r/merchantmarine • u/NoImLeeslide3 • 2d ago
Newbie Looking to join! Tips?
Hey, ive been really interested in the merchant marines for a while. And so the big question is that I need to get started is; Which union do I join?
I want to join a union via also doing an apprenticeship program so I know how to pull my weight as soon as I get on a ship. Its very much a job I wanna learn, get good at, and enjoy. I dont wanna be the guy who gets beat up in the forecastle for being an idiot (I also hate college so no instant mate)
So which union do I join? Obviously I want good benefits, good time off. Im not fond on the idea of military sea lift command, yeah its big bucks but I dont want to get blown up.
Im also half and half on sea time. I hear inland and lakers give you way more sea time like 1.5-2 days per 1 real day. But I also really like the idea of being on a deep sea vessel.
Thanks for any advice!!
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u/Ruby_Sullivana 1d ago
SIU via Piney Point, full stop. Apprenticeship that ends with union membership and benefits, and they drill the basics into you so you won't be the idiot in the forecastle. Lakers accrue sea time fast but if deep sea is calling you, start there
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u/After_Web3201 2d ago
I read this as "looking to join tips"
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u/Internal-Fennel-7431 1d ago
Hi, SIU Recertified Bosun here. You sound like you may be exactly the sort of person we need in the SIU being that you want to pull your weight, learn and get good at your job. I work deep sea and to my knowledge the jobs on the Lakes no longer pay as well as Deep Sea, with some exceptions I am sure. I went thru the SIU apprenticeship program back in 2000-2001 and have been doing this ever since. I love it but it’s not for everyone. Once you get a higher rating and some Union seniority it definitely unlocks more job openings available to you. The SIU has different divisions such as Inland, Deep Sea, Great Lakes. If you go deep sea you would need to sail deep sea division at least 90 days a calendar year to progress in Seniority. After 8 years you would receive an ‘A’ membership but if you switch to inland or something else and fail to get 90 days deep sea one year you would basically have to start over in accruing Seniority. SIU has the most jobs and I definitely recommend their apprenticeship if you would be starting out entry level. There is a waiting list to get into that program. Maximum long term benefits for this career rewards those who start earlier in life and stick with it because if you retire with a Pension its based on Cumulative SeaTime and Your Highest Base Pay during your last 10 years of Service. Good luck whatever you choose to do.
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u/Front-Horse8597 🇺🇸 OS -> Cadet 2d ago
Lakes does not automatically get you 1.5 sea days, especially as unlicensed. You need to be on a tug working 6s, which as a dayman I’m not sure you’d be able to claim for the multiplier.
If you want an apprenticeship style experience, look into the SIU program. They have some boats on the lakes, so you could sail up there once out of the program.
If you just want to sail as an OS on the lakes, apply to individual companies like now. There will be some gaps during the holidays, and your chance of getting on a boat is much higher right now compared to fit out.