Best way about getting a job in the merchant navy

sidders

Any body no the best possible route to take to do this in ireland, prefarable with out having to do a 3 year slug in college

Mickey Dazzler

I'm afraid there is no easy way to join the merchant navy.

There are basically two career paths that can be followed. An officer (Deck or Engine) or a rating ( normal sailor).

Today there is practically no opportunities for Irish people who want to go to sea as a rating. You would be undercut by ratings from the far east who are prepared to do very long trips for absolute peanuts.

The other route is to train to be come a Deck or Engine Officer. Both require three years in college and when qualified you need to go back to college for another year after you have completed a certain amount of sea time. There are also Orals exams at the end of each college phase.

It is not at all easy and not for the faint hearted. It takes longer to train to become a Captain or Chief Engineer that it does to become a doctor.

If you were going to do it I would strongly recommend going down the officer route. There is nothing out there these days for ratings....nothing.

lorcan122

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I'm afraid there is no easy way to join the merchant navy.

There are basically two career paths that can be followed. An officer (Deck or Engine) or a rating ( normal sailor).

Today there is practically no opportunities for Irish people who want to go to sea as a rating. You would be undercut by ratings from the far east who are prepared to do very long trips for absolute peanuts.

The other route is to train to be come a Deck or Engine Officer. Both require three years in college and when qualified you need to go back to college for another year after you have completed a certain amount of sea time. There are also Orals exams at the end of each college phase.

It is not at all easy and not for the faint hearted. It takes longer to train to become a Captain or Chief Engineer that it does to become a doctor.

If you were going to do it I would strongly recommend going down the officer route. There is nothing out there these days for ratings....nothing.

My cousin is going down the root of officer training, for the merchant navy, he says it is very interesting, but also very hard, academic wise.

Mickey Dazzler

lorcan122 wrote: »

My cousin is going down the root of officer training, for the merchant navy, he says it is very interesting, but also very hard, academic wise.

Its pretty tough alright. I am at the end of the road now on the deck officer route and I can assure you that takes commitment.

ex_infantry man

me oul fella started out along time ago he,s at sea well over 30 years, worked his way up from just being a deckhand and is now holding the rank of captain, he studied in cit and nowadays in the nmci in ringaskiddy, i think his longets employer was bell lines in waterford before they went belly up in the 90,s

Mickey Dazzler

I started out in the CIT and more recently studied in the NMCI.

ex_infantry man

ya never know ya might have been in same class as me oul fella at some stage

alphasully

There is also the ETO (Electrical Technican Officer) route although I'm not sure if this is available in the NMCI. As mentioned earlier the Rating route is a no go unless your willing to work for pittance with long hours. The Deck officer Route is a good one to take if you want to stay at sea or at least within the Marine industry whereas the Engineer route has far more opportunities to go work in shore industries.

Tabnabs

Just beware, the CAO points to get into Cork are very low, but this is due to the very low demand to get onto the course.

Once you do get in, the academic side is demanding with maths being the major stumbling block for many students (especially on the deck side). Principles of Navigation is one hell of a tough subject that demands a lot of study. But this isn't the only tricky one by any means.

getz

as a old sea dog myself,i would think the best thing for you is to go over and study in the UK,there is a superb nautical campus near me fleetwood,http://www.blackpool.ac.uk/nautical/ocean/campus

323

alphasully wrote: »

There is also the ETO (Electrical Technican Officer) route although I'm not sure if this is available in the NMCI. As mentioned earlier the Rating route is a no go unless your willing to work for pittance with long hours. The Deck officer Route is a good one to take if you want to stay at sea or at least within the Marine industry whereas the Engineer route has far more opportunities to go work in shore industries.

Hearing there is big demand for ETO's at the moment, by the sound of it that demand is expected to increase.
Just did a search, available in Cork, but as "getz" mentioned, I believe anyone interested should defiantly consider UK college.

alphasully

323 wrote: »

Hearing there is big demand for ETO's at the moment, by the sound of it that demand is expected to increase.
Just did a search, available in Cork, but as "getz" mentioned, I believe anyone interested should defiantly consider UK college.

Yeah, concidering where the NMCI is located and how hard and costly it is to get there.

Mickey Dazzler

Tabnabs wrote: »

Just beware, the CAO points to get into Cork are very low, but this is due to the very low demand to get onto the course.

Once you do get in, the academic side is demanding with maths being the major stumbling block for many students (especially on the deck side). Principles of Navigation is one hell of a tough subject that demands a lot of study. But this isn't the only tricky one by any means.

Students starting over the last few years have not had to do Principles. I couldn't believe it. They have done away with it. Apparently the MCA did away with it years ago.

That and Law were the toughest of the lot.... or maybe it was just Toft's eloquent delivery!!!

Either way they are lucky feckers not to have to do it anymore. Can't help but feel they are dumbing down the syllabus.

roundymac

Nothing wrong with NMCI at Ringaskiddy. My nephew did marine engineering there. Shipping companies queuing up to offer them jobs. He went to Princess cruise's. After one trip in SE Asia he left. He now works in a supermarket, but he's happy.:eek:

getz

323 wrote: »

Hearing there is big demand for ETO's at the moment, by the sound of it that demand is expected to increase.
Just did a search, available in Cork, but as "getz" mentioned, I believe anyone interested should defiantly consider UK college.

most [if not all] the nautical colleges in th UK are affiliated to the large shipping companies,so you are sure of a job when you are qualified

who the fug

getz wrote: »

most [if not all] the nautical colleges in th UK are affiliated to the large shipping companies,so you are sure of a job when you are qualified

The FOC that is The Red Duster, always needs cadets

getz

who the fug wrote: »

The FOC that is The Red Duster, always needs cadets

what ever hapened to radio officers ,at one time you could train for six months[in trafford park manchester] and get in that way

who the fug

getz wrote: »

what ever hapened to radio officers ,at one time you could train for six months[in trafford park manchester] and get in that way

Gone ,only place you can still see traffic lists by all accounts is China

Tabnabs

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

Students starting over the last few years have not had to do Principles. I couldn't believe it. They have done away with it. Apparently the MCA did away with it years ago.

That and Law were the toughest of the lot.... or maybe it was just Toft's eloquent delivery!!!

Either way they are lucky feckers not to have to do it anymore. Can't help but feel they are dumbing down the syllabus.

WOW! Definitely part and parcel of getting your ticket. You can only "turn the handle" for so long without knowing why you're doing it.

Toft is/was a formidable lecturer, but he generally treated senior cadets very well and certainly gave us quite a few extra classes to get down to the nitty gritty of the subject. He once exclaimed to us "ah lads, it's not rocket science" and one lad replied without looking up; "alright for you Sir, you were probably a rocket scientist before you went to sea". We all fell around after that one :pac:

Mickey Dazzler

Tabnabs wrote: »

WOW! Definitely part and parcel of getting your ticket. You can only "turn the handle" for so long without knowing why you're doing it.

Toft is/was a formidable lecturer, but he generally treated senior cadets very well and certainly gave us quite a few extra classes to get down to the nitty gritty of the subject. He once exclaimed to us "ah lads, it's not rocket science" and one lad replied without looking up; "alright for you Sir, you were probably a rocket scientist before you went to sea". We all fell around after that one :pac:

Toft was a legend alright. Once in his class I exclaimed, completely exasperated, "Sir, I just don't understand what you are talking about"

Toft: "Well I just don't understand how you don't understand what I'm talking about....ok class, moving on"...

An absolute gent all the same.

bladebrew

Tabnabs wrote: »

Just beware, the CAO points to get into Cork are very low, but this is due to the very low demand to get onto the course.

Once you do get in, the academic side is demanding with maths being the major stumbling block for many students (especially on the deck side). Principles of Navigation is one hell of a tough subject that demands a lot of study. But this isn't the only tricky one by any means.

i definetly agree with this, when i went to do marine engineering years ago the points to get in were 200:eek:, and it was the maths that got me, there was physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, all fairly tricky subjects if you are a bit weak on maths,
i only managed the 1 year, the subjects have been changed since but i think it is basically still as tough

lorcan122

bladebrew wrote: »

Tabnabs wrote: »

Just beware, the CAO points to get into Cork are very low, but this is due to the very low demand to get onto the course.

Once you do get in, the academic side is demanding with maths being the major stumbling block for many students (especially on the deck side). Principles of Navigation is one hell of a tough subject that demands a lot of study. But this isn't the only tricky one by any means.

i definetly agree with this, when i went to do marine engineering years ago the points to get in were 200:eek:, and it was the maths that got me, there was physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, all fairly tricky subjects if you are a bit weak on maths,
i only managed the 1 year, the subjects have been changed since but i think it is basically still as tough

Most people go in expecting it to be a doodle for the first year, and do nothing and they get screwed in the exams at the end of year. They need to start from the beginning if they want to do well.

ex_infantry man

the nmci is ideally located for the naval service's use and thats about it!!!

323

getz wrote: »

what ever hapened to radio officers ,at one time you could train for six months[in trafford park manchester] and get in that way

Was not aware of that.
Was a 3 year full time course over 20 years ago when I finished. Although we did do the RO exams in second year, no one would have got a job with that alone, without completing the electronics/Communications diploma and the Radar and microwave modules in third year.
No jobs when I finished in late 80's then GMDSS got rid of the RO's in the early/mid 90's. I don't think the bean counters at most companies realised it but by then though the RO had already become the ETO. Heard a lot of bitching from a few friends,both Masters and Chiefs about the loss of their RO/ETO then.

LiamoSail

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

Students starting over the last few years have not had to do Principles. I couldn't believe it. They have done away with it. Apparently the MCA did away with it years ago.

That and Law were the toughest of the lot.... or maybe it was just Toft's eloquent delivery!!!

Either way they are lucky feckers not to have to do it anymore. Can't help but feel they are dumbing down the syllabus.

I'm sure Irish cadets still do principals, its just the UK one's that don't

Mickey Dazzler

LiamoSail wrote: »

I'm sure Irish cadets still do principals, its just the UK one's that don't

There are ways around it. Personally I did it myself (nightmare) but when I did my masters prep course I did it with a chap who was ex seamanship who never did the "Bridging course" meaning Principles, physics and applied maths.

He did everything else but when push came to shove he was told that the bridging course was no longer required.

He passed his Master orals and now has a full Irish Master Mariner Unlimited. I **** you not.

To be honest I am a bit disappointed. The bridging modules really sorted our the boys from the men academically and now it appears they are been given a pass.....

LiamoSail

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

There are ways around it. Personally I did it myself (nightmare) but when I did my masters prep course I did it with a chap who was ex seamanship who never did the "Bridging course" meaning Principles, physics and applied maths.

He did everything else but when push came to shove he was told that the bridging course was no longer required.

He passed his Master orals and now has a full Irish Master Mariner Unlimited. I **** you not.

To be honest I am a bit disappointed. The bridging modules really sorted our the boys from the men academically and now it appears they are been given a pass.....

I wasn't aware of that. I would have thought it was mandatory given the cadets have to do it. I certainly had to do it for my OoW

elhal

i did my OOW 2007 and the my chief mate/masters in 2011 and at that stage principals of nav was definately a requirement........

Bligh

323 wrote: »

Was not aware of that.
Was a 3 year full time course over 20 years ago when I finished. Although we did do the RO exams in second year, no one would have got a job with that alone, without completing the electronics/Communications diploma and the Radar and microwave modules in third year.
No jobs when I finished in late 80's then GMDSS got rid of the RO's in the early/mid 90's. I don't think the bean counters at most companies realised it but by then though the RO had already become the ETO. Heard a lot of bitching from a few friends,both Masters and Chiefs about the loss of their RO/ETO then.

I have heard recently that a new ETO course was starting up in NMCI, it's been a few years since I was in the college has anyone heard about this? I believe ETOs are in demand for many types of ships and offshore vessels.

Mickey Dazzler

Bligh wrote: »

I have heard recently that a new ETO course was starting up in NMCI, it's been a few years since I was in the college has anyone heard about this? I believe ETOs are in demand for many types of ships and offshore vessels.

I haven't heard of the course but are right, they are very much in demand these days.

hytrogen

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

Students starting over the last few years have not had to do Principles. I couldn't believe it. They have done away with it. Apparently the MCA did away with it years ago.

That and Law were the toughest of the lot.... or maybe it was just Toft's eloquent delivery!!!

Either way they are lucky feckers not to have to do it anymore. Can't help but feel they are dumbing down the syllabus.

We still do Principals for the degree side of NS but the Higher cert lads get the 'get out of Kim's class' card until they come back for CMM. Clive, the hero, saved us all in that one the year I went through..

goldie fish

Join the Navy, then retire to a civvy job driving tugs and workboats for the harbour boards..

goldie fish

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

Toft was a legend alright. Once in his class I exclaimed, completely exasperated, "Sir, I just don't understand what you are talking about"

Toft: "Well I just don't understand how you don't understand what I'm talking about....ok class, moving on"...

An absolute gent all the same.

The man is enjoyin his retirement in Very Good health I'm happy to report.
I can safely say I remember nothing I learnt(or failed to learn) in class from him, but did helm Cill Airne under him and saw a totally different and interesting man.

hytrogen

goldie fish wrote: »

Join the Navy, then retire to a civvy job driving tugs and workboats for the harbour boards..

that's IF you're part of the Cob-H mafia :P

goldie fish

hytrogen wrote: »

that's IF you're part of the Cob-H mafia :P

You mean mavia.

kraggy

How many years study after the BSc in Nautical Science does it take to get to Captain?

And has anyone here gone through the Nautical Science course in the last few years? If so, could you pm me?

I have some questions that I'd rather not ask on an open board.

Thanks.

murphym7

goldie fish wrote: »

The man is enjoyin his retirement in Very Good health I'm happy to report.
I can safely say I remember nothing I learnt(or failed to learn) in class from him, but did helm Cill Airne under him and saw a totally different and interesting man.

Really enjoyed the guy - had him for GSK back in 95.

Brinimartini

323 wrote: »

Hearing there is big demand for ETO's at the moment, by the sound of it that demand is expected to increase.
Just did a search, available in Cork, but as "getz" mentioned, I believe anyone interested should defiantly consider UK college.

Why....does this mean there are no deckhands or galleyboys or chefs or radio officers in the merchant navy anymore.
Back in '72 all I did was call into Irish Shipping on the quays with no qualifications and within two weeks I was a galleyboy heading for Vancouver.

elhal

Times have seriously changed from them days thats for sure!!!

goldie fish

Brinimartini wrote: »

Why....does this mean there are no deckhands or galleyboys or chefs or radio officers in the merchant navy anymore.
Back in '72 all I did was call into Irish Shipping on the quays with no qualifications and within two weeks I was a galleyboy heading for Vancouver.

Galleyboy? Not unless its a passenger ship
Deckhand? All must have EDH minimum before they'll even be let up a gangplank, not to mention all the other safety and survival quals.
Chef: Depends on the ship, but he's trained as a chef first(for a change)
Radio Officers: Gone. Its all DSC now, and most deck officers have a VHF ticket too

getz

goldie fish wrote: »

Galleyboy? Not unless its a passenger ship
Deckhand? All must have EDH minimum before they'll even be let up a gangplank, not to mention all the other safety and survival quals.
Chef: Depends on the ship, but he's trained as a chef first(for a change)
Radio Officers: Gone. Its all DSC now, and most deck officers have a VHF ticket too

in the old british merchant navy,all catering staff started as boy ratings,and at 16 or 17 had to go to merchant navy training schools,either gravesend or sharpness.has that all gone away ?

LiamoSail

goldie fish wrote: »

Galleyboy? Not unless its a passenger ship
Deckhand? All must have EDH minimum before they'll even be let up a gangplank, not to mention all the other safety and survival quals.
Chef: Depends on the ship, but he's trained as a chef first(for a change)
Radio Officers: Gone. Its all DSC now, and most deck officers have a VHF ticket too

You have to have your GMDSS ticket now to sail as a deck officer. Its a prerequisite

IrishExpat

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

Its pretty tough alright. I am at the end of the road now on the deck officer route and I can assure you that takes commitment.

Could you possibly fill me in more on this?

Academics-wise; what subjects (from LC) would you need to be strong in before going this route?

I´m strongly considering coming home just enrol in a course, and I have nothing but time to kill here to start early. I´m landlocked in Hungary for the time being.

elhal

Id advise having decent math and maybe a little physics to help you through first year! I think the main thing is a decent bit of maths.

goldie fish

I'd have to say that a very good maths and physics background is mandatory for a potential deck officer. I still have night sweats about spherical trigonometry.
Is it as much a priority for those going the Near Continental route though?

Tabnabs

Spherical trigonometry? what do you mean there's more than 180degrees in a triangle?! :eek:

I'd say you need to be good at maths and be familiar with LC physics as it's much of the same stuff that shows up again.

Is it as much a priority for those going the Near Continental route though?

I think pretty much whatever trade or route your doing, you will never use any of the stuff you learned in those classes again. Electronic navigation has put paid to all that stuff realistically.

In retrospect, more time on ship handling theory and simulator (even small boat practice) would have been far more useful. Plus a bit of explanation of what the engineers do besides drink tea in the control room.

goldie fish

Tabnabs wrote: »

Plus a bit of explanation of what the engineers do besides drink tea in the control room.

It becomes clear after a short while. Find new sources for dodgy p0rn.

testicle

Bligh wrote: »

I have heard recently that a new ETO course was starting up in NMCI, it's been a few years since I was in the college has anyone heard about this? I believe ETOs are in demand for many types of ships and offshore vessels.

http://www.nmci.ie/contentfiles/CIT%20brochures/CR%20805.pdf.pdf

jamesdiver

that looks like an interesting course. Any further info on what is covered in year 2 and 3?

Would it be a good way to get into the oil and gas exploration industry...with all the technology used in these surveys?

Have come across a good few electronics guys in my own field....they always seem to get the best internet connections at sea

Brinimartini

goldie fish wrote: »

Galleyboy? Not unless its a passenger ship

No, I was a galleyboy on a merchant ship, a bulk carrier called The Irish Stardust.

goldie fish

Brinimartini wrote: »

goldie fish wrote: »

Galleyboy? Not unless its a passenger ship

No, I was a galleyboy on a merchant ship, a bulk carrier called The Irish Stardust.

I accept that, but merchant ships don't carry them this side of the world any more.