Lack of jobs of deckies

[Unregistered]

I entered into this industry after being told by a particular cadet agency I'd never be out of work. I struggled to find a job after qualifying, but did have the hope of things getting better once I got experience. Now I have experience and the job market still seems to be the same. Not many being advertised. Anyone in a similar situation? I'm a bit disappointed really as there are so many UK shipping companies that don't want Brits.

[Clanky]

Sadly we seem to be seeing more of these threads recently, however, there are also plemty of good news stories where people have found great jobs, so hang in there, there are jobs around, although sadly not as many as we would like.

[Midge]

I must say that it seems odd that the unions the government and various shipping bodies keep on saying there is a shortage of seafarers hence smart and the uk being allowed to have the scheme under the state aid guidelines. Post saying how difficult it is seem to occur fairly frequently.
Now whether they mean shortages in all shipping related jobs, ashore or at sea is not always that clear from what I've read.
When I've looked at the jobs available there seems as the OP says a shortage of 3 rd officer jobs and the ones there are ask for experience. The old catch 22 scenario.
i have also seen posts where people say there are jobs you have to make the right connections it's the who you know etc.
i have also noticed that there are many more jobs at the 2nd officer and many chief and master jobs, which does tie in with the government saying that the shortages are happening as people retire and there's not enough to replace them.
It seems that if you can hang around long enough to get qualified to the higher ranks you are ok.

It does not seem to be the same for engineers there seems to be lots more jobs, question is should they be recruiting more engineering cadets, and less deck or maybe look at a dual qualification, thereby if demand arises for deckies they could switch. Just a thought or two.
I would love it to be different once mine gets to the point of qualifying. I'd much rather he had a job at the end or else he will be hanging around here consuming the contents of the fridge on a daily basis!
So what is it about British seafarers people don't like, cost, training or something else?

[GuinnessMan]

I keep seeing adverts for Chevron and other places in Seaways and places, maybe worth a peek?

[Blondie]

The RFA are crying out for people...

[Inland Pirate]

Will the RFA take you on even if you haven't trained with them?

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

[Steve]

Will the RFA take you on even if you haven't trained with them?

Yeah. The current advert is here: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/...rfadeckofficer

The RFA are always recruiting cadets, but not always qualified officers. Now is the first time in about ten years that they have taken on substantial numbers of qualified officers.

Most unusually they are currently recruiting engineers beyond entry level, albeit through an agency: http://www.nuwavepersonnel.com/for-c...-engineer.html
At no time in the recent past has the RFA recruited qualified officers above 3/O level.

[MrStealth]

...maybe look at a dual qualification, thereby if demand arises for deckies they could switch...

Does the UK even operate a dual certification scheme? I know the Danes have something set up [pioneered by the borg], but I have no idea about the UK.

From what I've seen, it appears that British sailors are specialising into either gas carriers, crusing or the offshore sector. There are jobs out there for those that look hard enough - but they really do take some digging to find.

To the OP - Have you tried signing up to a recruitment agency like redwise? The ships aren't exactly great (mostly dodgy deliveries on wonky tugs) but at least it'll give you seatime to start working your way up the ranks.

[YoungMariner]

There is for sure work around, but you need to build up a lost of every agency and company and start methodically contacting them. Make sure your CV is up to date and well presented. Include a good cover letter. You are applying for a professional position, and companies aren't going to come and chase you. Follow up job applications with a polite phone call.
The last time I was out of work, between jobs, I got three temping offers within a few weeks; one ferry, one offshore standby ship and one dredger. The ships weren't glam, the jobs weren't amazing, but they paid ok and were better then nothing.

[Blondie]

As Steve said -they sure do. There were 5 qualified Officers on my initial RFA training course - two of whom hadn't been able to find work since finishing their cadetship (1 deck & 1 engineer). The other three - 2 SE's who'd never been to sea and a deckie who fancied a change.

SE = ETO

[jacloc]

I was just thinking, with the RFA, what are the work rotations a third officer works, 3 or 4 months on and ? off? Just to compare RFA to commercial shipping really.

[Blondie]

Once qualified an officer does 4 months on then 3 months off. I'm sure Steve will correct me if I'm wrong.

[Steve]

The nuwave job advert gives the exact leave ratio for the RFA. 84 days leave for 120 days worked.

[jacloc]

The nuwave job advert gives the exact leave ratio for the RFA. 84 days leave for 120 days worked.

Ah I see, I just looked at the RFA link. That will teach me to look properly before asking daft questions, sorry!

[Clanky]

The nuwave job advert gives the exact leave ratio for the RFA. 84 days leave for 120 days worked.

Wow, I was surprised by the payscale that they quoted in the ad when I was comparing it to other companies offering time on / time off, absolutely gobsmacked to see that leave ratio.

I always thought that the RFA paid better than most commercial companies?