Does anyone know first hand if sea service in the military (NAVY and US Coast Guard) has any degree of credibility in the yachting industry? I have 3.5 years at sea doing navigation, search and rescue, etc. Is it possible that some crew agencies and/or captains would consider me entry-level during an interview or is military sea service desired? All advice is greatly appreciated.
Hi, CNKALE- Since joining YF a year and a bit ago you have posted a few articles of a similar vein. In one you have written you have 4 yrs service in the USCG and in another 3.5- these sort of differences can cause an alert CV reviewer to ask what else doesn't match up. You have also written that you confirmed that all your USCG Quals were valid. I don't know what you have in the way of qualifications but imagine if the USCG saw fit to grant you a Certificate for something then you must know that subject. Any qualifications you have in the marine related industries can make the difference between someone who has never done anytime at sea and someone like yourself when applying for their first position aboard a yacht. Everyone has to start somewhere, be proud of what you have done so far and make sure the USCG Quals you have are listed on your CV. You might just have something that appeals to an interviewer on paper and is supported by a neat, well presented (not suit and tie for your first job), friendly individual with an open mind presenting it which makes the difference between you and the other 50 hopefuls that have applied. Good Luck.
Thanks Kiwi. The 4 yr/3.5 yr thing is that I had 4 years in the Coast Guard but 3.5 was on a ship. the other .5 was boot camp and my specialty school. Anyways, thanks again for you insight.
Were you a QM or BM or just unrated deck div? I have crewed a few sport fishers in Hawaii and Cabo and found that my skills as a navigator and boat handling were really overkill for the most part. If anything it was frightening that these owners were allowed to put to sea without any Navigation skills and no clue how to read a paper chart or do dead reckoning navigation. They all relied on their GPS rather than real navigation skills.
You should thoroughly read this: https://www.uscg.mil/nmc/professional_qualifications/pdfs/crediting_military_ss.pdf Your military service could be credited and give you a real head start towards your first MMC. I have talked with a former USCG guy who told me he used a license consultant to help him maximize the benefit, and he felt it was worth every penny. Edit: Wow I just realized the OP was from the stone ages
Ahh well. Maybe someone doing a google search on how they can use their military seatime to get a USCG professional qualification will have YF pop up as a result.