Question for Merchant Marine Sailors

K

KP2010

5-Year Member
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Feb 17, 2010
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50
Gentlemen and Ladies,

I have a friend who wishes to become an Able Bodied Seaman but I'm not sure how he can become one without joining a union. He is prior enlisted Navy and doesn't want to join a union. I think he has some quals but I don't know if it will crossover to satisfy STCW. Is there a way for him to take the STCW courses without going through say Piney Point? Any help would be great. Thanks for your time.
 
If he doesn't want to join a union MSC might be a good option for him, especially if he's prior service. He could accrue federal service retirement time by working with MSC.

Otherwise you can always take STCW courses and other necessary courses at any number of "schools" around the country. Just google something like STCW course and you'll find many. You can also attend places like MITAGS even without being a union member, you just have to pay. I did that in order to get my BST renewed and my radar observer.

The other option since he doesn't want to join a union is to call non-union companies and see what their hiring process is like and if they offer those courses for new hires.
 
Depending on his USN experience and qualification he may already qualify for AB. There are pros and cons to unions, you just have to figure out what is best for you.

There is a link on the NMC website www.uscg.mil/nmc that lists which courses are are USCG approved. Don't waste time/money with a non-approved course.

The forums on http://gcaptain.com are an excellent reference
 
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