[Marmot]

"I'm all for training and certification, but when people point to "mandatory minimum" training or "mandatory minimum" certification in lieu of experience or hands-on training to determine sufficiency or proficiency or ability, it scares the living daylights out some of us - as it should you, as a professional. "

I believe if you read my posts in this thread and others you will find that I am among the most vocal of critics of the current yacht licensing system for just that reason. I am also a very strong supporter of formal training, for reasons that have been embarrassingly illustrated.

[Marmot]

"I spent an hour filling out the form ..."

Maybe it's a good time to lighten up and tell sea stories. I applied for mine before the Port Everglades office was open so had to go to Miami. The online bit went very well, which was surprising. I managed to get an appointment about two weeks later and went down, waited in the trailers for about half and hour and then spent another half hour going through the processing. The girl said that since my MMD was recent (just renewed) the TWIC should be ready in less than 4 weeks.

A month later I hadn't heard anything so tried to check the status online. The website said I was not enrolled! Hour long wait on the phone to hear a young lady say "Oh, yeah, that part of the system isn't working very well and the cards are taking about 8 weeks now."

Four weeks later I get a call saying the card is ready. Drive down to Port of Miami to pick it up and find they have turned the free parking lot into a paid parking lot to take advantage of the TWIC business. I frowned at the lady and she let me park for free. The trailer was full of longshoremen and port cops picking up their cards. The longshore guys were cursing a blue streak at having to pay to park. Waited for a half hour then spent another 15 minutes while the lady breathed life into the card. Finally TWIC'ed!

Funny thing though, a friend tried to use his to get past the jackbootettes at FLL airport screening and they told him the card was not valid ID. Go figure.

I went down to Miami to visit a friend passing through on a containership, was on the ship's visitor list, had a TWIC and MMD but since it was late the Miami cops had the bridge blocked off to "keep out drug dealers" and no amount of talking would even get them to call port security or the gate to confirm my story. It looks like we will all be very safe and secure when we are locked in our cells each night.

Oh well, Lockheed made a few bucks off me anyway and I am sure they have bills to pay too.

[Seafarer]

Originally Posted by Marmot

"I'm all for training and certification, but when people point to "mandatory minimum" training or "mandatory minimum" certification in lieu of experience or hands-on training to determine sufficiency or proficiency or ability, it scares the living daylights out some of us - as it should you, as a professional. "

I believe if you read my posts in this thread and others you will find that I am among the most vocal of critics of the current yacht licensing system for just that reason. I am also a very strong supporter of formal training, for reasons that have been embarrassingly illustrated.

I did read your posts, and none of what you said in this one was effectively communicated in the others.

[Marmot]

"... none of what you said in this one was effectively communicated in the others."

Geez, so now you want effective communication on top of good ideas and clear thinking?

Ok, thanks for the input. One of the dangers of self editing ... I thought I wrote what I said I meant in my head when I was typing it ... or something like that anyway.

[Seafarer]

Originally Posted by Marmot

"... none of what you said in this one was effectively communicated in the others."

Geez, so now you want effective communication on top of good ideas and clear thinking?

Ok, thanks for the input. One of the dangers of self editing ... I thought I wrote what I said I meant in my head when I was typing it ... or something like that anyway.

We've all done it, especially on subjects where we have passionate points of view. No worries!

[GalvBayTex]

thanks for the lively discussion regarding the current status of licensing, supply and demand for captains and the like...

now...what advice can the group give to those of us (41 yrs old and older) who wish to enter the industry for the first time?

I am a US citizen, have passed my classroom work for USCG 100 ton Masters and MCA Master Of Yachts 200T. I also have been to the office for my TWIC and am waiting for the pick up date. I am submitting the documents for both and do not expect any issues other than the normal processing time.

I was laid off a month ago from a desk job and I am trying to break free of the corporate world and not get sucked back in, but I need some help taking the first step.

Anyone else recently go down the path?

CB

[NYCAP123]

GalvBayTex,
For me it came 20 years ago at age 38. What I can tell you is that it's gotten harder. Sorry. The key is to be flexible and pay your dues. Everyone's path is different. Mine took me through working in a boatyard under some oldtime masters, followed by cleaning oilspills, dinneryachts, launch work, sport fishing, owning a tour boat, managing (2) marinas, doing deliveries, teaching, p/t captain, yacht management, etc., etc. That's after a lifetime of recreational boating. The fact is that even back then doors weren't open to "an old guy". I had to kick down every one.
Let me give you a lesson on what not to do. A few years back I had a new 50GT as my deckhand on a Florida run. At our first stop I showed him how I like a boat secured and told him that by the time we reach Florida he'll be a good deckhand. He told me "I don't have to learn how to be a deckhand, I'm a captain". I think he now sells shoes. Learn to be a good deckhand.

[luckylg]

Originally Posted by NYCAP123

He told me "I don't have to learn how to be a deckhand, I'm a captain". I think he now sells shoes. Learn to be a good deckhand.

Good point NYCAP123: Be exceptional at the job you're getting paid to do, not second guessing the guy who has the job you would like to have.

[SSLillypad]

Yes there is nothing worse to do than act like a know it all. There is always something new to learn. I just hooked up with a new position in May and I'm in the over 40 group and was on land based jobs for most of my time. I've had my captain license and 10 years on inland waters, so I'm excited to spend time on near costal waters and learn something every day. I'm now a deckhand. You need to be able to still keep up with the tougher duties that comes your way with these starting positions until you get other positions come your way.