Trainee AB's / Ratings

[Guest]

Hello,

Does anyone know of any British companies who recrruit trainee AB's?

Specifically interested in any of the offshore companies (not including standby!).

Also, does anyone know length of training, how long before I can sit a Mates ticket etc...

Thank you.

[CharlieDelta]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Not aware of many apart from the RFA, though I believe rating recruitment has drastically reduced/stopped there.

Is there a reason you wouldn't consider the cadetship route?

[GuinnessMan]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

On the MN side most companies (im talking Deep Sea) wont consider hiring British AB's. They cost too much. Your better off with a cadetship.

[Guest]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm just a bit concerned about the 3 years at college prospect.

My ambiton is to become an OOW but thought about becoming an AB and then trying to progress that way...

Silly idea do you reckon?

[CharlieDelta]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Well remember it's not three solid years, you'll be spending time at sea. Financially, some companies pay reasonably well and your training allowance can, depending on course, be supplemented by a student loan.

[Randomist]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

To be an Officer of the Watch you would still need to complete an MNTB (Merchant Navy Training Board) portfolio and sit the MCA Oral Examination, with 12 months minimum seatime.
You're better off with a cadetship

[penfold]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

It would be unusual for a green deckhand to be put on a AHTS or PSV, as the deckcrew need to be on top of their game to avoid dangerous situations. As a new start, I would be surprised if you were not on a standby boat for at least a year before being allowed to move on. Any particular reason for avoiding standby, other than a low boredom threshold? North Star recruit UK nationals as deckhands, don't know about the other companies but I imagine they will be the same if they are operating in the UKCS area.

The minimum seatime period for sitting the oral for OOW is the same as for a cadet. As a cadet you're only at college for approx. 18 months of the 3 years, and in any case you get paid(badly) while doing so, so you can afford to dull the pain with alcohol abuse without incurring debt like every other unwashed student type. If you do the college as a deckhand you're likely to be funding it yourself.

[Guest]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Thanks for the advice guys.

Plenty to think about.

I'm 25 at the moment as well, so would be concerned about going to college with people a lot younger.

I've worked offshore and seen the standby boats- doesn't appeal!! On the other hand PSV's and anchor handlers look awesome!

[alistairuk]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

To be an Officer of the Watch you would still need to complete an MNTB (Merchant Navy Training Board) portfolio and sit the MCA Oral Examination, with 12 months minimum seatime.
You're better off with a cadetship

No, there is an alternative route of 30 something months sea time + completion of the MCA written examinations. This route is only offered to those who have been at sea as ABs.

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[Randomist]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Yeah, surely if you do the 30 something months then you've already fufilled the 12 months minimum seatime. I only mentioned the portfolio because the AB's I know who've done their ticket all had to do one aswel.
In any case you'd still need to sit the Oral.

[CharlieDelta]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

I'm 25 at the moment as well, so would be concerned about going to college with people a lot younger.

Don't worry about that at all, there's people from 16 to 40something, with a huge percentage in their 20s.

[penfold]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Thanks for the advice guys.

Plenty to think about.

I'm 25 at the moment as well, so would be concerned about going to college with people a lot younger.

I was 29 when I started at GCNS, and there are plenty of folk older than that; the oldest I know was 35 when he started. Yes, coping with the nonsense that teenagers spout can be trying, but your maturity will be be more of an asset than a liability.

[alistairuk]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Yeah, surely if you do the 30 something months then you've already fufilled the 12 months minimum seatime. I only mentioned the portfolio because the AB's I know who've done their ticket all had to do one aswel.
In any case you'd still need to sit the Oral.

That's also an alternative as well :-) but you miss the point - which I hope I understood from the original poster - you would most likely get more money if you went onboard as an AB than as a cadet + you wouldn't have the financial burden of the long periods at college which would affect you if you had dependents to support.

But all in all, there are other ways of gaining your OOW than the cadetship route.

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[oldman]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

Here are the view of a very old ex old man:-
You should pay some attention to what alistairuk is saying.
There is merit in what he is advising or suggesting. Considerable merit in fact.
The route to the top from rating status will take longer for sure, but you will be much more financially sound and stable.
When your journey is over, and you get to the top coming right from the bottom so to speak, you will be a far better officer for it, and that is particularly true when you finally become a Commanding Officer.
That is a general observation, but there will be exceptions of course.

[Randomist]

Re: Trainee AB's / Ratings

It is true, there is definatly advantages to rising through ranks from AB, you will certainly have spent more time at sea than cadets and will have far greater seamanship skills.

I think it is unfair to say you will be a better officer. For example, spending however many years at sea does not automatically make you a good leader, that is unique to the individual. As you say there are exceptions to the rule.

In answer to the original question there are many ways to gain a ticket, it as attainable through cadetships and different routes. It is up to you what route to take, depending on your personal financial situation and personal preferences for training. Try contacting companies directly and asking them what they offer for applicants.

Here is a link for the Syllabuses for Deck Oral Examinations at the MCA:
http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-hom ... ckoral.htm

Please also see MGN 8 which is the guidance on education and training schemes, note the list of MGN's at the beginning which could help you find more detailed information on training:
http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mgn_008_m_.pdf

MGN 69 is also worth a read which is the conduct of the MCA Oral Examinations:

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mgn_069(m).pdf