AboutThomas Yoon Expertise Can answer questions on how equipment works. What working on board ship is like. The work on board ship. Can answer questions on working life as a Marine Engineer.
Cannot answer questions on business, and questions applicable to specific countries.
Experience Working on board cargo ships as Marine Engineer for 9 years, including 1-1/2 years as cadet, and 1 year in shipyard.
Publications Website: http://www.free-marine.com which is titled Marine Engineer World.View it at Marine Engineer World
Education/Credentials 1st Class Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency (Motorship)
Expert: Thomas Yoon Date: 9/1/2006 Subject: Obtaining a Job on a Ship
Question Hi
I am planning to enroll in a Maritime Academy, but before I do I would like to try out the life aboard a ship. I have been trying to find a job in the States as a deckhand (primarily using the internet and phone since I live in Chicago) but I am having a very hard time. How would I go about doing that?
Also I have another question. Are the licences that you recieve in a Maritime Academy internationally recognized? Lets say I enroll in a foreign Mariitme Academy, would I have to retake the excam in the States?
Thanks In Advance
Oleg
Answer Dear Oleg,
1. I think the best way for you to try out the life on board a ship is by enrolling at a Maritime Academy. Usually, there will be a period of sea training, probably after the 1st or 2nd year.
There are officers training and there are crew training. The latter will not be so stringent on the entry requirement, so probably you will have a better chance.
2. If the maritime academy is associated with the International Maritime Organization, IMO, then it is internationally recognised, because the member countries comply to the minimum standards, STCW (Standards of Training and Certification for Watchkeepers). If in doubt, please contact your Coast Guard in the States.
I hope that helps. The website below will give you an idea of the life on board ship for engineers. They are almost similar for other people working onboard ship, including navigating officers or deckhands, only the field of work and study are different.
