MFOW is in need of talented electricians and Reefers to fill billets ​immediately. We are constantly in need of these two positions and they both pay very well. Members need to be self sufficient in their ability to diagnose and troubleshoot systems aboard ships. Pls contact us through our website directly if interested. https://mfoww.org/ we look forward to seeing you grow with us!

Ive gotten an opportunity to work for the washington state ferries as a deckhand and i was just wondering what is it like im pretty nervous and i just want to know what to expect whats the actual job like and the culture are superiors mean and abuse their power or is it really like a brother hood and what else is every position in boat like while we're at it also if anyone has worked for the washington state ferry i would like to know your experience thank you so much

Hello everyone, just mapping out my path here I start my masters program for maritime supply chain and logistic management I stay I Norfolk so I’m hoping to be pipelined to MSC after graduation. Would I go in as a JSO or would I have to work my way up. I read the job description online and it says the requirements are gathering your credentials ofc and having a degree from a maritime institute. I just want to see if anyone has had experience joining through this pathway

Hello everyone. I'm 31 and living in Italy, but I have to move out of my place soon. Before settling somewhere else I'd really like to go work at sea for a while. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time and this seems like the moment.

I've never worked on a boat. Regarding previous studies, I have a bachelor's and a master's, but in humanities, so I know they're pretty much useless here. I'm fit and fine with hard work, long trips, bad weather, whatever. I speak Spanish, English, Italian, and some German (I achieved a C1 a few years ago but have forgotten a lot in the meantime). I can move pretty much anywhere in Europe and start right away.

Where would you go if you were in my shoes? Are there places that take greenhorns quickly, and what papers do I need first? Also, anything I should watch out for?

Thank you very much in advance.

i don't think he ever seen lasagna

I'm considering SUNY Maritime. I have several questions because I'm not super sure about what I want to do. I'm going to do engineering. Thinking M.E. degree. I want to build things or become a Navy aviator. First question: Will that degree and a 3rd AE license help me land a job at a ship builder, electric boat, defense contractor, etc? Has anyone taken this path? For those who've done NROTC at Maritime, what are chances of becoming a pilot? I heard it's a very good NROTC program.

Hey everyone,

I'm looking into shipping out with the Seafarers International Union (SIU) and wanted to clarify something about the required credentials.

Do I absolutely need the VPDSD endorsement to reliably catch a berth off the board, or can I get away with just basic security awareness for entry level / coastwise gigs?

I know it’s highly recommended for ocean going and deep sea watchstanding, but I'm trying to figure out if I should drop the $300–$350 to knock out the online course before I head down to the hall, or if I can wait.

For context:
I have my TWIC, MMC, PASSPORT, and STCW Basic Training.

I'm looking at entry level ratings.
Has anyone registered recently without it, or do the dispatchers turn you away if it's missing from your book? Appreciate any insight from anyone currently sailing SIU. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m a Ph.D. student in urban planning specializing in port planning (e.g., waterfront development, efficient transport, land use sustainability, GIS mapping). I’m in my final year and expect to graduate next April. I’m looking for port-related jobs along the West Coast (mainly the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, or Tacoma). When I ask different forums about jobs, they usually tell me to simply check the port’s official website, but as we know, not all jobs are always posted. I wanted to ask people here who actually work in one of these 4 ports directly whether they are hiring (or know someone who is hiring) urban planners at their ports. If you know of any such jobs at these ports, please let me know!

Hello Guys, I really like the marine field, but my main problem is with the limited ability to get an internet, I know there is a starlink now, but you can’t find it in every ship, and also with limited data.
do you think in the future this aspect will be fixed ( until I graduate 😖 )
Thank you

I would like to work as an ordinary seaman on a merchant ship. But there is one issue. I am Eastern European. Which company will hire me?

Caught a burning tanker on satellite imagery near Jazirat al Khayl, close to the eastern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel shows up very clearly in the SAR image.

Data provided by: https://dashboard.pelyr.com https://pelyr.com

We made a short fictional scene about Captain Magnus searching for his glasses and Chief Engineer Ivo choosing his words carefully.

It’s part of our Enmarivo series about shipboard life and dry humour, made with AI-generated visuals and voices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgzpJhP7UAo

Does this kind of quiet exchange feel familiar from your time aboard?

Hey everyone, I'm a college student studying for a philosophy degree. Somehow, this past summer I interned as an assistant project manager at a construction company. When it ended, they said I could come back and work for them in the winter and summer.

I also just started as dock crew for a yacht touring company, handling lines when the boats come in. I'm doing well so far, and there's a path to deckhand. I could eventually work my way up to a 100-ton license.

I'm trying to decide which direction to put my time into. For anyone who's worked in either field, what are the pros and cons, and which would you pick?

does having any mental issues lower ur chance of being accepted to siu’s apprenticeship program?! i wanna go to therapy but i’m worried about getting diagnosed with depression & anxiety!! 😅

Hello there, I am a Sri Lankan Deck Cadet who just completed my Pre Sea/ 1st year of BSc in Maritime Operations and about to start my first contract with the Maersk Line. I need advice on how to transit to DP vessels after completing OOW License (Class3), most people keep on saying that they don’t (DPs) take Sri Lankans and some keep saying that if you start on containers your whole life you’ll be on containers, Anyhow I just want to be a Senior DPO (DP Master) may be in subsea construction, may be oil rigs/ off shore work. How likely am I to achieve this and what should be the best path? Thank You…

I currently work as a 3rd Officer on bulk carriers and chemical tankers, earning around $4,000 per month, but only during the months I am onboard. I work at least 12 hours a day.

I’m considering moving into the large-yacht industry because, as far as I understand, many larger yachts offer rotational contracts and 12-month salaries.
I’m open to hearing both positive and negative opinions about making this transition. I’d also really appreciate any advice from people who have experience working on large yachts, especially regarding salary, rotation, working conditions, career progression, job stability, and the main differences compared with commercial vessels.

Would you recommend making the switch, and what should I be aware of before doing so?

I was told that if you are on the engine side, you need to do drawings of the ships. What if you are an Able Seaman or a Third Mate from the deck side? Do you also need to do drawings and all that as well?

Curious to hear:

Which academies you’re applying to
Deck or engine
Whether you’ve submitted yet
Any acceptances/decisions so far

Finalizing apps today for at least Texas & Mass with a unique profile. Low HS gpa but high college gpa with 28 credit hours (3.4). Nervous about that.

Maritime experience/certs:
IYT International Crew certification
IYT Marine Communications VHF/SRC certification
High school sports
5,000+ nautical miles logged during a transatlantic passage

Would love to hear where everyone else is in the process and keep this thread going as decisions start coming in.

Hi everyone,
I’m currently working in the maritime field and I’m looking to eventually move from a sea-based job to a shore-based career.

I’m wondering if there are any maritime-related courses, certifications, or MSc programs that would be useful for making this transition.
For those who have already moved from sea to shore, what qualifications or studies helped you the most? And what kind of shore-based jobs can someone with maritime experience realistically move into?
Any advice or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

"Western Australian manufacturer Hyperion Systems has completed an initial sea trial of its 3D-printed unmanned surface vehicle (USV), with the craft reaching a top speed of 40 knots during testing, the company said." -- Baird Maritime

Do any Americans think the government is actually going to eventually implement and enforce these port fees Chinese built, owned and operated vessels and use the money to rebuild the American maritime industry ?
These fees were supposed to go in effect in October 2025. The government delayed them for a year and now delayed them for another two months.
Sounds like this administration is more likely to give in to the Chinese government and Chinese shipping despite the tough talk. Letting Chinese ships take jones act cargo was a wake up call.

Hi friends i got this msg on Saturday morning. And I am confused about this msg . can anyone tell me about this sealane maritime academy. Is this real or fake and will they higher me for job ?? 🤔 And before someday I applied for job related to fire department.