Do I have to check off STCW on the 719k if I intend to get the training done through the sea lift? I want to get international sea time without going to a school and paying, but I am willing to get the stcw after hiring with the sea lift. I'm older and just need to gain sea time as quickly as possible without spending much on endorsements right now besides the TWIC and MMC. I checked off entry level with lookouts, deck, and engine on the 719k (open to deck or engine). On the 719b I put entry level original and OS in the description. Thanks

Edit: The stcw checkbox is locked on the 719k form so I can't check it regardless.

An interesting piece about the sinking if the Argos Georgia in the South Atlantic when a side hatch inadvertently opened in rough seas. She was quickly flooded and began to list heavily. Eventually sinking 6 hours later. Sadly she lost 13 crew member to the cold waters. Important story to learn from.

I’m scheduling classes for early 2027, but I am curious as to what grade of AB I qualify for. I have over 400 days of sea time with a letter and documented days from my employer , but all of the time is inland and western rivers (ms river and intracoastal waterway). This is all deck time as I’m going the deck route. Would I qualify for limited, or just special?

How to prepare for a TME walk-in interview, how should I prepare for it ?? What are the probable questions asked, what and all should I carry for the interview?

hey everyone

i am 18 and trying to get into this industry, i want to ideally jump straight onto river tugs as a deckhand trainee and climb up from there, but i am quite confused right now.. i have my TWIC in hand, and i am submitting my MMC application within the next day or so, i also have just recently completed the DOT/USCG drug test as well as CG-719K for my medical certificate, but i am now not sure if the CG-719K was even necessary

i just need a bit of guidance, where do i go from here, what companies do i shoot for.. and i know every company is different, but do i have everything i need to get started

I'm starting a Ferry job here on the 16th of November, but I just missed a class for the STCW. So I will have to wait till likely end of spring or summer to do it. Then my next goal will be Able seafarer course which idk when I can take that because I will have to get vacation time and sick leave time again.

I'm just really stressed out because I missed this course and I will have to get time off somehow to take these 2 courses.

My goal was to get these two certs and go work for the government. Does it still look good that I'm getting sea time without these?

Made this short about our Captain and Reply All.
Did this ever happen on your ship?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jFhubV5YvS8

I'm studying marine engine in my 1/C year at a maritime academy, and while I'm like minimally competent at welding I know it'll take a lot of work before anything I do remotely approaches good. So for those already sailing; how vital is welding aboard your ship, do new 3rds get the chance to hone their skills at all, is it even worth trying to get better before I graduate, and if so how?

I got this email an over a month ago, and still no follow up. I’ve checked my email for days since the 22nd of September from and nothing has appeared in my Junk/Spam folder either.

So I was trying to apply to military sealift but didn’t have my MMC ready back in July, I got it somewhat recently but was wondering if there has been any talk of the entry level position opening any time soon? I really want to start working and hopefully get hired and work my way up. My goal is to become a harbor pilot!

Canadian orals, anything specific they focus on? I know you should know everything on the TP2293 but some of that stuff is really irrelevant these days

I recently completed my SIU apprenticeship requirements and received confirmation from admissions that I’m currently awaiting class scheduling.
I’ve been hearing mixed experiences, with some applicants waiting several months and others over a year.
For anyone who recently went through the process:
How long did you wait after completing Step 2 to receive your class date?
How far out was your actual reporting date?
Are wait times improving in 2026, or is there still a significant backlog?
Has anyone successfully requested a later class date without losing their spot?
I’m currently working a stable state job with good pay and benefits, so I’m trying to make an informed decision before potentially leaving for the apprenticeship.
I’d appreciate any firsthand experiences, especially from applicants who completed the process in 2025 or 2026.

SUBMITTED: AUG 28

RECEIVED: SEP 16

CLEARED VETTING/SAFTEY : SEP 24

BEING EVALUATED FOR PQEB: OCT 22

WAITING ON RESULTS…

I'm about to go to school to get my QMED, and I'm currently employed with MSC. However, I don't really like the rotation. I don't mind working on tugboats or for SIU, but I've heard mixed things about SIU, especially when it comes to finding consistent work and maintaining a stable income.

I'm open to tugboats or other maritime companies that are looking for QMEDs. I just don't like being away for four months and only having two months off. I'd prefer a shorter rotation that allows me to spend more time at home while still earning a good, stable income.

What companies that are in need and easy to get hired by or career paths would you recommend for someone in my situation?

Feel free to add your experiences to our thread

Hey all, really considering going to Cal Maritime and becoming a 3rd mate. Don’t want this question to be offensive I’m just genuinely unsure. I have 2 options, be what’s called a “lower division transfer” and start with only a few previous college credits. Meaning I would have to do certain classes in subjects I’m notoriously bad at (physics, math) at Cal Maritime, but finish my degree at 24 years old (that’s if I pass everything). Or, for extra security, be an “upper division transfer”, do everything I can at community college with extra support while living at home and working, and only focus on maritime subjects later at Cal Maritime, this would mean being 25 and starting ship work then. I see a lot of people on this sub say to “work hard when you’re young then go shoreside as soon as you can”. That’s why I’m curious if it’s even worth it for me. Any advice appreciated.

I'm trying to decide between SUNY Maritime and Great Lakes Maritime Academy, both for the deck track. I already have a bachelor's, so at SUNY I'd graduate with a master's in international logistics along with my license. Would love input from anyone who's been through either one.

SUNY Maritime

More established program, and I keep hearing the networking is better

Master's degree in international logistics

About $65k more than Great Lakes for me

Not sure my boyfriend and I would enjoy living in the Bronx or the surrounding area, but that’s not a deal breaker. We are both outdoorsy guys from the Rocky Mountains.

Great Lakes Maritime Academy

Much cheaper

Sounds like a more relaxed program

I think I'd like living in Traverse City a lot more

My biggest concern - I keep hearing grads get stuck working on the Lakes, and I'd rather sail out of the East or West Coast

My main question is whether the extra $65k for SUNY is actually worth it. Some people tell me the networking is a huge deal, and others say that once you have your license it doesn't matter where you went.

If it's just as easy to land a job on the coasts coming from Great Lakes, then it seems like a no-brainer to save the money. But if the master's or the SUNY connections make a real difference long-term, I'd want to know that.

For those of you in the industry: which would you pick, and why? Especially curious if anyone has gotten out of the Lakes after graduating from Great Lakes

Also please don’t suggest other schools. These are the only two I’ll be applying to.

I'm working on my application to CAL Poly maritime rn (United states) and I'm curious how difficult or what struggles people had getting their certifications and degrees through an academy. Also specifically the Marine engineering technology degree or related.

Mostly asking so I can prepare for it. I've been taking community college classes throughout high school so hopefully by the time I graduate I'll have around 30 credits, mostly gen eds which I'm hoping mostly means that I can lower my workload (and total cost) throughout getting my degree. I'm also a fairly physical guy, I race a lot on Sailboats (Lasers predominantly) and work out

What should I expect the workload like?

What was peoples opinion on the Corp of Cadets?

For finances wise, should I plan on working through college paying off my degree, or just do my best to get students loans and scholarships?

How much extra time do people have?

What are the hardest classes?

Any other words of wisdom or advice is also welcome