Registering For Work!
Well,The time has come when I have to register for work!
My mandatory vacation time has expired and I am able to register with American Maritime Officers union for a new job. The motor tanker, Chemical Explorer has been left in a life of uncertainty and is indefinitely layed up in a lay berth near Philadelphia.
Mariners vacation is comprised of days which are required by a simple formula that we have to adhere by union rules. My last contract aboard the Chemical Explorer allowed me twenty-for-thirty days compensation. Therefore, for every seventy-five days worked, I would be given a bonus of some fifty-days pay.
However, in doing so, I am obligated to stay on vacation and “on the beach” or on land for those fifty days. It’s a period of time which allows the mind and body to rest, and gives others the opportunity to work and the rotational cycle is productive for both the union and the mariner.
In the past fifty days, I’ve managed a trip back to California. House maintenance is on going as I’m thinking of new things to delve into. The dog gets her near daily walks as I wave at neighbors whom I’ve not seen in almost ten months; back before the dark of winter, had set in.
The weather in Michigan has only slightly managed to suggest a warming pattern is approaching. But the last days of school for the youngsters have blurred past and now the local scene may include pilgrimages of those driving up to pay a visit to the recently deserted cottages.
In some cases, I am glad to have the chance of returning to work as this waiting game for a ship, begins. But, in other ways, I want the pleasure of being home for the summer to extend another couple of months so I can enjoy this public affair. You see, out on the water, my demeanor adjusts to the solitude as each mariner,likewise,who embarks on this lonely road of swaying and bobbing, like a tossed can in a stream, becomes introvert and any indication of past displays of affection ceases.
There shall always be a day for play, but I must now work and duly serve aboard ship as I am longing for the sea,once again.
Have a great weekend!
3 Responses to “Registering For Work!”
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Marinerguy, it is hard to find out how to email you directly on here, so I’ll put it as a comment…I was in the Navy — submariner — and I’m interested in joining the merchant marines in the near future. What is the enlisted — non-licensed — starting pay these days? I heard it is $3000/month, is this correct? For an “ordinary seaman”?
Also, you speak of having to wait for orders (”this waiting game for a ship”)…how long is that typically? If I go down to San Diego for the Sailors Union of the Pacific (http://www.sailors.org/) training for STCW95, can I expect to get underway immediately thereafter, or would I have to wait months?? I would prefer to go underway immediately, as I have more financial obligations than when I was in the Navy.
I’ll watch this space for your reply, in case you can’t email me via the web site either…
–Brian
Brian,
I sent a fellow viewer some information on unions within the discussion Forum section and gave a link. I would recommend Seafarers International Union (SIU) as this is one of the fastest growing un-licensed seafarers unions within the US. Ordinary Seaman rate (OS) is just about non existent and only represents the entry level (training) rating. SIU helps the OS rating in part, with an option to train on Hawaiian Lines, Passenger ship, and puts an individual into each of the three departments- Deck, Engine,Stewards, to help the seaman decide on which direction they want to go.
I’m not sure as to pay, but once the OS achieves the Able Seaman (AB) rate in about six months, you can see pay exceed $3,000 per month, not including vacation pay. I’ve heard of AB’s making $6,000-8,000 with all the Overtime and benefits.
Also, keep in mind, you will have to apply for a Transportation Workers Card Credential (TWIC) as an additional source of identification to enter any port, within the USA. This is the latest credential imposed by Homeland Security and is mandatory for all mariners, as of April 15th, 2009.
I can be reached by my email: marinerguy@marinerguy.com
Regards,
Nate
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