US Merchant Marine Series (Episode 1) - What is the Merchant Marine?

What is the Merchant Marine?

In this episode, the host discusses the United States Merchant Marine and explains what it is.

The Definition of the Merchant Marine

• The Merchant Marine refers to US citizens who are licensed by the US Coast Guard to operate vessels.

• Any US flag vessel involved in commercial service is considered part of the Merchant Marine.

• It includes a wide range of vessels, from small fishing boats to large container ships.

Understanding the Structure

• The Merchant Marine does not have a centralized headquarters like other military branches.

• It is a commercial fleet that facilitates trade and transportation of goods in and around the United States and globally.

Introduction to US Flagged Vessels

• US flagged vessels can be found all over, including inland waterways, pleasurecraft, fishing fleets, cargo ships, and tankers.

• Different entities make up the US Merchant Marine, such as commercial ships, Noah's ships, and military sea lift command vessels.

How to Join the US Merchant Marine?

This section explores two ways to join the US Merchant Marine - through an unlicensed manner or as an officer. It also introduces various unions associated with maritime careers.

Becoming an Officer

• To become an officer in the US Merchant Marine, individuals can work their way up through experience and take tests administered by the US Coast Guard.

• Unions play a significant role in providing training opportunities for new mariners entering as unlicensed members or advancing through ranks.

Unions Associated with Officers

1. Marine Engineering Beneficial Association (MEBA):

• Mainly represents engineers but also includes other roles on deep draft vessels.

• Provides mariners for large deep draft vessels.

2. International Organization of Master Mates and Pilots (MMP):

• Represents deck officers, including masters, mates, and pilots.

• Pilots are responsible for docking ships and navigating them in and out of ports.

3. American Maritime Officers (AMO):

• Another union representing officers in the US Merchant Marine.

Unions Associated with Unlicensed Mariners

• Two unions specifically cater to unlicensed mariners: Seafarers International Union (SIU) and Sailor Union of the Pacific.

• Multiple unions can be present on a single ship, which is a challenge within the US Merchant Marine due to varying memberships.

Conclusion

The United States Merchant Marine comprises US citizens licensed by the US Coast Guard to operate vessels involved in commercial service. It encompasses a diverse range of vessels and plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation. Joining the Merchant Marine can be done through an unlicensed manner or as an officer, with various unions providing training opportunities for aspiring mariners.

Merchant Marine Academies and Training Programs

This section discusses the different options for training and education in the merchant marine industry, focusing on the US Merchant Marine Academy and state maritime academies.

US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point

• The US Merchant Marine Academy was established in 1943.

• It is the only service academy that focuses on the occupation of the merchant marine.

• Graduates from this academy receive both their license as merchant mariners and commissions into the US armed forces, particularly the US Navy's strategic sea lift officers.

State Maritime Academies

• There are six state maritime academies in the United States.

• Each state academy has its own unique characteristics and training programs.

• These academies offer four-year degrees with a strong emphasis on practical hands-on work.

• Cadets from state schools go on board their school training ships during summer breaks to gain sea time required for licensing.

California Maritime Academy

• Located in Vallejo, California, it is part of the California State University system.

• Focuses on maritime education on the west coast.

Great Lakes Maritime Academy

• Located in Michigan, it focuses on training mariners for employment around the Great Lakes region.

Maine Maritime Academy

• Located in Castine, Maine, it offers a beautiful campus and produces many skilled sailors.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

• Situated on Buzzards Bay near Cape Cod Canal, it is known for its unique location and successful graduates.

State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime Academy

• Located at Fort Skyler in Throgs Neck under Throg Neck Bridge in New York.

• Considered one of the finest maritime academies with a long history.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy

• Located in Galveston, Texas, it focuses on the Gulf of Mexico and offshore industry.

• Produces a series of skilled mariners.

Training Ships and Sea Time

• All maritime academies have training ships for cadets to gain practical experience at sea.

• Cadets from state schools need to accumulate 180 days of sea time to sit for their licensing exams.

• US Merchant Marine Academy cadets go on SE term where they ride on US flag vessels and operate under a triester or imer arrangement.

• Practical hands-on work is a significant part of the curriculum at all maritime academies.

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Logistics to Supply Chain

The speaker discusses the various aspects of the US Merchant Marine, including logistics, supply chain, and engineering disciplines. They also mention the different paths individuals can take to enter the industry.

Types of Mariners

• Mariners can specialize in logistics, supply chain management, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture, and nuclear engineering (although it is no longer offered at their school).

• Some Mariners start by working on tugs, barges, pusher boats, or in fishing before progressing through licensing and gaining experience.

• The composition of the US Merchant Marine is diverse due to students from Kings Point Academy and other state academies across the United States. International students also contribute to this unique mix.

Composition of US Merchant Marine

The speaker highlights the diverse composition of the US Merchant Marine and mentions that international students also participate. They discuss upcoming episodes where they will delve into specific fleets.

Deck Plates of Ships

• The deck plates of ships in the US Merchant Marine have a wide range of individuals with different backgrounds.

• In future episodes, they will explore specific fleets within the industry.

Supporting the Channel

The speaker encourages viewers to support their channel by subscribing, sharing content on social media platforms, leaving comments, and hitting the "super thanks" button or becoming a patron on Patreon.

Supporting Options

• Viewers can subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell for updates.

• Sharing content across social media platforms helps reach more people.

• Leaving comments provides feedback and engagement.

• Viewers can show support by hitting the "super thanks" button or becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber on Patreon.

Career Opportunities

The speaker emphasizes that maritime careers offer great opportunities for those who are not interested in sailing but still want to work in the industry.

Non-Sailing Career Path

• Maritime careers provide numerous opportunities beyond sailing.

• There are various job options available for individuals who prefer not to sail but still want to be part of the industry.

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