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USN to Yacht Engineering pathing

Discussion in 'Licensing & Education' started by JayW, May 20, 2017.

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  1. JayW, May 20, 2017
    #1
    JayW

    JayW New Member

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    Hi,

    Currently serving in the USN and I am 6 months from the end of my contract (6 years). I would like to go into Yachting with a focus on the engineering side. Background wise I started in the Navy as a Machinist Mate Auxiliary (non-nuke) on Submarines, I was force converted to the Intel field. I am in my mid 30's.

    So far from what I have read on hear there are a few paths I could take though at my age how many are truly viable remains to be seen. So I have a few questions...

    I have heard references to USCG/MCA tickets vs Yachting Tickets. As far as acquiring the USCG tickets does that require me to serve on commercial ships in order to apply/test for those tickets? (or can I serve on a Yacht as long as it meets whatever size/engine requirements and still sit those test?)

    I have more than enough funds to jump in and head to a big port and dockwalk etc. Would I be doing myself a disservice by taking this route as opposed to using my G.I. Bill and going to a maritime school? Main concern here is my age, though I doubt I am the only individual to take the dive this late in life.

    Any responses would be greatly appreciated,

    JayW
  2. JayW, May 20, 2017
    #2
    JayW

    JayW New Member

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    *Update, From what I can tell from the USCG, as long as the vessel is the appropriate size and I am enrolled (not sure what that process entails yet but I will dig more) I should be able to sit for the exam while serving aboard a private Yacht, unless I missed something?

    *Also sorry for not adding this to the original post, I was unable to edit the original.
    Last edited: May 20, 2017
  3. K1W1, May 21, 2017
    #3
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    If you can gain a marine engineering license by attending a maritime college under the GI Bill I would suggest going for it if its not going to take forever, entering in a couple of years with a ticket will be easier than entering green with no ticket in 99% of cases and it will set you on the path to progress with the tickets once you gain more experience and sea time.
  4. JWY, May 21, 2017
    #4
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    I would recommend taking advantage of your GI Bill and attend a maritime school such as California Military Academy (CMA). Your engineering degree will allow for so many more options down the career path should you want to transition out of yachting at any point. A maritime college degree gives you the options of working on commercial ships, in ports, or eventually managerial positions should you tire of the deep blue.
  5. ranger58sb, May 21, 2017
    #5
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Use your GI Bill benefits. You earned them.

    Thanks for your service.

    -Chris
  6. JayW, May 21, 2017
    #6
    JayW

    JayW New Member

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    Figured the GI Bill would be the smart mans choice. Thank you guys for all the responses, time to start looking at maritime academies.
  7. ranger58sb, May 22, 2017
    #7
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Not using it would be the equivalent of you taking several thousand $$$ out of your own wallet -- $$$ that you've already earned -- and simply throwing it away.

    -Chris