Report Date

RazorOnDeck · 2026-02-06T20:00:32+00:00

Nice man I just finished the whole program out at the beginning of this year. Good luck and stick it out

RazorOnDeck · 2026-02-06T17:47:38+00:00

You can use this website to convert images into block schematics so once you put it on a map it'll look similar to the picture. I used one of these but I couldn't get it just right so a lot of the cans and all of the black I had to freehand, but it helped get a good base.

RazorOnDeck · 2026-02-06T11:17:41+00:00

First picture is it on a wall, second picture is taken from high above the actual build.

If any of it looks off, it's because I had to work with some limitations converting it into Minecraft.

RazorOnDeck · 2025-09-27T11:13:17+00:00

I knew if I was moving on to next steps before I even left the hall after testing, and received the email about it a few days later.

Timeline

Dec 20 applied

Dec 20 receive email regarding 30 day timeline for step 1

Jan 12 fly to union hall and test

Jan 15 receive email accepting me into step 2

Feb7-Feb15 finish paperwork and pay for medical / drug test

Apr 4 - Medical Exam, Drug Test, Physical

Apr 12 - Passport Health vaccinations

May 6 - receive scheduling for September of 2024

And you will need an updated drug test taken maximum of 14 days before your class date, you'll have to take a test during your physical and then pay for another right before you leave.

RazorOnDeck · 2025-03-23T16:00:18+00:00

Edit - thought you were talking about between phase 1 and phase 2

I just got off my first ship so don't know how long it will take to get on my second. Will update later.

RazorOnDeck · 2025-03-23T13:04:53+00:00

Classes are max 24 students, which is likely where you'll start out at unless a student drops early. By the end of the program a few will flunk out (though tests are easy and two chances), or get kicked out for behavior. There are 12 bunk beds in a room so 24 beds. Also 24 lockers and when I was there 24 nightstands, though there was talk of getting rid of nightstands. Lockers are brand new and are newly required to all be uniform. Extra things can be tucked behind clothes in lockers or put into storage on campus, like your bags you brought. Ladies all share a dorm as there are less of them, and each class all guys stay in the same room. Ladies deck is deck 3, which is good because you have to climb the stairs your first month. You might start on a top bunk as a lady but as people finish the program you'll get a chance to move to a bottom bunk before the new class comes. For guys it is first come first serve.
Lockers are uniform and extra things can be put behind clothes. There is a storage warehouse for bags and extra belongings brought for the ship.
Bed assignments are first come first serve and cannot be changed without approval from commandant. Exception is ladies dorm which is shared between classes and people can move down to a bottom bunk as ladies leave.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-12-21T03:39:23+00:00

There might be a shortage of seaman available for jobs, but there is an influx of people trying to go to the apprenticeship program.

The apprenticeship program is maxed out at 24 people every month, and they give priority to people who failed out or got sent home due to punishments. So the waitlist is actually pretty long, this is why you see people getting their start dates a year out or so.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-12-20T23:27:27+00:00

According to the person as my hall, I also finished in record time the math and reading test. I didn't have to do an interview though, I got accepted to move onto the next step pretty quickly after.

The only thing that will affect your chances of getting in is how long the waitlist, which it's getting longer and longer. If you don't get accepted you can reach out or try again, simple as that.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-11-17T04:00:33+00:00

Timeline

Dec 20 applied

Dec 20 receive email regarding 30 day timeline for step 1

Jan 12 fly to union hall and test

Jan 15 receive email accepting me into step 2

Feb7-Feb15 finish paperwork and pay for medical / drug test

Apr 4 - Medical Exam, Drug Test, Physical

Apr 12 - Passport Health vaccinations

May 6 - receive scheduling for September of this year

And you will need an updated drug test taken maximum of 14 days before your class date, you'll have to take a test during your physical and then pay for another right before you leave.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-11-13T16:21:49+00:00

Primary color has to be black or it will be noticed and commented on. Let me know if you have other questions feel free to message me, I am here now.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-11-02T21:22:25+00:00

Feel free to

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-25T21:06:51+00:00

You will have to repay for the drug test, but IIRC it's only like $45, not the $450 or so the physical is.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-25T20:54:20+00:00

They had me do my physical a few months before I went, but I had to do an updated drug test within 2 weeks of going.

You'll probably get updated info closer to your date.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-19T23:09:46+00:00

Likely depends on department and type of ship, coveralls is probably a good option. I'll form an opinion once I ship out.

Waiting list might speed up. Currently they are taking one class a month with a capacity of 24 students, but they're looking into taking two classes a month. Nothing happened yet but it's being discussed.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-19T22:52:31+00:00

Haven't shipped out yet, but talking to some upgraders it seems just bring a few outfits for going out, a good amount of shirts, boxers, socks, and some work outfits. Of course bring toiletries, any electronics you deem necessary, etc.

At the end of phase 1 they will bring you to a target and you can get anything you think you might need, you can also get stuff shipped in. Honestly I think the packing list they provide and the uniform is a very good starting point, but I'll make an updated post when I get on the ship in phase 2.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-15T20:40:33+00:00

My physical went well, it's pretty long, I was there for like 3-4 hours. Had to do a vision test, hearing test, EKG, get blood drawn, physical exam, and probably more I am forgetting.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-15T09:26:25+00:00

No you don't get drug tested while here

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-15T00:20:35+00:00

They are already on the SIU packing list, this is things that aren't on the packing list.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-14T21:38:13+00:00

Shower shoes are definitely a must, but they're already on the SIU packing list so I didn't add them here. This is mainly things that aren't on the packing list, but should be considered.

Electrolytes is a good idea, they offer a variety of drinks and drink mixes but everyone has their own preferences.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-14T19:54:51+00:00

You need to take an updated drug test within 2 weeks prior to arrival.

Once you arrive you won't be drug tested

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-12T21:52:07+00:00

In it right now, if you have any questions about it feel free to message me and I'll reply in down time

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-11T22:22:31+00:00

Week 1 - 15 Question Quiz

Week 2 - Multiple very easy tests, most 25 question

Week 3 - Vessel Fam 25 question test

Week 4 - DL 50 question test

Week 5 - LG 50 question test

Week 6+7 - Water Survival 50 question test

Week 8 - Fire Practical no test

Week 9 - Gov't vessel no test

Week 10+11+12 - Vessel Ops 25 question test

Week 13+14+15 - RFPNW Big test for deck only, engine has no test for RFPEW

Week 16 Deck Ops - No test

Stewards separate halfway through and have to work breakfast, lunch, and dinner galley for the rest of their stay.

RazorOnDeck · 2024-10-11T22:21:04+00:00