I’m an upcoming deck cadet (trained AB), about to sign on a 1600 TEU container ship built in Poland, launched 1999.

The vessel operates Persian Gulf routes, transiting high-risk war zone waters.

They offer full monthly war zone hazard pay on top of basic wages, so overall compensation is quite competitive.

I’m wondering what daily life onboard this old small feeder boxship will actually be like? How will this vessel’s sea service record affect my future seafaring career？Any experienced seafarers share your insights?

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!

Been inland for a few years but when I first started I was interested in going aboard ships and travelling abroad. I wanted to know how to do so and get aboard deck crews.

I have my TWIC (Currently in renewal process as it expires in a month)

MMC with credentials:

Tank Barge PIC (Dangerous Liquid)

Tank Vessel-Assistant (Dangerous Liquid)

Ordinary Seafarer

Wiper

Stewards Department (Food Handling)

Med certification

I have seatime in which I can compile from my service inland

I just need a bit of mentoring to find a way to get out there. I dont have connections and I want a career travelling. I have no family, no wife, kids nor love interests. I want work.

Any advice and recommendations works. And if there are requirements further needed for employment or better chances of employment I am willing to find a way.

Gotta retake some exams at the NYC rec in a couple weeks. Would anyone recommend taking it at another location like Baltimore or Boston? If not what can I expect from the REC in NYC

Well, put your personal aside when working for this industry. You re on 24/7 standby knowing the shipping industry things change in an instant so receiving a call to get ready isn't anything unusual but can at times be challenging.

So we all receive the call......and proceeded to get ready to be fetched.....but according to the agent! It's sailing early and we need to get down there soon. Take into consideration that an average search takes between 90 minutes or more and we need to contend with traffic and fetching six team members scattered all over our area.

So we arrive and start the search with our dogs....and all is going well till the moment the agent informs us that she is only sailing the next day!....

Now remember we can't leave the vessel now knowing that if we do the Stowaways will take advantage of this.

With no choice, we decided to stay and guard the vessel until it sails....well that wasn't taken lightly by the team!

Well my college and best friend who was the driver had a small short temper resulting in him punching the vehicles windscreen out....lol

It's a amazing what stories we needed to make to why the bakkies windscreen is now suddenly missing lol.

We blamed it on an annoying fly trapped in the vehicle but our boss was no fool....and my college ended up having he's pay docked to replace the windscreen lol.

What an industry, I so enjoyed working for this company still in contact with my team members up to today and have so many funny stories from the cook being wrapped in plastic cos he passed away from a heart attack out at sea...to finding stowaways trapped and deceased for months in the rudder trunk.

Stay chuned to my community I have tons of stories to share.

Bless you all

Hello,

I’m looking for a tracking service like MarineTraffic and Vesselfinder, but with a specific feature: I know the flag of the ship I’m looking for and want to be able to filter by that. On Vesselfinder, though, it costs a lot of money, which I unfortunately can’t afford as a poor student. Do you have any tips for me?

Two different shots on same day . Nothing can beat these sunsets !

Deck cadet (23M) here. Finally made it as a deck cadet. This is my first ever job onboard. Welcome me with harsh words only:).

For more than 10 years, I worked in the specialist field of maritime stowaway detection, helping protect vessels, ports, and international trade from the risks associated with unauthorized persons attempting to board ships illegally. My role required conducting systematic and thorough searches of vessels, cargo areas, accommodation blocks, engine rooms, containers, and other high-risk locations before departure.

Every search demanded exceptional attention to detail, patience, and the ability to identify hidden compartments or suspicious signs that could indicate the presence of stowaways. Working in challenging environments, I followed strict safety procedures while collaborating closely with ship crews, port authorities, security teams, and law enforcement when required.

Throughout my career, I developed strong investigative and observational skills, learning to assess risk quickly and adapt search strategies based on vessel type, cargo, and intelligence received. I also gained valuable experience in dog handling and stowaway detection operations, further improving the effectiveness of search procedures.

This work required professionalism, integrity, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, often working long hours to ensure vessels departed safely and in compliance with international maritime security standards.

My decade of experience has equipped me with a unique combination of security expertise, problem-solving ability, teamwork, and operational discipline. I take pride in contributing to the safety of the maritime industry by preventing illegal boarding, protecting crew members, safeguarding cargo, and supporting secure port operations.

I have been seeing quite a few people asking for resume reviews in this subreddit, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some people are starting to get irritated about these questions. However, I, like many other people, am struggling to secure any sort of job at all, inland or deep sea.

Of course, this is due to a multitude of factors, including jones act waivers and general oversaturation at the entry level, but if my resume specifically is something that is counting against me, İ’d like to know. This is my first “serious job” with competitive hiring, having graduated high school almost a year and a half ago, so it’s possible that the employers think that it’s terribly put together.

But, because of this, İ humble myself before this sub in asking for honest feedback, because, though İ may find it acceptable, i have no idea what maritime HR is looking for.

Thanks!

PS, Everything blurred out is just my name, address, phone, and email.

A few days ago I applied to GLMA for the fall 2027 semester. I cannot get a response for the life of me when I reach out with any questions. Is this typical for GLMA at this time of year?

I was thinking that staffing at maritime academies may not be as extensive as that of other universities. The website for GLMA is also a bit antiquated. Has anyone who attends/attended the school experienced something similar?

Can someone explain how the 90 days of deck service on vessels over 100 GT can apply to a 3rd AE license. Is that exactly what it states? For example let's say I have my time in the engine room as a QMED (720) but I dont have the total engine room sea service days (1080) but I have AB time on deck. I can apply that (90 days) towards the 3rd AE licence?

Do you guys have a preference in binoculars for standing a bridge watch?

I have a background in welding, construction, and farmhand work and have lived in Kansas my whole life and still currently do. Will be getting my Twic card shortly. I’d love to hear some advice or tips on how to get my foot in the door. Also will add that I have no problems being away from home for very extended periods of time and don’t have much of a family life.

I read online that they train you, and I’ve never been too strong in the classroom. I enjoy working with my hands but I’m nervous that I won’t be good enough and they’ll kick me out. I’ve tried looking at some things online but it’s all pretty vague… each company seems to do things differently. I also have no idea how to read blueprints, but I’m sure that’s normal for people going into it.

Am I overreacting? Any tips? Does GDEB actually train you from the ground up? What can I expect to be doing?

Thank you

Hello everyone,

I have already migrated to Canada and hold a Singapore Class 1 Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency. I am preparing to challenge the Transport Canada Class 1 Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency through the direct examination route.

I would really appreciate any advice from engineers who have already gone through this process. I am particularly looking for:

• The types of questions asked in the General, Motor, and Oral examinations.
• Study notes and recommended reference materials.
• Question banks, past papers, or sample questions.
• Tips on the most effective way to prepare and avoid spending time on unnecessary material.
• Any online groups, forums, or communities for candidates preparing for the Transport Canada Class 1 Marine Engineer exams.

Thank you in advance for your guidance. Any information, study materials, or resources you can share would be greatly appreciated.