How to recognise my philippine marine deck license (master) to australian license?

I would like advice on how to get a job on a tugboat, tanker, or container ship?

• Hello, I currently hold a 100T Master License (Near Coastal), and captain a small towboat for Towboat US in SW FL. I am in the process of obtaining a 4 year degree in Political Science and should be done fall of 2012. Plan A is to move to St. Croix, USVI when I graduate (there is an SIU Hall there) and land a job on a US flag vessel (Tug, container ship, tanker, etc) and/or join the USCG there. I realize dreams don't always manifest so specifically, so essentially I will go to wherever I can get into this line of work. In my current job I have had much experience in towing and salvage of small recreational vessels. My basic questions are: Should I apply directly with a company (if possible) for an entry level position and try to move up the hawspipe? Or should I register with an SIU hall in the port I wish to work out of? I have done research on the Workboat Academy and other training programs. After finishing them I would be a Mate of 500-1600 T. Is this a wise decision, or are my odds of landing an entry level job with my current license and a 4 year college degree good enough to where an academy would not be necessary? (Same question applied to Paul Hall Center, and other Merchant Marine Schools). If I do apply for an entry level without graduating from an academy, should I obtain my STCW ahead of time? Would that help in making me stand out? Or should I just wait until I get on board and receive training reimbursement. What does registering with an SIU Hall entail? Are the odds of getting a desirable job good? I would think that in a place like the USVI they would be due to a lack of qualified mariners out there, and therefore, less competition. Or are the larger ports a better bet. I realize this is quite an extensive list of questions so any advice from those in the field would be great. I have over a year to figure this out and am close to finishing my resume and contacting companies just to touch base. Thank you for your time. --Ted

• Answer:

  The best advice i can give you is get as many STCW approved certs as possible and get all the qualifications you can. The more tickets you have, the better! I doubt very much if a Political Science degree is going to help you on board a ship but it will look good on your CV. Don't be afraid to contact a company directly and make sure to ask for the personnel officer or equivalent. Even if they tell you that they have no work for you, make sure to get an email address from them to send on your Details and CV. Also inform them of any cert or ticket upgrades when you get them and try build a good relation with the guys in question. I've got great jobs this way, sometimes with only a few days notice, but work all the same. Good luck and i hope my answer helped a bit.