Time to go back to work!
It’s that time already! I’ve been on Vacation since the end of September and need to head back to sea.
Not having anything definite offered to me, I’ve chosen to register with the Union and my name appears as number 32 on the list. I log-in to a website that the union has furnished and the jobs are listed as they’re available. There, I can view information on what position, what company, and what length of contract the job calls for. I’ve contacted a couple of employers, as well, and mentioned that I am ready to head back out…but no leads yet.
The Union contracts with companies who either have ships, or are associated with the government who owns their own ships. I’m qualified with either types of contracts so there’s no problem with that element. I also have experience as a tanker-mate and that, in itself, is a qualification that not too many other officers carry. I’de say only fifteen to twenty-five percent of the mates are Person-In-Charge (PIC) qualified.
But which type of ship do I want? So many of the ships I’ve been gainfully employed on, have either been decommissioned, layed up, or retired from service.
I’ve decided that a three to four-month contract will work for me so I could be back home for the Summer months. Last year, I was away for the Summer, and so much of the activities in Michigan occur from June until August and therefore, I missed a lot.
The demand for mates seems to be gaining. As well, tanker fleets are increasing and many of the seasoned and older officers are about to retire within the next five to ten years.
I think I have reason not to worry about the availability of work.
Wouldn’t you agree?
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