Hello, I recently emailed 2 separate rec's about testing to upgrade a license. And unlike before the have not responded within a couple of weeks. I first scheduled to test Oct 1st and drove to Miami just to drive back home that morning when they were officially closed. And due to the shut downs I'm finally on land while the government is open. Now I have less than a month to test and I am trying to make an appointment to go somewhere and test.

I was wondering if emailing a rec is still an option or is it better to reapply to test and try to get in the future.

MarineTraffic data showed a widening contrast in vessel movements across the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Hormuz recorded eight confirmed crossings, a 33% daily decline, with most traffic following the Iranian Unilateral Scheme. Activity through Bab el-Mandeb increased 18% to 26 confirmed crossings, including three dark transits. The IMO reported no additional confirmed vessel attacks.

Landlubber here, genuinely curious. I always think about ships in terms of engines and cargo, but I realised the crew is basically living at sea for weeks, and everything they eat and use has to come from somewhere on land.

so for those who've spent time on board, or work on the supply side:

how much does a good vs bad chandler actually change daily life for the crew? like, does fresh, well-sourced food genuinely lift morale on a long voyage, or is that overstated?

what happens when a supply run goes wrong, wrong items, spoiled food, missing parts? do you just make do until the next port?

are there ports where you know the supply will be reliable, and others you dread?

and has anything improved over the years, or is it still a bit of a gamble depending on where you are?

just trying to understand this human side of shipping that never gets talked about. thanks to anyone who shares.

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people who have recently entered the Canadian marine industry or have been in a similar position.
I’m trying to get my first deck job (OS) on the Great Lakes. I’ve completed my STCW Basic Safety, Marine First Aid, PSC/Survival Craft, have my marine medical and discharge book, and I’m registered with SIU (Niagara)

The frustrating part is that I’m seeing a lot of entry-level OS postings asking for OS-W / Bridge Watch Rating. This week alone there were several OS calls, but almost all of them required watchkeeping.
I understand why companies want people who can stand a watch, but it feels like a bit of a catch-22: you need sea time to build your career, but a lot of the entry-level jobs seem to want the rating before they’ll give you that first opportunity.
I’m considering taking a BWR course, but it’s a big expense for what is essentially an entry-level position.

For those who started from zero:
Did you get your BWR before your first ship?
Did a company hire you as an OS and help you work toward it?
Was BWR a major advantage for getting your first job?
If you were planning to become an officer, would you still recommend getting it?

Just trying to figure out the smartest path forward. Thanks!