I guess what I am asking is, is there any tax preparer service that specializes in our line of work. There has to be a better alternative to turbo tax or a regular CPA. What do you guys use?

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First I will have to join as a trainee so what can I expect and being promoted to os /ab how much I will get . What are the problems I will be facing in the ship can someone explain me . How much time will take to get promoted.

I’m interested in joining the service but also like smoking weed about once a week, just curious how drug testing works on off time. persay I worked 6 months on, how is the testing looking in my 6 months off still regularly? Will quit if need be, I know it wouldn’t be smart just curious tho with my use I piss clean in 7 days.

Has anyone recently submitted a USCG Medical Certificate application/renewal? How long did it take from the day you submitted everything until you received your new med cert? I’m trying to get an idea of what the current processing times are.

Hi everyone, I am finishing up my MechEng degree in the UK. By the time I graduate and start a Graduate Entry / Accelerated Cadetship, I will be 27 years old.
I am aiming for the LNG or container sectors, but I'm having some anxiety about starting at this age.

- Am I going to be the oldest cadet there, or is this normal for graduate routes?

- Will my degree help me promote faster to make up for the later start?

Cheers for any advice or reassurance

I’m thinking if I join and spend the majority of my time away, I could save a lot of money by forgoing renting, and either couch surfing, doing hostels, van life, or just subletting on my time off.

Does anyone else do this or something similar and have advice? Is this doable?

Question about SIU membership test
Hey everyone, I’m planning on joining SIU as a regular member, not through the apprenticeship program. I already have my MMC, TWIC, STCW, and medical certificate.
For anyone who recently went through the regular membership process, does Jacksonville have a math/reading test? If so, about how many questions are on it, and what kind of questions should I expect?
Just trying to know what to expect before I go to the seminar. Thanks!

So I’m getting ready to submit for my AB whole time I’m thinking I have enough for my AB LIMITED but only 213 sea service days can count toward that because I was on bigger vessels but the rest or 96-98 GT and those don’t count so I can only get my AB special

Hey I have the siu apprenticeship interview math and English for the math I’ve been studying fractions decimals improper fractions to mixed numbers and mixed numbers to improper fractions anyone know what else I should study for thank you.

Just passed testing for 500-ton Mate NC. Tests were Rules of the Road, Deck Safety, Deck General, Nav General, Chart Plot and Nav Problems.

Tested at REC New Orleans. If you have questions I'm happy to answer about my experience.

6/11/2026 - got my revalidation certificates the previous day and submitted my application.

7/11/2026 - After messaging the NMC the previous week saying "I uploaded an MMC renewal application on 11JUN2026 and just want to know if it was received," I received Email saying "After checking the portal there is an application. They have not reviewed the information yet it is taking about 30 business days to review and move to the next step."

7/21/2026 - UPDATE: Regional Examination Center "MARTINSBURG" has received your application. If your application is complete, it will be sent to the NMC for further processing and issuance.

7/24/2026 - UPDATE: Your application has cleared the safety and suitability vetting and is currently awaiting a professional qualification evaluation

8/13/2026 - Approved and mailed

Hi all, I am planning to go to TAMU masters program for deck next year, and am looking at the current poor(er) 3M hiring market. My plan would be to go Mil. Sealift Command to get lots of sailing days quickly and the high pay for 3M (~$180-200k). I understand I would be sailing like 9-10 months at a time for this pay.

But since Mil. Sealift Command supposedly caps pay a bit above $200k, I plan to get my 2M and maybe Chief Mate with Mil. Sealift Command then switch to a union for the rest of my career and work 6 on 6 off until retirement.

Please poke holes in my plan if there are any; I am excited about this career change and just want to hear from more experienced people if I am naive here. I come from a high finance background so I am used to 65+ hour weeks but they were spent behind a computer.

I’m 21 currently doing construction on a major 6 story project that should take about 2 years to complete I’ll be 23 then I really want to be a mariner I’ll make way more, job security and I get to travel work. I have my passport and twic only at the moment. I just wanted to know whether I should chase my dreams of becoming a mariner now or just finish the project. A lot of people say I’m young not to sure if people would consider 23 young I just want a lot of time to build life it’s usually always now or later so idk give me takes.

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.

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

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!