SIU UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN | MERCHANT MARINER TRAINING | HOW TO BECOME A SAILOR

Do you get paid through the class

Thanks! I am sorry if this has been asked, and sorry for writing a novel below, but I am pretty serious about making a career change from office lackey to mariner. I think you have stirred a sea longing (think elves in lord of the rings lol) in many of your viewers and I know i'm not the only one who would love a video of all the different routes and options, ballpark costs/fees. So step 1 is get my TWIC, which basically means pay fees, pass medical, physical, background checks. Step 2 get my MMC, but before that I have to basically choose my entire career path and which credentials I want to shoot for? And officer versus deck crew? If I start as an unlicensed deck crew just like you, can you get promoted years down the road to an officer simply due to experience? Or is the Only way to be an officer aka 3rd mate, 2nd mate to take a full multi year university or mariner school class/course at like $35K-$40k tuition? I know I am not the only subscriber who would appreciate if you can explain in more detail, in layman's terms, the basic gist of the process. 1 path is, unlicensed and no classes or training the way you did in Maryland, just get TWIC, MMC (after choosing the bottom tier basic deck crew credentials?), 5 day STCW safety course, then just get a job as entry level no experience and work your way up from there? Other route is what you did, take the actual mariner course for 1-2 years, $30k tuition, then join ships as low tier deck crew, get experience, promoted to able seaman AB. Officer route/option is get twic, MMC (with multiple deck officer endorsements selected/shooting for? the MMC really confuses me. Is it like a boy scout merit badge and you need to pay money and take classes for each credential? if you start as a bottom tier deck crew can you later simply raise your hand and say hey i want to be an officer now and get other endorsements? or your stuck in one path/team/department?), STCW, pay $35-40K for officer training, join on as a 3rd mate? So basically if I have time and money saved I can take all the courses for officer training and then become a 3rd mate right out of the gate? Or everyone even officers must due their time as a deck crewman securing lines, chipping/painting, managing the anchor, doing engine maintenance, so that the officers actually know what they are talking about in real terms vs just reading about it in a class? Or officers simply learn about radar, navigation and communication equipment and how to steer the ship etc? and they skip the physical labor stuff and just assume the deck crew knows what they are doing? Also can you give tips on like, if you are too short or too old you cannot be a deck crew because you simply won't be tall or strong enough? I am 5'6" and strong for my height, but also old 45. I am physically fit but if part of the physical test is a 20 mile jog I will be disqualified from the start. Sorry for the huge question.

Do you know of anything i can do in the south of the uk for this? because i cant just fly to america

hello, can a ordinary seaman join and be a watchman?

This seems cool. Looking for ideas after my 8 years in the USMC. Any formers out there that can shine a light on this career path? Ive never been on a MEU. Most I've ever been on were combat boats 🥹

you get paid during the program? I mean, like a reduced salary or something, enough to maintain usual expenses?

Really thinking about getting into this career as someone who is lost at 20, however, unfortunately, my country only offers ''studies'' that take years and are way wider for no reason

I prefer to work my way up, so done with schooling

I'm intrigued by all of this, and like the idea of sailing around the world visiting new places and getting paid for.

Going through SIU though, if you're not on scholarship, you're only getting paid through Phase II and Phase III, when aboard a ship.

I would assume during classwork time, the food is free?

Should you have a good set of savings before coming here?

How much do you make while in the program?

Thanks, very informative, I would however suggest it would have been even better without the background music, just not needed and distracting.

So u have a passport, a twic an mmc snd stcw done.
Then you get tour dental stuff aligned.
Then, You apply to SIU.
My mmc is from a cruise ship.
Will i need an updated physical? More shots /vaccines?
Or can i just apply.
Also, how physical is this apprenticeship. Do i need to be in great shape?
Im 45 this month.
Thanks

Joe, love the videos. Tons of info. Just a quick question regarding the phases--most precisely--the time between. Sounds like PH1 to PH2 is a continuous flow from Piney Point to the first underway period. How long (roughly) is the time home between PH2 & PH3, between PH3 & PH4, and PH4 & PH5? Thanks

If i decide to graduate as an AB but later down the road i want to sail in fhe engine department does SIU allow you to switch over and pay for your training for engine department?

Thanks for uploading these informative videos. I'm 20 and i've been kind of drifting around unsure of what to do with my career, but maritime work has caught my attention like a moth to a flame once i started looking into what the work and benefits are like.

Started at piney in class 762 now sailing 3rd engineer.

Nice job, brother. I enjoy your videos from time to time. Class 736 June 2010. Sailing 2nd Mate Unlimited now. SIU helped me upgrade fast. Yes, it helps, for all you nonschool believers. STOS’ are far more educated and prepared for the industry. Don’t get me wrong, the C card route is just fine as well. We all have different stuff going on in our lives. Thanks again, brother. Smooth seas and following winds.

When you went the siu route don't you have to have a dental exam does that mean like no cavities what would fail Bc I wanna do siu route

Tnxs for the movie. God bless you...

Do you get paid while in phase 2 on the ship?

I have sent all your videos to my nephew.
He's had a little bit of a rough going He's very motivated now after he's seen all of this.
He's going to get his passport and he's getting his medical

do sailors have restrictions on where to live?
Like can I work at the ship and live in another country??

Hey joe I wanted to reach out , im 28 years old Is there an age limit to get into this ? I’ve been driving semi trucks (ClassA ) for Budweiser since I graduated college in 2019 and I’ve been itching to get into the maritime industry

What ages did you notice for other students here? Were they all essentially under 30? Or were there some older folks training for a new career, too?

Just a quick question sir so Do I need to be us citezen to get the MMC I just filed my N-400 last month but I currently hold a green card?

Hey Joe thanks for sharing your experience, its great. Question is it possible for a non US citizen person to work onboard ?

Is this program a better opportunity for people out of high school due to getting little to no pay while being in the apprenticeship program?

I was totally thinking about doing this program until I found out you have to get the jab

This may be a really stupid question but you don't get payed for any of this right? Is it like an internship while you're doing phase 2?

Fascinating like all of your vids Joe.

Do you get paid during Apprenticeship program?

Class 275A 1979

Where can i start?? Any link i can go too? It really seems like an interesting career!

Hello will I need a high school diploma or GED

To become a sailor in SIU you need to not speak english come from another country cant read or write be lazy and willing to give the union your money for nothing

SIU sucks

help joe
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Do they pay you while your in training ?

I guess EU nationals can't easily do that program without a US visa?

Awesome.

When I was Master with Sealand back in the 1990's Piney Point sent the first two SIU apprentices to my vessel.

that sweatshirt looks SO good onYou... yay you &blessing'Z aLLover [piney point ain't SObad neither] xOxOx

Joe, I've seen maybe 10 of you're videos now guess its time to sub.I'd like to see more of the food onboard & you're actual job,plus how's the pay?I was a Marine in the late 70s, I went to the Mediterranean twice,76&79.

How do i get into these jobs or how do i research them? Is there a website for it? Help

Just watched your 77 days on a cargo ship. Subscriber now

Thanks mutch!
Music detracts from what you're presentation.

Really interesting content def gonna check out more video from you. Now when I look at ships I’ll better understand

For anyone reading this... Just go sail as an OS, Wiper or Messman. Get your sea time and upgrade your credentials. Going to the SIU school sounds like such a waste of time IMO. In the year it takes to complete the school you could already be sailing AB or Oiler.

Great videos. Binge watching this morning. Is there a doctor on this ships. Basic 1st aid only hoes so far
Cheers Stay safe

Hey joe great vid i just came out of piney point (880) they just changed the program 2nd phase is now 60 days department specific for deck and engine steward is 120 and no phase 3 untill you upgrade to cheif cook

Intriguing content sir, thank you for sharing:)