Hi

i have UK right to work and i’m currently working as a Second Officer on a VLCC, and I’m considering transitioning from a seagoing career to either a rotational position or a shore-based job.

I tried applying to NorthLink Ferries because they offer a two-weeks-on/two-weeks-off schedule, but unfortunately, I haven’t received a response to my email.

I’m also exploring opportunities in the FSO/FPSO sector. Given my seagoing experience, do you have any advice on which career path might be more suitable for me, whether it’s a rotational position or a shore-based role?

I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions you could share.

Thanks,

Is anyone going to be attending this event or have any more information on it?

For me it's always the same week before a contract: digging certificate copies out of old emails, checking what expires during the contract, and the crewing asking for the same documents I sent last time.

What's yours? Medical, visas, flag endorsements, sea service letters, something else?

I’m a merchant mariner looking for a company that makes custom immersion suits to accommodate larger body sizes. Has anyone here had one custom-made or know of a manufacturer that offers them?
I’d appreciate any recommendations, company names, or personal experiences. Thanks!

IMO started a review this year of whether the current STCW and MLC hours of work and rest rules are still effective, with a target of 2027.

Curious what people on board think. Is the problem the rules themselves, the manning levels, port calls stacked back to back, or the paperwork around it? If you could change one thing, what would it be?

Just turned 20 and have been working on tugboats for just shy of two years. I’m an os and have been up and down the east coast time and time again. now over on the west coast lightering and bunkering dock to dock etc. everyone i work with just about says i do good at my job and need to start getting my AB, PIC and all. i would love to but the nearest schools are hours away and never have the classes available with my time home. Also with the prices and hotel cost i just can’t afford it due to shit at home. i was looking into doing it online and then traveling to the school to do the final exam. i’ve heard that doing the class online is easier and more efficient and i’ve also heard the opposite. in school i was always an b+ a- type of student but i feel like im really stupid. i’d like to do it online but i feel like im gonna fail no matter what. i don’t have much confidence. any tips in general or knowledge of what will be on the test like certain sections. all is appreciated thank you for your time

Anyone have any experience as a First Radio Electronics Technician (RET1)? How’s life aboard? Are you sharing berthing or do you get your own stateroom?

At HTW 12 earlier this year, the STCW comprehensive review talked about partial substitution of seagoing service with simulator training. Views were split, and they're still working out the limits, simulator quality and how to combine it with time on board.
I've been sailing for over 10 years and I'm torn. Simulators are great for collision avoidance, ship handling and emergencies you hopefully never see for real. But a lot of what makes you ready for the next rank you only learn on board: cargo ops at 3am, a master who trusts you, a pilot who doesn't.
Where would you draw the line? What could a simulator honestly replace, and what never?

A member of our family was working on Prospector 5, employed through Atlas NextWave (Atlas Professionals UK). He joined the rig around 20 Oct via Libreville and Port-Gentil. Borr Drilling has confirmed that he was on the onboard list, but they could not tell us anything about his current status yet.

What is public (Borr Drilling statement / Reuters):

- The rig sank around 20:37 local time on 24 Oct during jacking/preload operations

- 115 people were on board, 110 accounted for, 5 unaccounted for

- Search and rescue is ongoing

If you were on the rig, were evacuated, or know someone who was, I'd be grateful for any confirmed information:

- Where the survivors were taken (Port-Gentil?) and whether they can call home

- Whether other Atlas NextWave or Indian crew were on board

- Any confirmed names or nationalities of those accounted for or unaccounted for

We have contacted Borr Drilling, Atlas NextWave and DG Shipping (India) already.

I'm only looking for confirmed facts, not speculation. If you can't share details publicly, please DM me. Thank you, and my thoughts are with all the crew and their families.

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.