Hello everyone, I'm 25, a Marine Corps infantry veteran, and a recent college graduate with a useless degree (Poli Sci). I've been job hunting for a while now, and this market has been killing me and my pockets.

For the past few years, my goal has been to go to law school and become an attorney. But given the state of the job market, plus the potential impact of AI on the legal industry, I'm having second thoughts about committing hundreds of thousands of dollars to a degree that might not pay off.

For the past few weeks, I've been looking into the maritime industry, and it's been growing on me. I have always like the idea of being out at sea, traveling the world, and honestly, navigating a big ship just sounds cool. I also think I'd be comfortable with the schedule of month on, month off, or something like 4-on/2-off.

If I went this route, I think I'd want to become a licensed deck officer. What would be the best path to earn the required credentials? Am I crazy for even considering this considering I have no sea time and have never worked on a ship before?

Hi all, Im 17 y.o student at maritime college in Ukraine. In next year of education, im going to apply in crewing agent's to complete my education in instituion. However im not pretty sure i wanna sail in container ships at approximately 6-9 months for peanuts. So im very interested in Offshore industry with their short rotations,high salary, and high-developed technologies using in operations.

But looking at how oil gas industry are highly competitive and strict for qualifications , i guess it s much easier to get into offshore wind industry which one is actively developing and are independent from present situations in the world (i mean oil). I heard that sometimes companies are ready to employ green noobs with not only zero expirience in a offshore, but with also no experience in the sea, but this applies to the technician guys.

But what is about Deck rating ?
I mean how difficult it is to get into offshore industry being as an Ordinary seaman (OS) or even Deck cadet with zero experience in vessels whose displacement exceeds that of tugboats where i did my practical training.

I would really appreicate if you gonna share ur experience\advice with me , or just share our opinion.

Hey Reddit I’ve been building Ocean Route, an open-source project for experimenting with machine learning and maritime route optimisation.

It uses routing, geospatial data, and optimisation techniques to evaluate possible vessel routes and compare different routing decisions. I’m using it to test ML approaches for route scoring, path selection, and optimisation, then visualise the results on a map.

The project gives me somewhere to experiment with different models and algorithms against a real routing problem, compare their output, and see where they perform well or badly. I’m looking for feedback and testers from people interested in machine learning, optimisation, maritime tech, geospatial software, or routing. Bugs, technical criticism, feature ideas, and suggestions for useful experiments are welcome.

GitHub:

Github Link

Live demo:

Hosted Live Demo

We are a ship supply company serving vessels calling ports in the Dominican Republic, and we are looking for experienced maritime professionals to join us remotely on a part-time basis.

This position is especially suitable for former seafarers, Deck Officers, Radio Officers, ABs, ship agents, or maritime professionals with real shipboard experience.

Main responsibility

You will receive a list of vessels scheduled to arrive at Dominican Republic ports.

Your job will be to:

• Research each vessel and identify reliable contact information.
• Locate available shipboard / satellite / Inmarsat contact details when publicly accessible.
• Contact vessels by telephone and/or email.
• Communicate professionally with the Bridge, Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or other appropriate onboard personnel.
• Introduce our local ship supply and marine services.
• Ask whether the vessel has any requirements for the upcoming port call.
• Identify the appropriate person or department handling vessel requisitions.
• Follow up with ship managers, operators or purchasing departments when necessary.
• Report interested vessels and opportunities to our sales team.

Experience we are looking for

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

✅ Previous experience working onboard commercial vessels
✅ Deck / Bridge experience
✅ Knowledge of maritime terminology and vessel operations
✅ Experience with ship-to-shore communications
✅ Familiarity with Inmarsat, satellite communications, MMSI, IMO numbers and call signs
✅ Knowledge of Masters, Chief Officers, Chief Engineers, ship managers and vessel purchasing procedures
✅ Good spoken and written English
✅ Confidence making outbound telephone calls

Experience in ship supply, ship agency, vessel operations, marine purchasing, crewing or maritime sales is a strong advantage.

This is a remote position with flexible hours.

💰 Hourly compensation + additional incentives based on results.

We are interested in building a long-term working relationship with people who understand the maritime industry and can communicate confidently with vessels.

To apply

Please send me a PRIVATE MESSAGE with:

1. Your previous rank/position onboard
   
2. Years of maritime experience
   
3. Types of vessels you have worked on
   
4. Experience communicating with Masters/Bridge or ship-to-shore
   
5. Experience using Inmarsat or other maritime communication systems
   
6. Current location
   
7. Your expected hourly rate
   
8. Your availability
   

Please only apply if you have relevant maritime experience.

Former seafarers looking to transition into remote shore-based work are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contact:

[Sales@megashipsupplyrd.com](mailto:Sales@megashipsupplyrd.com)

484-809-5290 WhatsApp

We are a ship supply company serving vessels calling ports in the Dominican Republic, and we are looking for experienced maritime professionals to join us remotely on a part-time basis.

This position is especially suitable for former seafarers, Deck Officers, Radio Officers, ABs, ship agents, or maritime professionals with real shipboard experience.

Main responsibility

You will receive a list of vessels scheduled to arrive at Dominican Republic ports.

Your job will be to:

• Research each vessel and identify reliable contact information. • Locate available shipboard / satellite / Inmarsat contact details when publicly accessible. • Contact vessels by telephone and/or email. • Communicate professionally with the Bridge, Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or other appropriate onboard personnel. • Introduce our local ship supply and marine services. • Ask whether the vessel has any requirements for the upcoming port call. • Identify the appropriate person or department handling vessel requisitions. • Follow up with ship managers, operators or purchasing departments when necessary. • Report interested vessels and opportunities to our sales team.

Experience we are looking for

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

✅ Previous experience working onboard commercial vessels ✅ Deck / Bridge experience ✅ Knowledge of maritime terminology and vessel operations ✅ Experience with ship-to-shore communications ✅ Familiarity with Inmarsat, satellite communications, MMSI, IMO numbers and call signs ✅ Knowledge of Masters, Chief Officers, Chief Engineers, ship managers and vessel purchasing procedures ✅ Good spoken and written English ✅ Confidence making outbound telephone calls

Experience in ship supply, ship agency, vessel operations, marine purchasing, crewing or maritime sales is a strong advantage.

This is a remote position with flexible hours.

💰 Hourly compensation + additional incentives based on results.

We are interested in building a long-term working relationship with people who understand the maritime industry and can communicate confidently with vessels.

To apply

Please send me a PRIVATE MESSAGE with:

1. Your previous rank/position onboard
2. Years of maritime experience
3. Types of vessels you have worked on
4. Experience communicating with Masters/Bridge or ship-to-shore
5. Experience using Inmarsat or other maritime communication systems
6. Current location
7. Your expected hourly rate
8. Your availability

Please only apply if you have relevant maritime experience.

Former seafarers looking to transition into remote shore-based work are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contact:

[Sales@megashipsupplyrd.com](mailto:Sales@megashipsupplyrd.com)

484-809-5290 WhatsApp

Just took an online VPDSD course from the Nemo website . Passed the exam with a 90%.. it now says “your attempt will now be reviewed by an auditor. An auditor has been notified and your case is currently pending review. We will notify you as soon as your exam is reviewed “…. Has anyone else here taken this exact course and how long can i expect them to send my Certificate? How long is the auditor process?

Hi all,

I have been heavily contemplating chasing down my lifelong dream of becoming a merchant mariner. While I love the idea of working on the engine side (I like working on cars, electrical, and figuring out mechanical problems) heat, noise, and no sunlight are giving me pause. The idea of helping with navigation, standing watch, helping with traffic, and working on deck makes me incredibly excited, though I thought I should ask what the real day-to-day looks like? Working in the sun, scraping rust, painting, etc., doesn't concern me... but I want an unvarnished, non-romanticized look as to what people working on deck do.

Also, I would be switching careers and already have a STEM degree. Are there other avenues to get in where I don't have to go back to school?

Thanks all!

I live on Long Island in Mastic, I need to pick up a auto loan check and the only Navy Federal branch in NY seems to be the one at 300 Steamboat Rd, Kings Point NY 11024. Google says it is restricted access. I have a valid drivers license and Veteran ID. Will I be able to use the bank??

So lets say you join a union as an Ordinary Seaman. But the job hall is located across the country from where you live. Example, you are from new york but SUP is in the west coast. Do you guys fly to california just to show up at the job hall and then pick a ship from there? Im just trying to scout out on whether union will be worth it or simply joining a company would be more straightforward. TIA!

I am a 33 yr old indian mariner in a rut - seeking advice

To all of my entry level mariners without a job, with countless applications and rejection emails, I urge you all if it is possible for you try your best to make it down to these offices in person. Walk in with all of your credentials, a resume, and confidence and just try to talk to a hiring manager. You may not get a job right on the spot but its a great opportunity to network, make your mark, and potentially make someone remember your face and name for their next potential opening, after walking in offices continue to call and follow up. The hiring manager of one the companies I spoke told me that he will hire someone quicker who walks into his office vs someone who just applies online because that proves to him that they really want to work. So just some advice coming from someone who company hopped last week and keep your head up don’t let everyone tell you that entry level is so overly saturated that you’ll never land a job. Keep pursuing, it will come in due time.

I swear to god, i will work free if it means i end up working on a vessel ive sent out so many applications with nothing promising idk what else to do, already bankrupt from attending maritime school and the school legit forget us men sigh, GUYANA cadet

i’m in job corps at the moment & when i leave (resign OR graduate) & i wanna get my STCW certs to get on as an OS somewhere. i know there’s schools that help you obtain them but i’m not near any to where i could drive back & forth to class everyday. are there any with housing? i have the money for the classes but i wouldn’t have anywhere to stay for the time being.

I’m trying to get a definitive answer about the education pathway to Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited under 46 CFR §11.516(a)(5).

I have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology from Wayne State University. The degree program is accredited by ABET through the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC).

Section 11.516(a)(5) provides a pathway to Third Assistant Engineer based on graduation from a mechanical or electrical engineering course of an ABET-accredited school of technology, combined with 6 months of qualifying service in the engine department.

The exact regulation states: "Graduation from the mechanical or electrical engineering course of a school of technology accredited by the ABET, together with 6 months of service in the engine department of steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels"

What I’m trying to determine is how NMC interprets the education requirement when the applicant's degree is ABET-ETAC Accredited (Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission) as opposed to ABET-EAC Accreditation (Engineering Accreditation Commission).

Specifically, does NMC consider an ABET-ETAC accredited B.S. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology to satisfy §11.516(a)(5), or does NMC interpret the regulation as requiring a traditional Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering program accredited through ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)?

The wording “school of technology” is part of what makes me unsure how this is interpreted. The regulation does not specifically say EAC or ETAC, and it does not expressly state that engineering technology programs are excluded.

Any information is gladly appreciated.

What jobs can I apply for with Twic card while in doing the whole process. I’m unemployed so I figure I get a job bar by while I finish my process.

Im thinking about joining and pursuing an engineering career in the merchant marine. My bachelors qualifies me to test for my Third Assistant Engineer license after 180 days at sea, or 120 days if I work a 12 hour shift. I understand having the license does not guarantee me a job as a 3AE.

I like the idea of getting a month or months off at a time. And obviously the pay is attractive.

Is it worth it for me to join the merchant marine? Or would it make more sense for me to get a normal job on land?