Basic Outline of how to begin a Career in the Merchant Marine.

[@vorteco7692]

I'm looking forward to the next video! I'm waiting on my report date of jan 2025 for piney point. :) Looking at getting that QMED 5 years after.

[@thewanderingmariner]

CONGRATS 👏 and happy for you.

[@radwan_zzz]

How long did it take for them to accept I have my mmc but did u go school?

[@Ryan51245]

Can you speak on the dangers and hazardous conditions of being a mariner? I’m currently in the process of picking my department, but I really want to know what I’m signing up for. Thanks! I appreciate these videos!

[@a-arza]

LETS GOOOO!!! Liked the vid & u got me at the edge of my seat for the next one.

[@RichardLyon-m4n]

I wish we had away to know what companies are hiring entry level merchant marines

[@AndrewSedeno]

I want to be an electrician on a ship. I know nothing else, what are the steps I have to take?

[@thewanderingmariner]

Marine Electrician Courses: Look for specialized courses or certifications that focus on maritime electrical systems. Some maritime academies and technical schools offer programs tailored for aspiring Marine Electricians. Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certification: This international certification is mandatory for all mariners. It covers essential safety and operational procedures. TWIC Card: Apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) through the TSA. This allows you access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC): Apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential through the U.S. Coast Guard. You'll need to pass a medical exam, drug test, and background check. Networking and Job Search: Use maritime job boards, attend industry events, and network with other professionals in the field. You can also apply directly to companies like Military Sealift Command (MSC), Seafarers International Union (SIU), or private shipping companies. Continued Education: As technology advances, continue your education to stay up-to-date with the latest in marine electrical systems and regulations. Hopefully this helps

[@btemplin77]

I can't thank you enough for all the information you are putting out on this channel as information surrounding the Merchant Marine world is hard to come by at times. Question: I was in the Navy for 6 years as an Electricians Mate then got out of the Navy to pursue a different career. That career did not work out and I have been working at USPS as a mailman for the past 4 years. Being a mail carrier is fine, pretty easy/no stress job, but it does not challenge me at all and it leaves me wishing I had stayed in the military. I have been considering joining MSC or SIU, I currently have almost 10 years of federal service so it would be crazy for me not to go the MSC route and hit my 20+ years over joining a company on the non federal side right? Thanks again for putting out your videos and helping all of us considering joining the field.

[@thewanderingmariner]

Sorry I missed this post! Thank you for the kind words. Did you proceed?

[@btemplin77]

@thewanderingmariner I have not proceeded yet, but I'm guessing you would recommend going the federal route with MSC to round out those federal retirement years right? Since I'm more or less half way invested into the federal retirement.

[@hamidqadri4100]

Great Information, Thank You!

[@thewanderingmariner]

Thanks for sticking around. 🙂

[@michaelhamilton812]

Great content. The Regional Center in Baltimore just accepted my application, so let the wait begin. 2026 here I come 😆

[@thewanderingmariner]

Have you received all your docs yet?

[@michaelhamilton812]

@@thewanderingmariner Waiting on the medical certificate. The credential came 2 weeks ago.

[@hamidqadri4100]

Would you please comment/elaborate on the following that I read on " Northwest Maritime Academy's website " Thank You! - " sea time " - if an OS completes 360 days of sea time, he/she qualifies for an upgrade to Able Seaman and about two and half times more pay - accumulated sea time never expires, can be used repeatedly and allows to work toward promotion - each position requires passing tests. Since these tests are very difficult, most people opt to take a class in lieu of testing. So, it's better to just go to the class and be guaranteed to pass than to test at the USCG, which can be " brutal " according to them. - as an entry level mariner, when can you expect to start making over-time pay? I appreciate your effort in explaining the above and Thank You again!

[@thewanderingmariner]

Schoolhouses that provide upgrade courses are good when you are ready to upgrade. I haven't personaly taken any courses with NMA so no personal perspective there. Always check the coast guards website for required seatime for the current upgrade reqirements. Hopefully that helps?

[@MaykolGStudio]

I have seen many of their videos and I understand the perspectives that each one gives, whether MSC or SIU. The truth is, spending a year in the SIU program is good, it would be the best option but not everyone can take it. It would not be better to enter MSC and gain 3 experience. 5 years and passing SIU, is it easy to make that transition?

[@Naijahoy]

Great video man! I’m curious as to your thoughts on hawespiping from an OS to a 3rd mate (deck)? When I look on Reddit everybody just says go to an academy as it’s becoming harder to hawespipe But with my situation I would prefer to work my way up if it’s still a feasible route

[@Staticky1000]

Bro if you got money just get the courses

[@Naijahoy]

@@Staticky1000 I have no idea what courses you’re referring too. You either go to a 4 year academy or work your way up from the bottom

[@Staticky1000]

@@Naijahoy yeah you work your way up by finishing courses. First one would be basic training

[@ElevatavatavisionDMV]

Can u make a video about felons joining because i heard from friends who are in now that felons are allowed in i just needs the steps

[@brandonbrown412]

What should we pack when we first start.

[@thewanderingmariner]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH2rnpSmltJ6oNE I hope that helps! 🌞

[@The1stAvenger]

The process has been very long from acquiring just the documentation for sailing. MSC has been very slow to say the least. I am still waiting for a date to NEO. I hope it's sooner than later.

[@The1stAvenger]

@@Lioness_0007 after I submitted my application it took almost 60 days just to get a response.

[@thewanderingmariner]

Moving forward?

[@The1stAvenger]

I have my NEO date just getting ready to start the new journey now. How long is Training if I am going in as an OS?

[@mrob3888]

heeelp. im stuck on pontoons in the springs with a 25 ton master cuz nobody will hire me to do something new

[@jauratoomer3790]

I want to start this journey as best as possible. I know I’ll have to join as entry level as I have no maritime creds. However I have a degree and 5 years worth of experience in IT, and 10 years in admin. What entry position in your opinion is best for sticking to these paths but also after leaving? The way I see it, if I can learn computers and systems, starting as a wiper and going up the engine department is best but then I’ve considered supplies and logistics as well. Overall, I want to start with 5 years, making sure my time is utilized efficiently for pay and if I leave. What in you opinion, are the best transferable roles with skills that help back on land? Can you shed some light based on your experience and knowledge?

[@thewanderingmariner]

Recommend checking out MSC's IT/RET potitions before going entry level positions. Might be a easier road. Let me know what yah think!

[@Bigdrmz]

How old is too old to start the process? 56y.o. Guy, Six year Navy vet, MA2(AW) with Wright at three years of sea time. Through the sun is already set on those possibilities for me, but who knows. I do have a TWIC card and a passport though . I just stumbled across your videos this morning , thank you for the content !

[@thewanderingmariner]

Only you know your own situation. If you can get your MMC and pass the physical process.... you are good to go. It's not about any age.... but the milage and your current health situation.

[@HoneyKrisp69]

Went to my local SIU Hall in Honolulu, they told me I have to pay $600 just for a physical exam in order to join the union, crazy

[@thewanderingmariner]

Yup, the initial investment in a tough pill to swallow.

[@JayJay-nw8jy]

In Jacksonville Fl it’s $500 for SIU

[@dyvllreal4514]

Aloha brother…thank you for all the vids and info! As a fellow Navy retiree (RM/IT type), i’m looking into the Ship’s Commo position. I’m starting the MMC process, but looks like i hit a snag. What’s the best way for Navy vets to document Sea Service Verification? Any help is appreciated!

[@thewanderingmariner]

your DD214 should document all the ships you were assigned and the coast guard can review for sea time calculations. However, if going to be a RET position.... none of that will be required. Just apple for the entry level MMC

[@johnwinstondarby]

Thank you for the great guidance. My son has his TWIC and passport. He applied for the MMC four months ago. Have you heard about the time lag for getting an MMC? Thank you!

[@thewanderingmariner]

That's awesome, have you received all your docs now?

[@johnwinstondarby]

@@thewanderingmariner - almost. He has two med questions to expand upon (by request), then he is done. He is so stoked to be a Merchant Mariner. As a child he would fish and explore every lake we visited and would immerse himself in the aquatic experience (mud, duckweed, fish, barefoot and bleeding). When we visited the beach, he would lose himself in the experience, often much to my wife's chagrin. Sean was made for seafaring lifestyle.

[@jasonleung1993]

I am in the us navy right now and plan to quit by the time my contract is up in about a year and half. Do you recommend to go to school to become an officer or go straight to work at MSC?

[@thewanderingmariner]

Depending on your rating, seatime and quals. If you already qualify for you AB ticket, going directly to MSC for your seatime is a route you could go? However, if young, I recommend getting a degree at a maritime college to streamline things and have that degree for flexability

[@fortkatana4u]

You need your passport to get your mmc

[@thewanderingmariner]

For sailing strictly within U.S. territorial waters, a passport is recommended but not strictly required. However, many employers and specific assignments may still require it as part of their hiring criteria, even for domestic routes. It's always a good idea to have a passport to ensure you meet all potential requirements and avoid any limitations in your employment opportunities.

[@darkside6101]

Man Msc process is a headache. I’ve passed the physicals and background security vetting but now I’m at a stand still. I’m a veteran and when I applied they asked for my va rating code sheet. My ratings for ptsd, and a few other things deemed me unfit for duty but they are giving me a chance to get waivers from like 5 different medical specialists which would take a while for the VA to get me in for all of that. I’m about to try SIU

[@thewanderingmariner]

Yikes.... where are things at now?

[@darkside6101]

@@thewanderingmariner I was able to get 4/5 waivers approved just by having my primary care provider sign off on them but is guess MSC medical department needed more for the sleep apnea portion. I have to use my cpap everyday for at least one month and provide them with the report. Hopefully I can get this knocked out this month.

[@thewanderingmariner]

Best of luck for yah.