u/stupertrooper

Hey all,

As I was getting my medical stuff done, everyone told me to be as honest as possible. So while down the list of issues, I did check of “alcohol/substance abuse history” because I did at one point sign up for an outpatient place for drinking, but then I realized I was NOT that bad… left, happily switched to AA, and now I have years of sobriety, on and off, as my interest in alcohol ebbs and flows.

The USCG asked me for letters from rehabs I went to, etc etc before they could approve my med cert.

Did I mess up?? It was never that serious, and now they are zoning in on it and I’m worried this will follow me forever, or that I’ll receive restrictions, or nothing at all.

How do I explain that I casually partake in AA, for more reasons than just not drinking? That it’s not that much of an issue. They want real doctors weighing in on this.

It’s maritime… I sort of figured most people check that box. We’re a rough and rowdy bunch. I didn’t think they’d lean into this so closely.

Any advice? I’m worried I just ruined everything.

Hey all,

Making a career change at 37, was exhausted by hospitality industry, but I left with a ton of transferable skills.

Got my STCW Basic, VPDSD, Crowd Management and safety awareness, MMC and TWIC card all ready to go.

Long term goal is I want to work on tugboats. I’ll be working out of NYC harbor. I got in touch with all the big name tug companies, but they are all hired up for deckhands/OS positions.

Was offered a job aboard a passenger ferry for deckhand.

It’s not the route I want to go, something about the tug life appeals to me the most. But it seemed like a really good start.

I’m wondering if there’s any advice on next moves I should make, if anyone has had a similar start to their career.

Also, will working on a ferry make tug companies less interested? is ferry life no so bad and worth pursuing climbing the ladder? I really want tugs, and started this journey TO work on tugs. But now I’m nervous accepting this job might derail me.

Would appreciate any and all advice! I’m considering getting my Radar Observer (NEMO online) in the meantime to still feel like I’m working towards my goals.

And what’s a realistic time line for progression/pay upgrades? I’m starting at the bottom

Thanks everyone!! Excuse any typos