r/merchantmarine

I’m attending STCW Basic Safety Training July 27th at Chesapeake Maritime Institute in Norfolk, Virginia, and I’m trying to get a realistic idea of what it’s actually like from people who’ve done it.
I know the basics of what’s included (firefighting, survival at sea, first aid, etc.), but I’d like to hear what it’s actually like in practice.

I'm pretty fit and come from a football background, I workout daily, and I'm used to hot environments from welding as well as having to have breathing restricted in extreme heat. But is it really that hard as people say it is?

The only part i've experienced is dawning an immersion in less than a minute, jumping into water, swimming my way to a life-raft and lifting myself up, which was from Tongue Point Job Corps.

Just curious to see your personal experiences with them behind the screen

Getting on one soon as an STOS. Can anyone tell what to expect?? From what I can see on vessel finder, this particular ship is in port alot of the time.

Anyways, Thanks.

I am 22F currently in my final year in CS (computer science). I basically do not see a future in this field, and have always had, and want to keep tech related stuff as hobbies, not as a competitive professional mastery. So admittedly, choosing to study CS due to sheer lack of guidance from trusted adults was an unfortunate mistake I made.

Now, I see many people pursue merchant navy degrees even at mature ages, after they had degrees in unrelated subjects. That inspired me to actually consider doing another 3-4 years of diploma or bachelor's degree in marine engineering, instead of completely giving up on life, which I was (still kind of am) on the verge of. This is mainly because on ship jobs that have months on and months off routine sound very appealing to me.

The problem is, in my region, there are strict age and height requirements for admissions in the maritime schools, which makes getting education in my own country unfeasible. Which is why I must seek my education abroad.

My main question is: has anyone pursued a diploma or a bachelor's in marine engineering (or nautical science, any relevant degree as I need to know if doing this is possible) abroad in UK or Singapore, after some unrelated undergrad degree, specifically coming from south/south east asia? And then gotten a job on ships?

I mentioned UK and Singapore since their schools admit international students, as per my knowledge so far.

I kept reading a bunch of people saying "keep calm and carry on" a few months ago. The Jones Act has been tested before, and its still here. The Wavier is alway temporary.

I've been accepted into an Academy, and now I'm seriously having second thoughts. I do NOT want to be in the middle of a 4 year programme for a credential that's on it's way out because I thought I'd try to get into the industry in the middle of de-regulation.

Anyone have some inside views on this? Seen any effects from within?

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Body: Hey everyone, I am genuinely confused between choosing Merchant Navy and an IT/Tech corporate career. I love the idea of traveling the world, having big chunks of free time (like 3-4 months off after contracts), and exploring new places (inspired by travel vloggers like Passenger Paramvir).

However, the reality check is that I have never traveled alone before (only with family). I want to know the harsh ground reality from professionals:

1. How difficult is the isolation and loneliness on board for a beginner who hasn't experienced staying away from family/friends for long?

2. Is the "travel" aspect actually real nowadays, or do you just work 24/7 with very little port time?

3. Would you recommend this field to someone who values both high income and mental peace?

I’m 23F, active TWIC card, USCG med cert, MMC processing looking for inland deckhand jobs. No experience in the maritime work but used to physically laboring work as I have experience in moving rental equipment and school transport operator alongside common knowledge of the work as I have AB and captain friends who work offshore. I’m currently looking for work to gain experience, just need someone to give me a shot. I’m currently living out of the country but wondering if making a trip for a few days to apply in person may land me an opportunity faster than emailing? Any ideas,tips, or companies are appreciated

Hi all, I will be attending the UA program soon and wondering if I should bring any of my chef coats/apron/ non slip shoes and knife roll with me?? Or is there any work related items suggested for me to bring? Any info helps, Thanks.

So i just finished school and now im waiting on my credentials to come but im so eager to get onto a boat now! Do anyone know any companies actually hiring entry level right now?

Helllo all my merchant seaman ppl can yall come to the front I have a question
once I get my mmc book what’s next?? I don’t wanna go through school I want to get on the boat what companies? Hire without you having to go to school

I am a deck cadet on my second and last apprenticeship on a bulk carrier. Today the captain ordered two times the other deck cadet to go and check the drafts and me never. I recognise now that the officers don’t give me the slightest chance to prove my self despite that I read everything (policy, manual, procedure) and the other cadet gets handed the chances every single day no matter if he studies or not (ex. He explains to him what to check in passage plan and some tricks to make his life easier when making it) I know how to make a passage plan and the paperwork included but I had to search and learn all by myself and some advice from 2nd officer which was not much, but even then I don’t see recognition or some approval from him. What should I do I have 5,5 months ahead to complete my apprenticeship. I am quite a silent guy and I don’t talk too much except work, I see that the captain gives chances to the other cadet because they get along well. I am really worried about my future as an aspiring officer. Thank you all in advance!!!

What's it like on these large ships? I'm a wiper from the great lakes trying to make my way to blue waters through MFOW. I'm getting all my certs and upgrades on my own then walking into the hall. I'm used to very strenuous dirty labor working on the self unloading carriers. Work hard, eat well, hang with a tight knit crew, getting off in port for a few hours every chance we get, crazy hours (plentiful OT but inconsistent sleep) due to the short runs between ports. I know there's going to be a huge difference between the lakers and these ships, much bigger crew, completely different style and pace of work. What kind of culture shock am I in for? Also should I be fearing for my safety considering the state of the world right now? I'm coming from a place of 0 knowledge about this side of the industry.

Hi there, I applied for my upgrade from OS to AB back in February before the shutdown, and recently received a rejection notice on the basis that the boxes in the criminal history section were unchecked which was entirely untrue. I even went back to my original PDF document to confirm and they were 100% checked properly. Now I'm left waiting for potentially 8-12 months after resubmitting, is there any recourse or anything I can do to make sure they don't make the same mistake in the future? I've already emailed them informing them but have received no reply. Thanks in advance.

I have my twic card and my med cert, I applied for my MMC a month ago but no luck as of yet due to the shutdown I assume. I’m urgently currently looking for inland entry level deckhand jobs, im currently in Honduras but can travel to the US anywhere, anytime just to get my foot in the door. If it’s a 28/28 or 28/14 schedule even better. I’ve been sending in applications EVERYWHERE, Kirby, Marquette,Blessey, Ingram, the list goes on, both on their sites and personally emailing their hr. Any can help get me in?? Im willing to work and learn asap.

I've seen that you can get waivers for ADHD medications. My only concern is will you can only allow/get one months worth of meds. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Had a question. What are your experiences with visible tattoos on job interviews? Do you cover them up? Have you ever had any problems?

To be exact I am interested in experiences from European officers/engineers on cargo ships (not on cruise or yachts).

Last year I was switching companies and got denied an officer job on a container ship because of hand tattoos even though they said I was a good candidate which honestly suprised me.

My husband isn't on Reddit so I'm posting on his behalf. He's worked for several companies in the Gulf (OSV, Lifboats, Tugs and is actively seeking work now.

He's submitted docs to many companies and isn't receiving any callbacks after his initial conversations.

Is there any industry "blacklist" in the Gulf which could be hindering him?

Had a question. Im an army veteran with 2 tours under my belt. Ive been a desiel mechanic, gasoline mechanic, small engine mechanic, electrician, plumber, carpenter, and currently right now assembling items for major retail companies. Im wanting to join the industry. Im tired of piece work rate. It's never steady. I dont necessarily want to go into the engineer department but eventually want to be a captain as my grandfather was. Would it make more sense to start as a deckhand to gain respect or pay the tuition fee out right for tankerman school or should I go into the engineer field as i have no experience as a deckhand. Would appreciate the feedback