How to become a merchant marine seamen. Getting Certified as an Able Seaman 2022-12-17

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Becoming a merchant marine seamen requires a combination of education, training, and experience. If you're interested in this career, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success.

  1. Earn your high school diploma or equivalent: Most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED, to become a merchant marine seamen. This is because the job requires a high level of responsibility and decision-making skills, as well as a basic understanding of math, science, and technology.

  2. Attend a maritime training school: There are several maritime training schools that offer courses in navigation, safety, and other important skills for merchant marine seamen. These schools usually offer both classroom and hands-on training, and many programs can be completed in just a few months.

  3. Get a merchant mariner's credential: To work as a merchant marine seamen, you must have a merchant mariner's credential (MMC) issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. To qualify for an MMC, you must pass a physical exam, drug test, and background check, as well as pass written and oral exams on topics such as navigation, safety, and emergency procedures.

  4. Get a job on a vessel: Once you have your MMC, you can apply for jobs on vessels as a merchant marine seamen. Many companies prefer to hire candidates who have already completed maritime training and have some experience working on ships. You can find job openings by searching online job boards or contacting shipping companies directly.

  5. Get additional certifications: There are several additional certifications you can earn to increase your chances of getting hired or advancing in your career as a merchant marine seamen. These may include certifications in first aid, firefighting, and other specialized skills.

In summary, becoming a merchant marine seamen requires a combination of education, training, and experience. By earning your high school diploma, attending a maritime training school, getting a merchant mariner's credential, and gaining additional certifications, you can increase your chances of success in this rewarding career.

How to start a career as a merchant mariner in the offshore marine transportation industry : jobs

how to become a merchant marine seamen

Day-to-day duties include operational duties, maintenance duties, ensuring best safety practices are followed and in some cases outstanding customer services. . An applicant who goes through an apprenticeship will likely be in training for over two years, though much of that training time is sea time. Both hard and soft skills are essential for any job, including that of a merchant seaman. Pilots typically guide vessels into harbors and within confined waterways such as rivers and canals. IF APPLICABLE Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement.

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Merchant Marine as a Career : Nautical

how to become a merchant marine seamen

If you have any more specific questions, fire away. Common possibilities oceangoing container ships, bulk carriers, towboats, ferries, dredges, and cruise ships. I also spent 3 months in the Caribbean doing shore end installations of subsea fiber optic cable. Apply for a Department of Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Card. They are also responsible for personal expenses and transportation to and from the Academy.

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USCG Able Seaman (AB) Requirements

how to become a merchant marine seamen

Submit all of your forms, photo copies, and supporting documentation to a Regional Exam Center. No Job Posts or Self Promotion of any kind. How Much Does a Merchant Mariner Make? You need to have strength and stamina for the physical work that is required for many aspects of the job. So what is it? Students must provide their own laptops and pay certain licensing and exam fees while at the Academy. IF APPLICABLE Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service. You must apply at an REC emailing your application is the preferred method. .

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What is A Merchant Seaman?

how to become a merchant marine seamen

For those who want to jump straight into work, an entry-level position with the Merchant Marine is an appealing option. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS tracks data and provides statistics for almost all civilian occupations. Merchant Marines are a significant force that patrols the waters around the United States, keeping trade routes open, delivering supplies and transporting manufactured goods. Missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected. If this happens please contact the NMC via chat, email or phone. They must balance their primary duties with outstanding customer service and maintain a professional appearance.

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What Are the Requirements To Be a Merchant Marine?

how to become a merchant marine seamen

Different STCW endorsements allow you to do a variety of jobs aboard merchant vessels. Original Original MMC definition: The first credential issued to an applicant. Modification Modification MMC definition: Also known as an Increase of Scope, this is defined as removing limitations previously placed on the credential such as change in horsepower, tonnage limitations, or geographic route. As you drive down Louisiana LA1, be on the lookout for boat company signs. The admissions committee looks favorably on students who have completed challenging classes, such as honors and advanced placement.

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Merchant Mariner Credential NMC

how to become a merchant marine seamen

Accelerate your career by improving your project management skills. Even though some merchant seamen have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED. The MITAGS able seaman course satisfies all of the examination requirements for getting your endorsement, including the STCW 2010 training and lifeboatman qualification. IF APPLICABLE Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement. Although the job pays very well, there is a long-standing joke among seafarers: "How do you spot the merchant seaman? Upon graduation, you earn your MMC and are commissioned as an ensign in the U. STCW STCW MMC definition: An annotation on an MMC that allows a mariner to serve in those capacities listed in 46 CFR 10. Northeast regions and large cities near the coast will offer a higher salary than other parts of the country.

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Skills That Can Help You Get a Job as a Merchant Seaman

how to become a merchant marine seamen

A number of other visual and medical tests, including asthma, skin, and heart evaluations are also required; a complete list is available on the website. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for a mariner is just over Is the Merchant Marine Part of the Military? Since admissions are competitive, it is strongly recommended that you take calculus and additional physical science classes. Most modern vessels give each crew member their own room with private toilet and shower. You'll need your TWIC card and a merchant mariners physical with a drug screen. A study published in Sage Journals by experienced online educator Papia Bawa found that online courses have a notably higher failed retention rate than traditional classrooms, with 40-80 percent of online students dropping out. There are different types of able seaman endorsements, so be sure to choose the one that matches your experience level and industry before you apply. I've read that there is an age limit around 27.

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How to Become a Merchant Seaman

how to become a merchant marine seamen

Complete the Small Vessel Sea Service Form Form CG-719S if you have ever sailed, even in your own boat. Each certification you get will make you more valuable and more secure in your position. Have a valid passport You must have a valid passport to work as a merchant seaman. Coast Guard, the answers can be complicated. Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.

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Getting Certified as an Able Seaman

how to become a merchant marine seamen

Don't let the word "soft" lead you to believe that soft skills are easy or that they're not important to employers. Missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected. IF APPLICABLE Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service. They must also have U. A prospective mariner must demonstrate strength, agility and flexibility, as determined by the examining medical professional. OPTIONAL If you wish to receive your credential via a method that can be tracked and will reach you in a few days, consider using an expedited mailing option. It uses this same photo for your credential, too.

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How To Become a Merchant Seaman: Step

how to become a merchant marine seamen

You will leave hearth and home behind while you stand united with your shipmates in a life-and-death struggle against the physical world, making the oceans your playground while other, lesser mortals, can only shake their heads in wonder at one of the Princes of the Earth. Be prepared to do this multiple times over a period of months. More that later in life people are less likely to want to do what needs to be done to start the career, which here means being a student again with a subsistence living allowance. Due to unusually high call volume, you may experience longer than normal hold times. MARAD is concerned with the many aspects of shipping, including ship building, port operations, vessel operations, environment, safety and national security. Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.

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