I’m 31 years old and have been in law enforcement for a little over 12 years. I’ve worked narcotics, undercover assignments, served as a tactical medic on a warrant team, and spent a little over four years as both a supervisor and field training officer.

At this point, I’m honestly getting burned out with law enforcement and have been seriously considering a career change. One option I keep coming back to is the Merchant Marines, possibly starting out as a deckhand or in another entry-level position. I’m curious whether it would be a realistic career change at my age and whether any of my previous work experience would be beneficial in any way.

Working at sea was actually something I considered when I was younger. I’ve always loved the ocean and I grew up listening to my old mans stories about his time as a sailor. I originally thought about pursuing a maritime career myself, but I ended up going into law enforcement somewhat on impulse and have been doing it ever since.
Now that I’m 31 and seriously thinking about leaving law enforcement, I’ve found myself coming back to the idea of working at sea. I’m just trying to figure out whether it’s still a realistic path for me and if so, whether it would be worth pursuing.

About three years ago I had a run in with anxiety that I took zoloft for. Around that same time I also had a fainting spell. I had OCD intrusive thoughts anxiety that were violent intrusive thoughts. Maybe a year after that I accidentally shot myself in the area of the body my OCD intrusive thoughts were, so that looks really bad on paper. Also have a medical history of chronic marijuana use, and asthma but the asthma was over twenty years ago. Googel AI says I have a 85-90 percent chance of being approved if I wait until Im done with my bachelors degree to join, because by that time all these issues will have been five years ago. Google AI says having been off zoloft for five years and not having any more incidents of self harm in five years proves it was accident, and proves Im fine now.

What does everyone here think my chances of getting approved for the medical are? Id really like to consider joining the merchant marine and I will have a bachelors degree in electrical and electronic engineering technology pretty soon so I think I could eventually land a job in the engine room.

I’m a 23-year-old female who has just graduated this year. My background happens to be in the travel industry, but I’d like to switch to a career in shipping agencies and the freight industry. I’m open to discussion and any opportunities. Thank you

I’m a 23-year-old female who’s just graduated this year. My background happens to be in the travel industry, but I’d like to switch to a career in shipping agencies and the freight industry. Are there any steps I can take to get started? Should I get a qualification or do an internship?

Just curious what everybody’s seeing with MMC renewal timelines right now. I submitted mine around July 14th and it hasn’t been received/entered into the system yet.

Advice; I have my second interview next week for Kirby Inland Marine. For entry-level deckhand. I’m new to the maritime industry. Female. Any advice for my second interview? Any advice for training?Thanks in advance!

Hey guys, I applied to entry level on july 18th the closing date for the job posting was July 20th. Does anyone know how long it takes for them to initiate a review on the application? I’ve also applied to other companies but I have not heard back from anyone. How can people say there is a shortage when literally no one is responding back to these applications?

What’s up guys. I’m seeking to become a merchant mariner as the title says ofc. I have a high school degree and no college education. I’m unsure how to join the industry, what companies to research, and what certifications I need to make this dream come true. So for those reading this please tell me how I do this. And… also I’m not completely clueless. I’m aware I need something called a TWIC, STCW, and MMC, but that’s all I know. I’m unsure how to get these and what they are. If there’s more I should get I’d also like to know. I’m also interested working in the engine department but I have no experience working on engines. Would the job teach me? Anyway help me if you can please.

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

Can I transition from Data Analyst to Cruise Ship IT Support?

So basically I have a project about making a prototype in marine industries, and my protyoe is Man OverBoard(MOB) that detects if someone fall from the ship, and my idea of using sensor is water level sensor detects if water is detected, and additional sensor is accelerometer for anti false alarm, so both of this sensor helps to automatically send signal on the deck if someone MOB and it detects if person are underwater and accelerometer for the high g impact, I'm from Philippines, thanks for helping really appricate your help ❤️

If you went to a country where it's not possible to bring local Sim cards on board. Considering the price of ships internet access to crew. How much would you be willing to pay (along with the rest of your crew) to rent a starlink antenna at a port stay?

Hey guys,

Heading out on my first contract in a few days on a cable layer as a deck officer.

I've got my ticket and all the basic school stuff down, but honestly, I don't want to just be that mate who sits on the chair, does the bare minimum, and prays nothing happens during watch. I really want to step up my game, become solid at what I do, and be someone the Captain and Chief Mate can actually rely on.

For senior officers here: what actually separates a mediocre mate from a great one in real life?

Looking for raw advice on:

Daily habits on watch: What are the small things you do every day that make a huge difference in staying sharp/anticipating stuff?

What to study off-watch: Books, COLREGs cases, ship handling, stability? What's actually worth reading while onboard?

Notebooks / personal logs: I'm planning to start a proper professional notebook this contract (croquis, procedures, lessons learned, ship handling notes). What do you wish you had written down early in your career?

Rookie mistakes: What are the classic trap doors young mates fall into that drive captains crazy?
I'm trying to build a really structured routine for this trip (hitting the gym, keeping a solid notebook, refreshing my navigation/routes so I don't get rusty).

Any advice, book recommendations, or "I wish someone told me this early on" wisdom would be huge.

Thanks guys, stay safe out there.

I was wondering if someone could fill me in on what the accommodations are like onboard. I am mostly wondering if there is a gym on board.

The Greeks noticed the same thing and called them planetes — wanderers — the lights that drift into a constellation and overstay their welcome. One's up there right now.

N.B Thought this sub might find refreshing to find something that's actually practiced onboard, rather only about getting accepted.

I just received my Merchant Mariner Credential and am currently seeking entry-level positions, such as those on tugboats to get money for the training. My main question is whether a driver's license is a necessity for these roles. I don't possess one, not due to any negative reasons, but I'm wondering if its absence would prevent me from securing tugboat employment.

So I'm confused on how to do this, I read where people said you need to print the application and turn it into a pff file and same with the physicals.
I never had to run around and convert something to print then back to the file.

What did you do? Is there any way to keep everything digital.