My Merchant Marine Journey: MSC vs. SIU - Episode 1

[@Skippp]

As a person awaiting the original MMC, this all feels borderline impossible. Even though mariners are needed apparently, feels like im never going to get on a boat. So many steps and its backed up. So discouraged

[@thewanderingmariner]

The process is sadly.... way too long. All I can say is "Hang in there" and hopefully things progess quicker for you.

[@radwan_zzz]

Yo bro took me about couple months to get my mmc u just gotta keep emailing them I got mine and know I’m trying to figure out if this career is for me and if msc or siu is better hope everything works out for u be patient

[@marcospeppergrill]

I’m taking this all in. I’m considering MSC as a double Shell Back and multiple military branch experience. Chief Steward is my goal, but I’ll see how much red tape there is. Here we go lol

[@thewanderingmariner]

Awesome! Best of luck with your journey.

[@Blizzhobbs]

Would you happen to know anything about the hearing requirements? I'm deaf in one ear but my other ear is fine and I have no issue having conversations with people. However I've heard some people say they test hearing in both ears with a machine and others say as long as you can have a conversation with the doctor at the physical they don't even bother testing your hearing or they might just do a forced whisper test. Maybe it's different between SIU and MSC? I can pass the whisper test but obviously not a machine test. Aside from that I guess i would have to get a waiver from an audiologist to pass the physical.

[@tedwunderlich2741]

Thanks for the information, and providing a definitive answer at the end. As someone entirely new to the field, sounds like SIU is probably a better route to go

[@thewanderingmariner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@goldmund22]

Great video! I'm looking to make the career change into the maritime ministry and this helped a lot. Went ahead and subscribed

[@goldmund22]

Lol *industry not maritime ministry. Voice to text creates some hilarious stuff

[@baldoh.6897]

Thank you for your info. It was a great video, as always.

[@thewanderingmariner]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gabrielbitanga3179]

Thanks for the info brother, just received my 3rd AE. I’m also retired navy and been debating the path I should take.

[@ericmedina8912]

Good information as always. Question: what if the only U.S. Navy ship ( USS Estocin)you were on in yr entire 21 year snd 10 month career in the USNR,was tied up to the pier at Mayport NS., and you were just on her for 2 weeks Annual Training ? For the rest of yr cNavy Reserve time you were primarily with 2 air squadrons at NASJAX and Norfolk? I have no real underway experience i.e an operating DDG, CG, CVN, or CVN, strictly land based SK, or now LS. Thanks, Chief, for your always informative channel.

[@Nothing_is_sacred]

I'm 38 and I have done a combined 9 months of sea jobs mainly fish processing on two vessels.. I loved being out there but did not make any money 😂 at least not the amount that was promised and I get things happen that can affect that but, I still want to go out there and make a career .. someone told me about MMC & TWIC card and work a container vessel or oil tanker vessel .. I just need help in the right direction so I can make that step and hopefully make this life count

[@thewanderingmariner]

Yes, having credentials, joining a union or Military Sealift Command will pay much more.

[@alfjones6377]

@@thewanderingmariner is the apprenticeship at Piney Point free or do i have to pay for it? Website says room and board are free

[@Captain_Wavy_Jones]

@@alfjones6377certain things you will have to pay for. TWIC, passport, physical, vaccinations, MMC, and uniform. Total price ends up being around $1,000.

[@vernonatkinson5746]

Do u get paid during apprenticeship at SIU

[@thalifted9060]

Great video! More on SIU pls

[@thewanderingmariner]

Thanks! Will do!

[@AnalyzeSportsStudio]

Was wondering if you could help me. I'm 32 years old with only an associates degree. I was planning on joining SIU and then attend CAL Maritime when I have saved enough money. Is that a viable path? Should I go to CAL Maritime first? Would the SIU sea time experience help me out with my studies? I'm stuck at a very, very weird cross road

[@AnalyzeSportsStudio]

also, my goals is to become a 3rd mate and later off-shore

[@thewanderingmariner]

The Hawsepipe path is there after you attain the 3 yrs sea time with all the certs, classes and testing for 3rd mate. Having your associates could help shorten some aspects vis a formal schoolhouse. Wish I had a better answer. Maritime schools will require a investment but Hawsepipe path will take a lot of self motivation. I would reach out to various school houses and get there perspectives.

[@thewanderingmariner]

Best of luck on your journey!

[@AnalyzeSportsStudio]

@@thewanderingmariner thanks bud and keep making videos, very inspiring

[@The1stAvenger]

If I go to SIU do you get paid when you go to apprentice school?

[@thewanderingmariner]

Yes, when you go through training at the Seafarers International Union's school at Piney Point, you receive a stipend for food and lodging, but you are not paid a salary. The training is designed to prepare you for a career at sea, and you start earning once you complete the program and get placed on a ship.

[@MACKINMONTEZ]

Does age or gender matter when becoming a merchat season. Looking for change, I've been working in security for 10 years now. No kids, im not married, and i would love to travel the world.

[@thewanderingmariner]

The process takes some time, but as long as you can pass the medical screening.... age shouldn't be a issue.