USMMA's Post Grad (many) Options and Service Obligation

[KPEngnr90]

Current posting for a MSC 3rd mate reads

Average Annual Salary: $156,502 + $35,688 BONUS​

This is the average annual salary not the base pay featured in the job opportunity announcement. All calculations include CIVMAR total take-home pay (including overtime, penalty, etc.).

Only thing is you gotta spend 22 outta 24 months at sea to get that bonus. AMO, MMP and MEBA are paying 3rd's 160k for a 6 month rotation. Good place to start if you wanna get your 1st's or Chief Mates license quickly and then go Union aferwards.

 

[KPEngnr90]

You say not the equivalent… I would assume better?

You pretty much take all the classes a mechanical engineering student would take but they teach you a bunch of classes like pipefitting, welding, electrical maintenance, diesel engine maintenance, HVAC maintenace. These are trade skills that an engineer on any oceanliner would use. We're essentialy the ship's mechanics, electricians, AC techs, metal fabricators and plumbers. Anything that requires a wrench, torch, welder or some electrical knowhow. It doesn't stop there. I get a long list of fixit items from my wife when I come home on vacation.

 

[kpmom2013]

I would also add that my DD who was a deckie also learned a ton of useful stuff at sea. She is an excellent welder, services her own car, is very comfortable working with any tools to do all kinds of home maintenance and repairs. (Of course she bought her own house at 23 while still a 3rd mate and it is nearly paid off.)

 

[smokey_payne]

I would disagree with this statement. When I decided to move ashore, I encountered very few issues getting employment as a mechanical engineer. However, while at the Academy I took electives in Machine Design and Mechanical Vibrations. That was many years ago but that company still hires grads from KP without reservation. The largest shortcoming I ever encountered is when I sought a Masters, the university felt I needed a course in Differential Equations. As far as business, I also had a KP co-worker (engineer) that moved from an engineering role to a management role after acquiring an MBA.

Well said! Very similar to a Mech E degree. When I went through in 10-13, Diff EQs was part of the standard curriculum for all of the marine engineering degrees. Not sure if things have changed since.