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HeatherW · 04-12-2013, 16:20

I just got out of the Navy as a Quartermaster and I'm looking to pursue that career as a civilian. My first take was to obtain a TWIC card which I did and then finding the right school. It's been very hard because there are so many but so different. I want to get my captain license to be able to work on a merchant, yacht, cruise, or pretty much any boat. 2nd mate/1600 ton master is what Maritime Professional Training told me I needed. I live in Louisiana and I'm willing to move pretty much anywhere. MPT is located in Florida but after reading some reviews online I don't know if that schools is legit. Also, I've been checking out Chapman school. I have the post 9/11 GI bill and my Smart transcripts, sea time, proof of certifications and history of assignment. Also, I wanted to look for a school if any, that deals with working with Rules of the Road or something to do with going out into the water and correcting navigational markers such as buoys and depth of water etc. Loving the water so much that when I was on my ship I would have sailed until the waters went dry. Please I need the right direction and help. Thanks

**boatman61** · 04-12-2013, 16:26

Do your Armed Forces not have a Careers Advice and Assistance facility which recommends kosher training colleges etc..??

bbowers2004 · 04-12-2013, 16:28

Should get free education and career counseling from 6-12 myths out from transition. I'm transitioning now.

HeatherW · 04-12-2013, 16:29

I've emailed my chain of command but I haven't gotten any replys

bbowers2004 · 04-12-2013, 16:33

You chain of command no longer matters.... You need to contact the va.....and look up your benefits online before your time to take advantage of the service elapses

HeatherW · 04-12-2013, 16:34

I've actually been out for a year and a half

SkiprJohn · 04-12-2013, 16:36

Aloha Heather and welcome aboard!
I'm a Navy retiree here and if I were in your shoes desiring the career you do I'd look into the Merchant Marine Academy especially looking into the availabiity of scholarships.
There is one in Vallejo, CA and one in New York. I don't know of others.
If that's not your cup of tea then go for any one of the Captain's Licensing schools around and start with the easiest and cheapest you can go for. Get what you can and work at that until you can upgrade to the next level. Document all of your time at sea because it counts.
This might be too simplistic at this point but I hope it helps a little.
Thanks for your service and good luck in your pursuit.
kind regards,

HeatherW · 04-12-2013, 16:46

Thanks
I looked into Merchant Marine Academy and I don't meet the eligibility requirements. "(

Sailmonkey · 04-12-2013, 17:11

there are several other, Texas A&M @ galveston is a merchant marine school.....if you desire to go the 4 year route. Otherwise, depending on your seatime you may consider some of the plethora of uscg exam prep schools that dot the southern louisiana area. Sea School is the first one that pops into my mind.

Frm-Home page

Otherwise, maybe hire on with the likes of Tidewater, Edison Chouest, Hornbeck or others and work your way up....use their money for training.

HeatherW · 04-12-2013, 17:17

Not really wanting to do the 4 year route. Sea school? Are you talking about the one that's online only?

Sailmonkey · 04-12-2013, 17:22

SeaSchool offers classroom settings all over the country......

Pelagic · 04-12-2013, 17:53

Hi Heather,
Just like choosing a boat, you need to sea trial a marine career first to see if it suits your purpose and priorities.

If your love of water extends to recreation, then becoming a specialist in water recreation while exploring the lifestyle of a SuperYacht Deck Career is an easy step.

Get in touch with the many professional crewing agencies to assess what you need to accomplish and you will soon realize that the opportunities are unlimited for someone with the right stuff and attitude.

Some numbers to consider:

Super yachts contributed e24bn to the economy in 2010.

33,000 professional crew employed on yachts.

Size of Yacht No of Crew Pay roll

30-39.99m 5 e24, 000
40-49.99m 8 e37, 000
50-59.99m 12 e56, 000
60-69.99m 17 e 80,000
70-79.99m 22 e105, 000
80-89.99m 30 e140, 000
90-99.99m 34 e160, 000
100m+ 63 e295, 000

HeatherW · 04-12-2013, 18:13

SuperYacht Deck Career? Is there a school program for that? I'm really confused on where to start with the right school. Anybody have advice on the Chapman school?