Another great video. This is the type of story that should be taught in High School & College. Especially Northern California (I live a few miles from CMA). Thank you.
Viewers pay attention 2:28 "...and started working, I was able to pay of all my loans in two years..." This possibly the best line that I have heard on TH-cam. You should be very proud.
Nicely done. My experience was exactly the same over 40 years ago. I was lucky enough to sail on the supply boats in Louisiana for a couple of months. It was an adventure and a great experience.
Thanks for choosing to answer my question Madeleine ! So in summary: know lots of theory, have the paperwork to back up what your saying. Put in the time, take the shitty jobs, work harder than anyone else around you. Stay humble. My career path was different from yours. I made enough money to retire early, starting from nothing. Worked with a lot of different people, top schools, supposedly very bright, PhD etc. Most thought the world owed them a living and in reality they couldn’t find their own arse with both hands I would have given you a job any day. And I don’t say that very often. Much respect
Very informative and as usual in your usual charming no holds barred Maddie manner. My dad was a 30 year lifer Chief in the Navy so perhaps the salt agrees with me genetically. It really is a pleasure to watch your videos, always interesting, informative, and you. A great pleasure for an old worn out codger like me to see a bit of the World and the Ships and the job you do as you sail upon the various Seas. My working life was lacking any of he adventure, and terror of yours. At least until the last few years where I was being chased from position to position by the "Downsizing" Ax. Had to switch jobs a few times and even switched unions once to keep working until retirement age and just squeaked in an early retirement after transferring to the smaller union that had fewer jobs to be had so I guess that was an adventure of sorts and it for sure was terrifying trying to keep working and my wife getting breast cancer and all that goes with that so was good to be home with her for her last two years until they finally bumped her off with all that Chemo and Radiation crap. Oddly probably two of the best years of our marriage. Keep up the great video work and your wonderful music too.
Very informative video. My daughter has expressed a bit of interest in shipping after college so my wife and I are trying to help her learn as much as possible-which is a little tricky, as I’m sure you can attest. Anyway, again, great job on this video, we love them.
That's so awesome to hear! If she has any questions, she can reach out to me on IG or my email is: mawolczko@gmail.com Love hearing about more women being interested in the industry! 🥳
The other question. You mentioned the Gulf of Mexico and that not working out. Have you considered giving that a go again? If not, why? What is your current pursuit? I assume a first mate license? How long does that take to get…experience wise?
Most of the ships in the GOM are not unlimited tonnage, so moving to them would mean I would have to put my unlimited tonnage license upgrades on hold, which would limit my job opportunities. Most of those companies also require that you have your DP (dynamic postioning) certification, which I never completed, due to not being able to get on a DP vessel back when I graduated. First mate = chief mate. We don't say 1M out here, I think that's more tall ship terminology. I obtained my unlimited CM license last year, so I'm now accruing sea time for my unlimited Master's license. After that, who knows, but my options will be endless
Regarding length of time from 3M to Master, again it depends on how much you work. I know people who got their Master's license 5 years after graduating, but they were never home for those years. I know people who waited 10 years before upgrading to CM. Just depends on what you want in the balance of your life.
Hmm, I missed this video. Excellent insights on getting started. The one question for the next video is promotions. Given the insights from this video, I’m wondering if you have to have so much experience before you can qualify to take 2nd mate exams to get your 2nd mate license? My brother was a firefighter and it worked this way to move up from lug, to driver, to captain, etc.
Definitely has crossed my mind, but I prefer blue water. And upgrading in the Lakes is a little different than oceans - difficult to switch back to oceans if you upgrade in the Lakes
The unions seem to be very helpful in this industry, does the geographic area influence the quality of the union i.e. is LA better worse than Baltimore/Savanna/Portland/ other ports I can't think of ect?
I have to say that the best way to get into the industry is to have connections. You should have a father who is a captain, and sailed on ships with the admission officer at Kings point who will rubber stamp your admission as a favor. That’s a very good way to get into the industry.
@@m.leinewolczko It also helps if your father is friends with the Union dispatcher in the local MM&P hall. It can get you your first job, at least. After that you’re on your own.
Very interesting and informative. What is your goal as a merchant mariner? Captain on day? Also what are the tiers of engineering and mate? And what would be a top job for each of these areas? Thanks for your time this is very interesting. Thank you for sharing your talents and adventures!!
Not sure about her goals but positions for a normal, modern operation look like: Deck dept: Captain Cheif Mate 2nd mate 3rd mate Bosun Able seaman Ordinary seaman Engine department Cheif engineer 2nd engineer 3rd engineer 4th engineer Oiler Wiper
I'll get my unlimited Master's license and go from there. After that the options are pretty endless. I haven't decided if I want to stay traditional ships or move into smaller ships with more shiphandling opportunity
For US sailors it's every 2-years per USCG. But every time you get a job with a different company there's usually a pre-employment, so sometimes you're doing multiple physicals per year if you work union hah
I'm working on a video idea for this. But firstly, go on Google and look up how to get a TWIC and an MMC. You need both of those things to enter the industry. They will take a few months to process
Another great video. This is the type of story that should be taught in High School & College. Especially Northern California (I live a few miles from CMA). Thank you.
🙌
Viewers pay attention 2:28 "...and started working, I was able to pay of all my loans in two years..." This possibly the best line that I have heard on TH-cam. You should be very proud.
🙌
10:35 Blues traveler run around came to mind.
Real answers from a real mariner. A fair assessment of sailing as a union member and showing up to the Hall is key. I love you M!
🥰🥰
Nicely done. My experience was exactly the same over 40 years ago. I was lucky enough to sail on the supply boats in Louisiana for a couple of months. It was an adventure and a great experience.
Love me some supply boats 🙌
Cheer~~~connected with the sea, especially in relation to seafaring commercial or military activity.😊
🙌
Coolness. Great insider's look at starting out as a mariner. Very useful info and experiences.
🙌
So much solid info. Thanks!
🙌
Thanks for choosing to answer my question Madeleine !
So in summary: know lots of theory, have the paperwork to back up what your saying. Put in the time, take the shitty jobs, work harder than anyone else around you. Stay humble.
My career path was different from yours. I made enough money to retire early, starting from nothing. Worked with a lot of different people, top schools, supposedly very bright, PhD etc. Most thought the world owed them a living and in reality they couldn’t find their own arse with both hands
I would have given you a job any day. And I don’t say that very often. Much respect
You got it!
Haha a lot of those types out here too, guess it's the way of the world!
Thank you for making this!!!! I am retired. When I was 25 I wanted this life you are sharing, more than anything. Girl Power!! I am so proud of you. 😅
Aww! Glad you enjoyed 🥰
Thanks for your postings.
Absolutely 🙌
Very informative and as usual in your usual charming no holds barred Maddie manner. My dad was a 30 year lifer Chief in the Navy so perhaps the salt agrees with me genetically. It really is a pleasure to watch your videos, always interesting, informative, and you. A great pleasure for an old worn out codger like me to see a bit of the World and the Ships and the job you do as you sail upon the various Seas.
My working life was lacking any of he adventure, and terror of yours. At least until the last few years where I was being chased from position to position by the "Downsizing" Ax. Had to switch jobs a few times and even switched unions once to keep working until retirement age and just squeaked in an early retirement after transferring to the smaller union that had fewer jobs to be had so I guess that was an adventure of sorts and it for sure was terrifying trying to keep working and my wife getting breast cancer and all that goes with that so was good to be home with her for her last two years until they finally bumped her off with all that Chemo and Radiation crap. Oddly probably two of the best years of our marriage.
Keep up the great video work and your wonderful music too.
🙌❤️
Thank you again.
🙌
We need more US ships, shipping and associated industry.
Yes we do!
Great info for those who may be looking to go to sea…keep safe as always calm seas ahead !
🙌
Very informative video. My daughter has expressed a bit of interest in shipping after college so my wife and I are trying to help her learn as much as possible-which is a little tricky, as I’m sure you can attest. Anyway, again, great job on this video, we love them.
That's so awesome to hear! If she has any questions, she can reach out to me on IG or my email is: mawolczko@gmail.com
Love hearing about more women being interested in the industry! 🥳
@@m.leinewolczko Thanks so much! I'll pass it along. Again great job on the videos, all of them. (Love the music too...)
The other question. You mentioned the Gulf of Mexico and that not working out. Have you considered giving that a go again? If not, why? What is your current pursuit? I assume a first mate license? How long does that take to get…experience wise?
Most of the ships in the GOM are not unlimited tonnage, so moving to them would mean I would have to put my unlimited tonnage license upgrades on hold, which would limit my job opportunities. Most of those companies also require that you have your DP (dynamic postioning) certification, which I never completed, due to not being able to get on a DP vessel back when I graduated.
First mate = chief mate. We don't say 1M out here, I think that's more tall ship terminology. I obtained my unlimited CM license last year, so I'm now accruing sea time for my unlimited Master's license. After that, who knows, but my options will be endless
Regarding length of time from 3M to Master, again it depends on how much you work. I know people who got their Master's license 5 years after graduating, but they were never home for those years. I know people who waited 10 years before upgrading to CM. Just depends on what you want in the balance of your life.
Hmm, I missed this video. Excellent insights on getting started. The one question for the next video is promotions. Given the insights from this video, I’m wondering if you have to have so much experience before you can qualify to take 2nd mate exams to get your 2nd mate license? My brother was a firefighter and it worked this way to move up from lug, to driver, to captain, etc.
License upgrades are based on sea time, so it just depends on how much you work. I got my 2M license 3 years after graduating from CMA.
Fascinating stuff for a non-mariner. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time! 👍🏽
Did you see the G-captain story on ships officer shortages?
Seems to be the growing trend 😔
Awesome insight
🙌
Have you thought about working on the Great Lakes?
Definitely has crossed my mind, but I prefer blue water. And upgrading in the Lakes is a little different than oceans - difficult to switch back to oceans if you upgrade in the Lakes
@@m.leinewolczko I didn't know that thanks for the response.
I have a question (for a friend): What happens when you’re halfway through your contract and you run out of cigars?
🤣🤣 Luckily we're no longer required to stay on the vessel in Port! Light em up baby!!
Yesss!!
The unions seem to be very helpful in this industry, does the geographic area influence the quality of the union i.e. is LA better worse than Baltimore/Savanna/Portland/ other ports I can't think of ect?
Definitely does. More ships come into LA/NY/Houston so easier to get work out of those halls
I have to say that the best way to get into the industry is to have connections. You should have a father who is a captain, and sailed on ships with the admission officer at Kings point who will rubber stamp your admission as a favor. That’s a very good way to get into the industry.
Definitely a good way to get the knowledge, but doesn't make a difference in actually entering the industry
@@m.leinewolczko It also helps if your father is friends with the Union dispatcher in the local MM&P hall. It can get you your first job, at least. After that you’re on your own.
Very interesting and informative.
What is your goal as a merchant mariner? Captain on day?
Also what are the tiers of engineering and mate? And what would be a top job for each of these areas?
Thanks for your time this is very interesting.
Thank you for sharing your talents and adventures!!
Not sure about her goals but positions for a normal, modern operation look like:
Deck dept:
Captain
Cheif Mate
2nd mate
3rd mate
Bosun
Able seaman
Ordinary seaman
Engine department
Cheif engineer
2nd engineer
3rd engineer
4th engineer
Oiler
Wiper
I'll get my unlimited Master's license and go from there. After that the options are pretty endless. I haven't decided if I want to stay traditional ships or move into smaller ships with more shiphandling opportunity
Interesting. Appreciate you telling your experience. Do you have to get a new physical exam after certain number of years?
Yes, sailing internationally its every 2 years, domestic depends on the country.
This cost is customarily covered by the employer.
For US sailors it's every 2-years per USCG. But every time you get a job with a different company there's usually a pre-employment, so sometimes you're doing multiple physicals per year if you work union hah
@@m.leinewolczko that DQs me then.
@@geddon436 Damn!
@@m.leinewolczko bulging disc in back, along with other health issues
Hi how do i get into a job in the maritime industry with no experience no maritime industry licenses or qualifications?
I'm working on a video idea for this. But firstly, go on Google and look up how to get a TWIC and an MMC. You need both of those things to enter the industry. They will take a few months to process
@@m.leinewolczko thanks
So the pay must be good, NO?
It varies a LOT.
ranges from low $20's/hr up to ~$80/hr
@rakynthosdarkkon1519 I need to hire you onto the M. Leine Productions team 🤣