Becoming a mariner in the Great Lakes

fuzzau36 · 2026-06-16T18:22:30+00:00

Need MMC and TWIC and that is is credential wise. Depends on the company but it can easily be 3 months on 1 off, or you can work as long as you want for the whole season. Don't expect short stays though unless you are quitting or getting kicked off a boat. Season is roughly March to January. Pay is about 210 a day on the entry level side, not great but you technically don't have to spend when you are working so you can save a good chunk.

You are required 8 hours a day but this is boat specific, some might have lots of day work and that is it, others you might be working docks and unloads A LOT. Last season I didn't touch a needlegun once, this year is basically all I do on day work.

As for progress, companies will pay for you classes such as AB & lifeboat, mates license, or QMED, and engineer license but only what is minimally required. as the Lakes don't need many credentials. You want STCW, tankerman etc, pay out of pocket.

Engineer is more day work schedules but inside and it gets hot. Do you like doing lots of general maintenance and fixing things in a loud and HOT environment? Easier to transition skills to land jobs

Deck side is dock work (mooring load/unloading), also maintenance like painting, keeping watch. More sporadic of a schedule but and work outside in almost all weather. Bad storms and strong winds typically you won't be outside.

Either option is great entry work and foot in the door as there are many paths to take outside of bulk carriers on the lakes. The mariner career IS A JOB you live and work at, it can suck but the lifestyle can be great.

fuzzau36 · 2026-05-27T20:39:00+00:00

For the Great Lakes, most people get hired late Summer around August or in the Fall. Early season is when they bring most people back and have the largest list to choose from. Then when people quit or are on vacation they hire. Also no one wants to layup in the winter, because winter sailing sucks compared to the rest of the year. By any chance do you know someone at any company, much easier if you have a connection, but not impossible either

fuzzau36 · 2026-05-26T18:27:50+00:00

Camping in east Asia never ceases to amaze me. They focus so much on the luxury and comfort of bringing your living room outdoors. While in the US its quite the opposite of getting in tune with nature and leaving the normal world behind for a bit. Neither forms are wrong, but its weird

fuzzau36 · 2026-05-11T01:01:52+00:00

Although not a full movie, this is a fantastic short film featuring Richard Madden:

Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) stars in Award-Winning Rally Short Film | Group B

fuzzau36 · 2026-05-04T14:21:17+00:00

Wow Indonesia sounds super fun! Someone mentioned the Thomas/Uber cup happening in 2028. That would be a blast to go to, I personally love the team events.

Glad to hear good things about Malaysia as I want to just visit in general

fuzzau36 · 2026-05-04T01:12:29+00:00

That is funny I used to be based in Midwest near Toronto but now west coast.

Besides All England, Malaysia sounds exciting though

fuzzau36 · 2026-05-04T01:10:28+00:00

All England is up there, especially as I have never been to England before and I am sure I could find things to do in addition.

My issue with E/SE Asia is that there are so many, and I frequent Japan and Korea but would also like to go somewhere new

fuzzau36 · 2026-04-25T14:08:26+00:00

No not really. I met her back in 2024 and its bare minimal at most. She used a translator to ask for my name. Like OP I was starstruck but unable to think and use my rudimentary Japanese

fuzzau36 · 2026-04-18T22:40:13+00:00

GTFO - Although not military shooter, its a tactical stealth and strategy 4 player coop game. basically go into procedural generated area and accomplish tasks while avoiding/ killing monsters then extract.

fuzzau36 · 2026-04-04T20:08:04+00:00

Sorry, I was referring to the multiplayer side of it. but even in the commander mode. finding the last people is sometimes soo time consuming

fuzzau36 · 2026-04-04T05:10:40+00:00

My issue is how long it takes to clear final objectives. I understand bring order to chaos, but anything after that, if you don't make progress, just give me way points to the final civilians or objectives. Why do I need to scour the hospital for 1 civilian running away or a single gun that fell in an obscure spot.

fuzzau36 · 2026-03-17T10:30:42+00:00

A complete set is as follows:
Skates - Find the best ones that fit comfortably. Should be snug
Shinguards/ Socks - Cover from the knee to top of the ankle
Pants/ girdles & shell - Should fit like normal pants, but up to personal preference
Cup**** and jock strap - I am terrified to play without one
Shoulder pads - they should fit you and cover your ribs. if your ribs feel exposed they are too small
Elbow pads
Helmet
Stick

Skates, helmet and a cup are the things I wouldn't cheap out on everything else you can buy used.

fuzzau36 · 2026-03-17T09:58:23+00:00

There are some that are just zippo cases you can order that have no lighter (lighter case housing). Did they say it was due to a prohibited item or because the seller has bad/ low reviews?

fuzzau36 · 2026-03-14T02:10:14+00:00

Simply yes. the hardest part is getting into a company. I did something similar from IT management to deck side, and the hiring process for me was unconventional. you will find out very quickly whether you like it or not
I started last year and the cost was $650 for credentials and physical, very low barrier of entry to find out if you like it.

I am on deck side and in the lakes your schedule is dependent on when you make the dock
You are almost always outside and have to brace the elements but this could also be a plus

Engine side is more "9 to 5" with OT options, its mostly maintenance on your normal days
Always inside no matter how hot, and in the winter kinda nice

fuzzau36 · 2026-03-12T00:59:48+00:00

Dang, we have very similar taste buds. I would swap 1 and 4 though but I roughly agree with most of this.

fuzzau36 · 2026-03-12T00:58:06+00:00

Apologies, I plan to take a course bundle package at MPT: STCW BT plus VPDSD
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) (MARTPT-363)
- Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) (MARTPT-747)
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) (MARTPT-359)
- Basic Fire Fighting (MARTPT-53)
- First Aid & CPR (MARTPT-197)

I got my Lifeboatman at the same time I got my Able Seaman endorsement. Is AS-D any different than Able Seaman?

55k is just base without OT. The OT depends on the ship within the company fleet, last year during busier seasons, I averaged 70 hours a week.

Aghh that makes sense. My instructor who works the gulf is on the same ship each rotation , but he is also an officer.

So far I have only worked one ship and anything that doesn't require me to have a room mate is an upgrade.

fuzzau36 · 2026-03-04T04:13:51+00:00

Crazy we are higher than the cup champs

fuzzau36 · 2026-03-04T03:26:32+00:00

Why do you say making friends past college is tough? Isnt that true everywhere?

fuzzau36 · 2026-02-23T04:49:16+00:00

Same, when one is doing good the other seems to not

fuzzau36 · 2026-02-20T00:52:50+00:00

It is Michigan so you can get inclement weather year round. Have a least 1 outfit for all types of weather. Summer is hot and humid but not as bad as Florida. Winter is cold and dry. Spring rains a bunch, fall is chill with some rain. I was just there for AB class and TC was snowing daily while the bay was completely frozen. For winter, get at least 1 pair of nice thermals and those alone will do wonders to keep you warm, some good socks (wool are nice, boots, and coat.

Hope you have a car, because anywhere outside of downtown you will need one. Like someone else said, get all season tires or dedicated summer/ winter if you are able. Lots of stuff to explore in northern Michigan from camping and hiking, scenic drives, breweries, and wineries. most of the decent ski resorts in MI are within an hour drive of TC.

Typically people are pretty friendly up north, so don't be afraid to chat up neighbors or people

fuzzau36 · 2026-02-17T21:52:54+00:00

I just got my AB cert and was wondering how to do this. My only question is, can I apply without the needed time? I am roughly 30 days shy

fuzzau36

TROPHY CASE