Ship Simulator

English forum => Small talk => Topic started by: cargoman on November 03, 2009, 08:47:49

Title: cargo ship job
Post by: cargoman on November 03, 2009, 08:47:49
is a job on a cargo ship good?
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Capt. Matt on November 03, 2009, 12:47:41
Uhm......To work as a mate......well for starters do you even have your licence?  :P
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Ballast on November 03, 2009, 16:37:33
I suggest you contact your local nautical college. They can advise you in the best way, they also have more knowledge about the local regulations in your country.
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Jammy on November 03, 2009, 17:08:54
Would be a pretty dull lifestyle compared to a cruise ship job. Hence why I never have any intentions of joining a cargo vessel company.
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Ballast on November 03, 2009, 17:15:10
I dont like sailing with a cargo that moans and has an opinion  :P
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Tomaten on November 03, 2009, 17:15:43
 :doh: :doh:
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Wave Music on November 03, 2009, 17:16:49
I dont like sailing with a cargo that moans and has an opinion  :P

Couldn't agree more!
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: cargoman on November 03, 2009, 22:55:03
which licence?
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Traddles on November 03, 2009, 23:19:22
As Ballast has said, talking cargo is just a serious pain. :evil: Cargo in boxes is a great deal less trouble. Just imagine the hassle of a bunch of people wanting, wanting and wanting more at every turn. My idea of sheer hell. ::)
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: mvsmith on November 04, 2009, 01:04:42
which licence?

Best to give a wide berth to ships flying the Southern Cross!
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: bsm2003 on November 04, 2009, 01:51:37
which licence?


Just for Starters.

http://www.mptusa.com/professional/uscg_deck.html
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Sam on November 04, 2009, 06:50:09
Haha, lol.

I hope you didn't think you could just hop on and have it a go.  ;D


I would think about going 4 years back to school. ;)
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Agent|Austin on November 04, 2009, 08:35:54
Haha, lol.

I hope you didn't think you could just hop on and have it a go.  ;D


I would think about going 4 years back to school. ;)

I wana become brain doctor, can I preform on next patient?

There is allot of schooling/training for any job. And when you have the lives of other people and valuable cargo at your hand, you have to be licensed. :)
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Jammy on November 04, 2009, 17:28:48
I dont like sailing with a cargo that moans and has an opinion  :P

You have a very good point! :P I might use that as an insult whenever a passenger bothers me in the future.
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Stuart2007 on November 04, 2009, 18:12:49
I wana become brain doctor, can I preform on next patient?
I could think of some people where a full frontal lobotomy by a trainee brain surgeon wouldn't be noticed.

which licence?
There is nothing to stop you becoming an ordinary seaman before progressing to able seaman. This is (professionals please confirm/refute) effectively what all the hotel staff on a passenger ship are classed as. On a freighter, you can start with some very basic tasks- cleaning decks. After a bit, you can ask to get bridge duties and get your helm licence- from there you can work up rank by rank. I might be wrong, but I don't think there is anything to stop you climbing the (lower) ranks without college, at least not full time.

I looked into it some years back as I hated my industry (then) and a chance bridge visit... But I was too old! But you can do it if you are prepared to start with very basic work. Good luck, Commodore
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Ballast on November 04, 2009, 18:14:08
You have a very good point! :P I might use that as an insult whenever a passenger bothers me in the future.

Every industry in the maritime business has its benefits. It's up to you to decide which one you like the most and where you want to sail.

Also the Cruise industry has its benefits. You have more time to go ashore and do sightseeing than on a freighter. Cruise vessels also visit populair places that the quays where you are loading/discharging with a freighter. You don't have to cross the north Atlantic during wintertime, cruise vessels sail most of the time in the areas where its nice weather.

What i dont like about working on a cruise vessel, is the way of life there. For example the uniform, i would hate it. In my opinion there is also a 'ahh look at me culture' overthere. Also the fact that the bridge team consist of 4/5 people on 1 watch. What the heck, when i'm taking the dogwatch (00-04 or 00-06) i dont want anyone to annoy me. Go away! But i never would call the Cruise industry dull.

The best thing i like on a freighter is that we are compleetly self supporting as soon as the pilot leaves the ship. No one looking over your shoulder, your on your own at sea. Every one is doing their own thing. There is almost a serenity on board.
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Stuart2007 on November 04, 2009, 18:19:01
I went to Gibraltar on a small freighter from Southampton as a passenger and there was a much more relaxed atmosphere onboard than when I've been in the crew-only areas of a passenger ship.

The hours 'hotel' staff work on passenger ships (cruisers. long range ferries) is pretty bad. One point I think bad is that when I was on POBi I was told that crew once they finish their shift are not allowed any access at all to the passenger areas on pain of keelhauling (ok, on pain of dismissal).

So I can understand why he doesn't fancy passenger ships.
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Stuart2007 on November 04, 2009, 18:19:59
There's the other type of ship. Those big grey ships with big powerful guns... ;D
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Ballast on November 04, 2009, 18:27:18

There is nothing to stop you becoming an ordinary seaman before progressing to able seaman. This is (professionals please confirm/refute) effectively what all the hotel staff on a passenger ship are classed as. On a freighter, you can start with some very basic tasks- cleaning decks. After a bit, you can ask to get bridge duties and get your helm licence- from there you can work up rank by rank. I might be wrong, but I don't think there is anything to stop you climbing the (lower) ranks without college, at least not full time.

I looked into it some years back as I hated my industry (then) and a chance bridge visit... But I was too old! But you can do it if you are prepared to start with very basic work. Good luck, Commodore

The people who started on the bottom of the ladder will become the best officers you can find at sea. I also started that way on the age of 16 after finishing high school. Taking all kinds of courses to get up the ladder in my time off.
  Guys who finish their nautical college now, can start sailing directly as an officer without knowing what it is to work on deck. In my opinion people who did worked on deck and know what it is, can instruct and support the crew much better.

Starting as a deckhand will also give you the opportunity to see if you really like working at sea. Guys that start at the nautical college nowadays, don’t have a clue about that. That’s way some people also stop during the 4 year course or during their apprenticeship. Basicly wasting 4 years, because they also don’t graduate. .

Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: The Ferry Man on November 04, 2009, 18:27:41
I went to Gibraltar on a small freighter from Southampton as a passenger and there was a much more relaxed atmosphere onboard than when I've been in the crew-only areas of a passenger ship.

The hours 'hotel' staff work on passenger ships (cruisers. long range ferries) is pretty bad. One point I think bad is that when I was on POBi I was told that crew once they finish their shift are not allowed any access at all to the passenger areas on pain of keelhauling (ok, on pain of dismissal).

So I can understand why he doesn't fancy passenger ships.

That is bad. I mean on a long crossing like that, where does the crew go then? Must get boring if they can just sit in their cabins
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Ballast on November 04, 2009, 18:29:33
The hours 'hotel' staff work on passenger ships (cruisers. long range ferries) is pretty bad. One point I think bad is that when I was on POBi I was told that crew once they finish their shift are not allowed any access at all to the passenger areas on pain of keelhauling (ok, on pain of dismissal).

Yes that's true. Only the Captain, Chief Mate and Chief Engineer are allowed there, ofcourse if they are in full battle outfit  :-\
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Stuart2007 on November 04, 2009, 18:31:58
Even when off duty and not in uniform... Having to ask permission from the senior duty officer to join friends/family when off duty if they were travelling on the ship.

I can understand the need to keep a disciplined crew, but I felt PO were treating them like kids.
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: clanky on November 17, 2009, 23:38:15
@ cargoman

Not sure exactly what the process is in Aus, but generally speaking you will need to start off as a deck cadet (trainee officer) and then study for your first certificate of competency (officer of the watch).

This certificate is exactly the same certificate for cargo or passenger ships and when you have it you can generally transfer easily between companies.

In the UK it is normal for cadets to be sponsored by a shipping company, usually in return for a guaranteed return of service period after qualifying.

As someone said above contact your local nautical college, they should have information on the application process and the requirements for entry as well as a list of sponsoring companies.

Other than that my only advice would be "don't be so @*->ing stupid - get a real job!" :-)

Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Dave M on November 18, 2009, 00:22:19
The hours 'hotel' staff work on passenger ships (cruisers. long range ferries) is pretty bad. One point I think bad is that when I was on POBi I was told that crew once they finish their shift are not allowed any access at all to the passenger areas on pain of keelhauling (ok, on pain of dismissal).

So I can understand why he doesn't fancy passenger ships.
Hi Stuart,
As you know, I worked on the Pride of Bilbao for two years, (not as deck crew), and what you say is right. No fraternising with the passengers, no smoking in passenger areas and NO BOOZE :o , because it is a ferry, not even a pint ashore during the 4/6 hour turn around, (the purser had a breathalyser). We did, however, find ways to enjoy ourselves.  ::)
I had some of the most enjoyable times of my life on the Pride of Bilbao making real friends with people from all walks of life.

Regards, Dave
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Ballast on November 18, 2009, 21:45:08
Hi Stuart,
As you know, I worked on the Pride of Bilbao for two years, (not as deck crew), and what you say is right. No fraternising with the passengers, no smoking in passenger areas and NO BOOZE :o , because it is a ferry, not even a pint ashore during the 4/6 hour turn around, (the purser had a breathalyser). We did, however, find ways to enjoy ourselves.  ::)


Regards, Dave

Nevermind Dave, in a few years no booze and no smoking will be normal on all vessels  ::)
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Sam on November 19, 2009, 10:35:29
What I don't understand is, that some people (who are 14 or 16 years old) allready say 'I am going to work on a cruise ship' or on a ferry.

Just like some people before me said, working on a cruiseship isn't everything.

And on a ferry you don't see more then 2 or 3 ports.
From what I heard lineservice is boring.

I just want to try as much as possible before my studies end to find out what suits me the most.
(wich may include cruiseships  :P)
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Stuart2007 on December 01, 2009, 11:17:05
Hi Stuart,
As you know, I worked on the Pride of Bilbao for two years, (not as deck crew), and what you say is right. No fraternising with the passengers, no smoking in passenger areas and NO BOOZE :o , because it is a ferry, not even a pint ashore during the 4/6 hour turn around, (the purser had a breathalyser). We did, however, find ways to enjoy ourselves.  ::)
I had some of the most enjoyable times of my life on the Pride of Bilbao making real friends with people from all walks of life.

Regards, Dave
Ways of enjoying yourselves??? Yes... Some members of the entertainments team (who were, for the benefit of readers, permitted on deck) were very entertaining down on deck 4, so I'm told. ;)
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: The Ferry Man on December 01, 2009, 13:48:08
Ways of enjoying yourselves??? Yes... Some members of the entertainments team (who were, for the benefit of readers, permitted on deck) were very entertaining down on deck 4, so I'm told. ;)

Well if you have internet you can talk to people on the ShipSim Forum...  ;D
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Stuart2007 on December 01, 2009, 13:51:51
Well if you have internet you can talk to people on the ShipSim Forum...  ;D
That's right, TFM!

shhh. don't spoil his illusion ;)
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: The Ferry Man on December 01, 2009, 13:55:45
That's right, TFM!

shhh. don't spoil his illusion ;)

Glad you agree  :thumbs:
Title: Re: cargo ship job
Post by: Stuart2007 on December 01, 2009, 17:59:21
As Dave M will tell you (and already has) The PoBi crew, whilst operating in strict environments, do have a somewhat fun life whilst off duty- and I can imagine most ferries or informal cruisers being similar.

They're like prisoners of war, if you'll forgive the comparison. The more they are restricted by rules the more inventive they become in working around the rules... lookouts watching for officers and GONE! the lager is hidden in the teapot type thing... But always a professional crew.