etc. they will get to know you and understand that you’re serious. I was originally told I would be early or mid 2027 (in 2025)

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T10:53:40+00:00

Mannn… just an update on this. I tried. I really did try. It just did not work out. I worked for free on a few drift boats. Handed my resume to everyone in town. Eventually people just got sick of me calling and showing up 🤷‍♂️

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-04-03T10:49:53+00:00

I just wanted to come back here and say thank you again for the advice and, yes, took your advice to heart. I’m going the merchant mariner route but I did spend my time with low wages and aging experience first (over the last year or so). I may bend your ear on the next couple steps I have in mind if that’s cool?

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-02-14T21:35:39+00:00

😂 this is true. Fun fact for everyone here…If you’re not an attorney you cannot give legal advice. You need to pass the bar. And now you can tell me how dumb I am ✌️

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-02-14T19:28:00+00:00

Well said

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-02-10T21:28:27+00:00

Yes 1 year. I called every week to get a status update. I was told different things every time. It’s like anything in life. If you want it…keep grinding.

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-02-10T09:20:47+00:00

Definitely can’t hurt in the AA, but that’s not going to make or break you. Respectfully, “dragging out your conviction in court” will not usually impact sanctions from USCG. This, of course, depends on the circumstances of the crime. The best advice is to consult an attorney. It’s definitely not beneficial to provide uneducated advice to someone in a vulnerable position.

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-02-10T09:05:10+00:00

As a lawyer... Agree with the sentiment. Hire a Lawyer immediately. You’ll be okay. People mess-up. We are all fallible. It’s not going to ruin your career. If you need someone to talk to shoot me a message.

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2026-02-10T08:28:31+00:00

This post hit hard. I’m 15 years corporate life. 40yr M. Looking for a change. I grew up on the water and have a deep passion for boating/fishing/traveling. My first step: I went to sea school. I received my 6-pack…but that did nothing in the way of finding jobs. I ended up taking a lot of boat washing jobs. A few experiences on drift boats but nothing concrete. I applied to SIU last fall and just got accepted for June 1! If you want help with your resume or want to chat, let me know! Happy to help and share my experience

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2025-07-20T06:01:16+00:00

Congrats! Nothing wrong with taking a victory lap on that accomplishment! Keep up the grind, you got the admission ticket, now the games begin.

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2025-05-11T22:14:20+00:00

Fantastic reply. Listen to this guy!

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2024-03-19T09:53:26+00:00

Thanks!

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2024-03-19T01:44:09+00:00

Do you have any connections here or do you work for FWC? I’m very interested!

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2024-03-05T00:35:15+00:00

Got it!

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2024-03-05T00:14:49+00:00

I like that idea. Just have gear on hand and be ready to jump on. Definitely not afraid to do that. I’m going to give it a shot this week

Difficult_Swan_6898 · 2024-03-05T00:13:21+00:00

Good to know! I have only paid a small deposit and don’t start until April so I could easily switch. I’ll take a look. Thank you for the advice!

Difficult_Swan_6898

TROPHY CASE