How to Become a Merchant Mariner | felony on your record | unions to join

[@JeffOnboard]

Great video Sis. I have been sailing with SIU for a long time. I think your video was great and keep up the great work.. I also have a channel and I work on Maersk containships. God bless... Fairwinds and following seas.

[@RegardlessRecords]

"I'm done struggling" Thats real.

[@PhillipMcKenzie-f9t]

👍one of the first who I’ve viewed who referenced “Merchant Mariner”. Excellent!

[@keonniemister590]

I’m sooo proud of you girl 🫡🔥

[@loisb]

Thank you 🥰❤️

[@hazmatops]

Passports regular service are 11-13 weeks unless you do expedited service

[@Lucas-ms4uq]

Thank You sis most clear video

[@loisb]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ashleyslater8518]

I really appreciate your straightforwardness and the way you break everything down I hope you keep making videos !! I just turned 29 in September and I feel you sis I am done struggling I want meaningful connections ❤

[@briannafrank447]

I didn’t know about this career path until I saw your videos! This is so inspiring! Now I want to look into this for myself 😊

[@loisb]

Thank you, just trying to help as much as I can. & you should Go for it!

[@RicardoSanchez-nr2vq]

Do you need high school or ged?

[@loisb]

@@RicardoSanchez-nr2vq no just have to be at least 18yrs old

[@PhillipMcKenzie-f9t]

Started in 1981 Class 350 Piney Point. CE now. Never regretted it.

[@PhillipMcKenzie-f9t]

Went in at 17. What is the apprehension of those today?

[@jaythomas468]

When you said going to your county clerk about “appealing” your charges, do you mean ones where sentences and probation/parole have been “completed?” Because “dismissed,” to me, usually means something different.

[@abellaanderson242]

Can't wait to be a merchant marine. ... currently studying marine engineering in a maritime academy in nigeria

[@loisb]

You’ll love it! Stay focused, you got this! 💓

[@abellaanderson242]

@@loisb thanks for the advise ma......❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dmallard2793]

Hey! I just subscribed because I’m looking into becoming a merchant mariner.

[@fortkatana4u]

I’m SUP but I live on the east coast I got to call the union every time

[@treklub3]

How does insurance work with SUP living on the east coast? I was told you can only get insurance if you live in Hawaii Oregon and California

[@fortkatana4u]

@@treklub3 yup that’s true, maybe if you get a job with Chevron because Chevron has their own thing. I’m with SIU. But I think this lady is sold on SUP because she’s from California. I did a SUP contract before.

[@treklub3]

@@fortkatana4u Okay cool thank you. I'm currently SIU thinking about SUP but the insurance thing is tough.

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@treklub3what is sup

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@fortkatana4uwhat is chevron

[@bellayoung2344]

Thank you for the information thank you for the information iam46 I am trying to become a merchant Seaman

[@loisb]

I’m glad I can be helpful… stay focused, you can do it! each ship is a new experience ⚓️

[@kadenjohn8758]

Yo finally someone talking about joining with a record…. Thank you I’ve been trying to find out if I’ll run into any trouble due to my past. I’m working to get into piney point with SIU cuz I heard MSC has a worse quality of life but I imagine it’s the same for getting your credentials

[@loisb]

No it’s easy getting your credentials, siu program help you advance to AB quicker. Not so much good pay but all experience is fine. Do what works for you! But yea long as you don’t have any open cases, you will be fine! Good luck!

[@RobertBergstedt-bk2qf]

@@loisbm

[@baqashahmath1566]

Yeah me to my case cannot be dismissed like that 😮

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@loisbdid you already know how to swim before

[@jaythomas468]

Wonder if it ever worked out for OP.

[@YBELAY]

Soooooo proud of you sis 😘

[@loisb]

Thank you!!

[@kimberlysmith1248]

What about misdemeanors over 25 years old? I went to the court records dept but everything is so old it’s been purged from their system.

[@loisb]

It shouldn’t show up then

[@Calve306]

I want to do this I got my passport now I’m working through the Twic card process! ❤️🙏🌟

[@loisb]

You can do it!

[@Calve306]

@@loisb I have my Twic card. Just waiting on my MMC hopefully is doesn’t take as long as they say it will. And they seriously need to sponsor you or something 😭❤️, because you’ve motivated me to lock in. 🔐❤️

[@alfjones6377]

Thanks for the video! Do you guys really get unemployment checks when your contract is up for the 4 months out at sea? so they essentially pay you year round? and may you elaborate on what "vacation pay" is? Do you get paid to travel too? Amazing!

[@loisb]

Yes you can file for unemployment since you aren’t working (contract is over) they pay you until you go back to work. It’s not good to max it out + plus your health benefits will eventually expire so many sailors go back to work. A supplementary pay is by the union, they pay you for each day you are at sea.

[@treklub3]

How does insurance work with SUP living on the east coast? I was told you can only get insurance if you live in Hawaii Oregon and California

[@mojomoto259]

what do you know about comms? How is that job/lifestyle?

[@ebonysm01]

So you did sail with MSC or you switched before you finished training?

[@loisb]

I switched, I was considered not fit for duty & bought a flight back home and joined a union.

[@misterceo2168]

@@loisb that was god looking out for you trust me!!!!

[@loisb]

@@misterceo2168man, I always say that!! 😩🙏🏽

[@yramahs]

@@loisb why were you consider not fit for duty? I want to do SUP but I don’t want to pay for training

[@loisb]

@@yramahs my iron was low. msc is very strict! but you can apply to them let them pay for your stuff work a lil and then transfer to the union. The class is a bit pricey but they do payment plans

[@dabuffguy9044]

Hey i didn’t hear you say anything about felonies

[@loisb]

Yes I did. If you have a felony on your record, TWIC will send you the letter of the exact case they see and you can appeal it. You go to the courts and show the paperwork of case being dismissed/sealed/dropped. If you are currently on probation you cannot work on any ship.

[@dabuffguy9044]

@@loisb thanks for that but the case happened when i was 16 but it was charged to my adult record and i plead guilty…served my time and never had another felony since.. im 30 now…

[@dabuffguy9044]

Nvm i did the research…for my violent felllow feloniers’ lol we have to be free of incarceration 5 years and 10 years after conviction date

[@baqashahmath1566]

Great video thank you for sharing when I appeal my conviction my case has not been dismissed it was served guilty never been to prison only take a conviction plea how can I have that dismissed?

[@loisb]

You can see if it can get expunged since it been so long ago but after so many years it doesn’t show up. Get the twic first to see what comes back on the background check. They will send you a letter.

[@xmattEboy1]

I’m waiting on MSC to get back to me it’s been 8 weeks since they forwarded my application. My first choice was SUP but they wanted me to work in the stewards department. So I went this route but now that I’m seeing this video and sailors I spoke with before saying don’t go to MSC I’m starting to have doubts. What should I do coming from a guy trying to get my foot in the industry?

[@loisb]

Your first ship they was probably having you as a GUDE, basically working in each department weekly rotation with another OS. During that the sea time doesn’t count for much, it’s half which is really like 0. Cool chance to learn and get experience & get your C/B Book tho! But once you join and they have a ship that’s ready to leave you can go, you don’t have to settle! I’d Say SUP if you don’t wanna wait & not in a contract MSC is 4/1 after that 1 off it’s mandatory to go back, SUP you can go back whenever you want. Also, be sure you want to be on Deck, so you won’t waste your sea time. It cannot transfer over to another department (different unions) I hope I answered your question right! 🐳💓

[@misterceo2168]

@@loisb you made a great decision leaving MSC. I left that shit after 1 year and now sail on the Great Lakes, night and day difference. MSC is ratchet as hell Detailers wouldn’t respond and all they hire is ratchet ass folks from Norfolk

[@Mycritterfamily]

For a entry level steward job there has to be a way around the barracks military style dealing with crazy dudes. I had enough of that in the military even though I know ya need certain documents for container ships. But yea I value my privacy in mt living conditions heh.

[@loisb]

@@Mycritterfamily your not bunked in a room, as a steward you have your own room along with the head/shower, same for entry Level os,wiper and steward assistant lol.

[@Mycritterfamily]

@loisb I guess I have to take a class on fire fighting still and stuff. It's all good my wife bought 2 laundromats I look after she the only sista girl who owns in our area I mean I using this as a back up plan if my world falls apart. Thanks for your videos take care be safe.😁

[@loisb]

@ yes this job is a good business partner! Take your stcw and you’ll start as entry level and always take upgrade classes to become a steward if that’s your goal! Stay focused and Goodluck 🥰🎉

[@charlesedwarddavisjr.6022]

Did she say fire arms class? Is that needed if so I'm disqualified.

[@Villlz]

So i got my twic card in 1 week and I have a possession of marijuana misdemeanor charge and resisting police officer misdemeanor charge one possession charge was dismissed and the resisting police officer charge was voluntarily dismissed this happened in 2018 do I have to list that on my mmc or since I got my twic card does that mean I’m in the clear?

[@Villlz]

@ what is that too bad lol

[@sirjulius12]

Can you help yo cousin pumpkins daughter she just graduated from high school if you feel like it guide her through it please

[@loisb]

Yes I can, tell her to follow me on ig and we can exchange numbers.

[@set747]

Do you know any other unions or private business, trying to go on oil tanker ship. I uave all the required credentials! 👍

[@loisb]

You can try hornbeck or noaa

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@loisbdo they give training as well

[@bsnndnd5654]

Would it be possible to sign up with a friend/ boy friend and be on the same ship ?

[@loisb]

@@bsnndnd5654 there is always a way!

[@ohsnapitsnd]

I’m a little lost. I know this isn’t like being a longshoreman, but I’ve been to the hall and see how they get work. Do you have to compete for jobs to get picked like they do? Also, how do you get endorsed if you didn’t go to the school?

[@loisb]

yes, it goes off the register date and the card you hold (a,b,c) and you take a one week course and turn in all your documents to get your book. entry level endorsements comes with it.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@loisbhow much was the cost of the academy you went to

[@maranatha817]

Great video , would I need to get any vaccines for MSC or in the process of getting my MMC? Thanks

[@loisb]

Yes, depending on ship destinations you are required to get up to 4-8 vaccines for diseases the country may carry.

[@kobekobe8527]

When I called the MMC people they said we didn’t have to have an passport and I have a friend who works on the ships and he doesn’t have his passport either

[@loisb]

you don’t need to submit your passport to get your mmc but it’s needed to sail in/out of ports and/or flying to different countries.

[@kobekobe8527]

@@loisb ok thanks! one more question what if I don’t tell them about an misdemeanor I had in 2019 on my application it got dismissed and I already have my gun license and Twic card and on those applications I said I never gotten arrested and the I still got my Twic and gun license cards would it work if for the mmc if I leave that part of the application blank?

[@loisb]

@@kobekobe8527 it’s best to be honest and go get the clearance paperwork from the court house incase they want to see it. But if your twic came and they didn’t appeal it you should be fine!!

[@kobekobe8527]

@@loisb okkk you got instagram or do we gotta like comment on your videos every time we have questions lol?

[@loisb]

@@kobekobe8527 my ig is @_loisbee

[@anthonytyler4338]

Hi, as far as criminal cases, my little brother has a conviction thats 10 plus years old. What would he have to do to get past that. Does the dismissal count towards that also.

[@loisb]

Get his twic card, if they send a letter stating he has to appeal… go to the courts and get the paperwork of dismissal and he’ll need 3 character letters.

[@anthonytyler4338]

@loisb okay, so even with a conviction, he's able to get a letter of dismissal. Thanks for all of the insight and helpful information. Continued success in all life's endeavors to you, and don't stop the videos its interesting I like your approach. Thank you for replying

[@FidelAkrasi]

Please am a Ghanaian can i apply and if yes please help me with the website

[@FlusxOnline]

Are you a US citizen? It's a requirement. Unless you apply in your country.

[@ahkeemlenoir7462]

I have my twic card but do I have to have passport before I can become a merchant mariner?

[@loisb]

Yes, to get in/out of ports!

[@quantaps4887]

Hello 👋🏽🤗, Good Job on being a Mariner and which Division are uin

[@Darius-y1e]

So you can't have a felony and be a merchant worker for clarity? It must be expunged?

[@loisb]

@@Darius-y1e get it sealed or show proof that the case is closed. long as you can get a passport and twic you are fine.

[@Darius-y1e]

@loisb Ok cool.Thanks.

[@joeypodd244]

Why were you not fit for duty for MSC I want to join a little nervous, which company do you think is better to work for SIU or MSC thanks

[@loisb]

I didn’t pass the physical (low iron) both are fine, SIU gives you a little more freedom. MSC is 4 months on 1 month off. I’m with Sailor Union of Pacific - deck.

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@loisbhow was the test

[@carlosremierez5401]

Do they do the drug screening when you do the medical fitness?

[@loisb]

Depending on the center you choose, yes. Or if you need to detox you can do it separately.

[@yramahs]

@@loisbwhat kinda sample do they take for drug test?

[@loisb]

@@yramahs urine

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@loisbwhat centers did not

[@skylineinnovations728]

How do we join MSC specifically? Do we have to contact a recruiter or fill out a application?

[@loisb]

fill out an application, be sure to have all your documents in hand before doing so or they won’t put the app through the system 💓

[@skylineinnovations728]

@@loisb thank you for the fast response!

[@skylineinnovations728]

@@loisb one last question, for the MMC application do we select only entry level?

[@loisb]

@@skylineinnovations728 yes!

[@aprillechelledailey6787]

Hey , I recently talk with Sam at Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. Because I’m trying to join the union vs MSC. He ask me was interested in the chevron. Have you work that ship before? If so how is chevron?

[@loisb]

Hey April, no I haven’t but I heard it’s a cool contract, good pay/small crew. I’d say go for it, get the experience!

[@aprillechelledailey6787]

@@loisb Thanks for that encouraging reply. I actually followed you and got all the documents back in the mail and took the 5 day STCW course. Now just searching for employment. 🥰

[@aprillechelledailey6787]

@@loisb what union hall do you sail out of if you don’t mind me asking?

[@baqashahmath1566]

Where is the union hall located?

[@loisb]

In San Francisco

[@nicholashess4345]

My boy was thinking about doing merchant mariner can hey join even if he got bad conduct discharge?

[@loisb]

Yup!

[@cryptolion4373]

Hailing from Africa...

[@loisb]

Hiii :)

[@23nickhewitt]

I have my twic card and passport. I also told them I wanted to be a merchant mariner. Its this ship anchor logo with some numbers next to it. And at the bottom left it shows a ship propeller in red. Do i need to get that last book that you showed?

[@loisb]

Yes, you will need your mmc. The application is on the Coast Guard website as well as the the medical certificate application.

[@23nickhewitt]

@@loisb ok I appreciate your help

[@genesisjackson4478]

Do you need to know how to swim?

[@loisb]

you should at least know how to float and tread water. You have to pass for basic training. I took swimming lessons beforehand still can’t swim tho lol

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@loisbbasic training where are you talking about siu

[@cactusjack9574]

Would I be able to obtain an MMC card with 2 misdemeanors on my record ? Do you know anyone that has done this by chance? Thanks.

[@loisb]

Yes you can! I always tell ppl to get your twic card (that is a deep background check) you’ll know if you need to appeal or not. as well as have all court documents copied just incase. As long as you don’t have any court dates (open cases) and such, you are fine!

[@amayawarren7249]

Hey have you heard of siu ? Is that a good union?

[@coreycross3793]

Is the MMC free I have my twic and my passport,

[@loisb]

@@coreycross3793 $140

[@ramilpertudo747]

Hi is there any age limits for MSC or SUI Im sailing for 10 years international LNG vessels but the thing is im a green card holder can I still apply for MSC

[@ramilpertudo747]

And all my documents are from Philippines STCW certificates

[@loisb]

U.S citizen but I do know some who were on forgein flag ships that now work here in the U.S, with work permits/citizenship.

[@baqashahmath1566]

Yeah my case can not be dismissed like that it is a conviction 30 years ago?

[@loisb]

The background check only look at the pass 10 years!

[@baqashahmath1566]

@@loisb Awesome 👍 thanks

[@walterhicks5772]

So when you first started with msc, you didn’t have any training? just your passport Twic and Mmc?

[@loisb]

Yea that’s it

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@loisbdo you think that should change and how was the interview

[@loisb]

@@roselynholloway7863 no interview no resume

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@loisb I thought at the halls you have to interview

[@loisb]

@@roselynholloway7863 no just have documents and pay registration fee

[@realshotta223]

I really wanna do this like fr ‼️💯

[@loisb]

What’s holding you back?

[@realshotta223]

@@loisb It’s probation right now I’m a felon..

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@realshotta223are you trying now

[@browser37]

What if someone doesn’t have a highschool diploma or ged can they still get in?

[@charlesedwarddavisjr.6022]

What felons are hired.

[@shatiathames3150]

Hey, great video. For MSC how long is the orientation for? And how long is the training ? Will you get paid for both orientation and training?

[@loisb]

Orientation is for a week then they place you in training (stcw, small arms). I’d say about a month in total because you do your medical/physical through them in Virginia.

[@shatiathames3150]

@@loisb Great , thank you!

[@loisb]

@@shatiathames3150 they do pay you tho like a stipend between $130-$300 bucks. I can’t remember they exact amount. That’s how much I got within the time frame I was there which was 4 weeks.

[@shatiathames3150]

@@loisb oh wow! that is like a pay for people fresh out of high school lol.... i might as well had went through SIU if MSC is paying the same for training. Thanks for that info though!

[@loisb]

@@shatiathames3150 the starting pay while working was $10 lmao plus different pay depending on ship and position..

[@ItsMercerBaby]

Is there a way I can get an MMC without going to a program?

[@loisb]

You just need a twic for your mmc booklet and a passport

[@TEXZcrew]

Question:is there training for MSC if so what’s it like and how long

[@loisb]

Yes it is (basic stcw) (week) along with orientation (2 weeks I believe) and small arms (3 days)

[@preciousjones7773]

May I ask what is SUP? How do you join?

[@loisb]

Sailor Union of the Pacific, it’s a union for deck department. You can call or email them to register.

[@charleswonda1636]

How much is the pay

[@loisb]

It depends on your contract and your position

[@DavidCotto-mz4zx]

Do you need to be vaccinated?

[@charlestims3828]

How do you like working for Union Pacific Pack ?

[@charlestims3828]

Hows the pay for OS

[@loisb]

I love it, really great contracts and benefits

[@charlestims3828]

@@loisb say less, I’m going thru the hiring process right now

[@alonshalit5778]

Hi Lois, Can I ask your opinion on investing in a QMED course? My experience: I’m yet to sail and do have my STCW. There are three QMED courses which one offers the most opportunity and highest earnings. QMed - electrician/refrigerator QMed- fireman/oiler/waterman QMed- pumpman Im appreciative of your mentor advice. Thanks. Alon

[@loisb]

Hello Alon, electrician is the top. But you need sea time before paying for a course, 6 months as wiper then take a course for Qmed oiler. & the union hall pays for it! Don’t pay out of your own pocket!

[@alonshalit5778]

@@loisb Lois Thank you! I totally appreciate you. Can you tell me about the process to join the union? Like is it, I travel down to the SIU union hall and fill in an application form and pay the union fees and done in one day. How does it work? Again, I’m yet to sail and I have my MMC and STCW. Do you know if SIU will pay for the QMed course? I have a feeling your union will pay for the QMed.

[@loisb]

@@alonshalit5778 sorry for the late response. But yes you go down to the hall and join and try to get a ship during the call times. Yes, the hall pay for all courses after you put in the certain amount of sea time not beforehand. I hope I answered your question right.

[@velvetunscripted]

do they allow piercings and tattoos?

[@loisb]

Yes

[@princesamimi7133]

How was the stcw training

[@loisb]

Easy, one week training

[@preciousjones7773]

Are you in SIU now? Do you have IG page I can follow

[@loisb]

I’m with SUP -sailor union of the pacific and my ig is @_loisbee

[@23nickhewitt]

also are you an employee or listed as a contractor?

[@loisb]

employee

[@banana_bread_at_work]

Do you gotta be jabbed?

[@loisb]

get shots? Yes

[@carlstone326]

I thought the background was 7 years

[@loisb]

7-10

[@robertervin3756]

Hey Now Seay Now

[@loisb]

Hey now, My Guy Lol

[@RipTronx]

I just hate how MSC has you stuck in limbo while your application is pending for like 3 months, on top of that, God forbid you tried to go to college before hand and now they all up in ya ass about how you paying your student debt like what you mean?? I'm tryna get a job wit yall so I can! smh

[@loisb]

Yes msc is horrible!! I personally never recommend them to anyone but everyone path is different! And I let them know their options! They pay for the stcw which is great! But I wish they were more organized! A lot of ppl are having issues and joining unions. Goodluck on your journey! 🙏🏽

[@Uncle_Ken_Studio]

How do I chat you on ig