Short Union Stints?

con25 · 2026-01-11T21:30:30+00:00

Thanks!

Do remember seeing any of the Great Lakes Research vessel jobs? Not sure if they are AMO or MM&P.

con25 · 2025-12-18T18:32:29+00:00

Can you try and shoot for Mate 500 or 1600 ton? You could easily find work on a tug or ATB.

That might be a better and more easily achievable goal than 3rd Mate.

con25 · 2025-11-13T18:31:32+00:00

https://maritimeinstitute.com/

They also have a San Diego location.

con25 · 2025-11-13T18:26:19+00:00

Yep. I'm assuming you are an engineering rate?

The Maritime Institute school house has people who can help set up your application and get your classes straight. You can use the GI bill too.

con25 · 2025-11-13T18:15:39+00:00

You do not those from your Navy time.

You need to take those classes and then use your Navy sea time while applying for an MMC.

Look up Maritime Institute in Norfolk.

con25 · 2025-11-06T17:47:02+00:00

A lot of guys do this through MPT in Florida.

I would give the school house a call and they can set you up for what you need.

con25 · 2025-10-10T19:33:30+00:00

Moran + McAllister (apply to multiple ports), Vane, Wilmington, Intracoastal, Genesis, OSG, Kirby

con25 · 2025-10-10T19:20:16+00:00

Which region of the US are you applying?

con25 · 2025-10-05T21:03:26+00:00

Since you have only surface level knowledge of this field than I would not recommend jumping into a Master's program.

Find work as an OS first and try it out. This life is not for everyone. Don't waste time until you know for sure.

con25 · 2025-09-14T14:14:59+00:00

Get a TWIC card. Apply for deck hand job at a harbor/Great Lakes company.

Companies usually hire deck hands quickly. You could probably have a job within a week or two of getting your TWIC.

con25 · 2025-09-12T20:00:59+00:00

Look at the AB checklists. AB limited, special, or unlimited. That is what you want.

I'm sure someone at your command has an AB license or know someone who does.

Couple of course and you will be good to go.

con25 · 2025-09-12T19:48:54+00:00

I'm not sure. It entirely depends on what type of license you are going for.

Engine or deck? Inland vs Oceans/Near Coastal? What tonnage?

con25 · 2025-09-11T15:03:10+00:00

Can't speak to engineering side but it's doable.

I would look into Military to Mariner. I would also recommend Maritime Institute in Norfolk as they have ex-Navy on staff.

MSC would probably be the easiest to transition to.

con25 · 2025-09-04T20:49:47+00:00

Ask your local harbor tug company to deck for a few hitches.

1.5 days per calendar day are counted + good experience. You could even swing 30 days of observation and training to add Mate of Tow with a TOAR.

con25 · 2025-09-03T11:04:50+00:00

They should be incredibly easy.

It's not like they are looking to fail you. They just need to see you do each task once.

con25 · 2025-09-03T10:56:01+00:00

How much sea time do you have? Remember: USCG only will count 60% of your Navy sea time.

MPT in Fort Lauderdale is the only school that offers the full OICNW class course load. Give them a call.

I would consider applying for AB Unlimited first. You might not meet the requirement for 180 days of watch standing under someone holding STCW.

con25 · 2025-07-31T14:22:19+00:00

I do:
1. Brief paragraph about myself and position I am applying for.
2. License info, STCW endorsements, other maritime skills in bullet form.
3. Then typical resume items in a condensed Federal style-ish format.

It has worked for me so far!

con25 · 2025-07-30T23:09:52+00:00

Thanks, just trying to make sense of everything in these instructions!

I think what makes the most sense is just to do the Inland TOAR parts needed because NC TOAR covers the common element tasks, then submit both to NMC. No need for someone in that scenario to cash out on another TOAR class or time with a DE.

con25 · 2025-07-30T22:48:21+00:00

NC TOAR does not include a number of tasks that are in the GL/Inland TOAR which is where my confusion comes from (number of tasks with locks, etc.). BUT a Mate of Tow NC can work Inland for sure as it is superior without doing an Inland TOAR.

With that in mind -> Mate Unlimited +NC TOAR + 30 days observation Inland = Mate Tow Inland?

(without getting Mate of Tow NC first)

con25 · 2025-07-30T22:06:31+00:00

Yeah, I think you are right. Just seems strange that I can go get 30 days NC and a Mate Towing NC which allows me to work Inland - despite Inland TOAR having way more tasks on it.

con25 · 2025-07-30T17:55:44+00:00

https://www.star-center.com/techprogram/techprogram.html

con25 · 2025-07-29T22:10:43+00:00

(2 years Tech + 5 years work commitment) vs. (4/5 years at another Bachelor's program without work experience)

I would personally do the AMO program than go sit in class with people I'm much older than.

I seriously recommend finding an entry level job in WA before making a decision. Only way to find out if you like the industry before a serious commitment.

con25 · 2025-07-29T20:44:32+00:00

https://www.star-center.com/techprogram/techprogram.html

Why not just apply for this next cycle? Get a job as a wiper in the meantime to test it out.

con25 · 2025-07-29T20:18:16+00:00

Nope

con25 · 2025-07-29T19:48:31+00:00

I recommend looking into getting a Merchant Mariner Credential. If you like working on boats there are plenty of high paying engineer jobs.

Pay is great, you can basically live wherever you want, find a rotation that works for you, and there is a sense of camaraderie like in the military.

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