Background - Getting Into the Maritime Industry

This video is general information on what I did to get into the maritime industry: trials, tribulations, etc., and what I currently do to stay active in this industry: shipping out, recertification, etc. as well as advice for new applicants entering maritime union life.
Answering questions from @richardb7726 and @lionspride9970 .

[edshelden]

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.

[edshelden]

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 YouTube. You should be very proud.

[misterfeep]

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.

[carlystewart]

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!

[mattc.]

Coolness. Great insider's look at starting out as a mariner. Very useful info and experiences.

[Jason-os]

Cheer~~~connected with the sea, especially in relation to seafaring commercial or military activity.😊

[richardb]

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

[lindasciaroni]

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. 😅

[JohnBare]

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.

[EricHoagland]

10:35 Blues traveler run around came to mind.

[poponew]

We need more US ships, shipping and associated industry.

[mikeizzano]

Great info for those who may be looking to go to sea…keep safe as always calm seas ahead !

[danvanderhyde]

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.

[indylovelace]

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.

[indylovelace]

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?

[christianmoller]

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.

[chairrockfarms]

Did you see the G-captain story on ships officer shortages?

[Tipp_Of_The_Mitt]

Have you thought about working on the Great Lakes?

[TonyInIR]

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?

[geddon]

Interesting. Appreciate you telling your experience. Do you have to get a new physical exam after certain number of years?