Hi all, this might be a dumb question, or maybe no one else has had this situation, but i can't get a straight answer from any of the maritime centers I've called. My initial STCW was done in November of 2021. I need to renew fire and personal survival certs but I won't be able to take a class before the end of this year. I have far over 365 days of sea time in the past 5 years. But since I'm technically going to renew after the "expiration date" of these certs, do I have to take the full refresher course? Or even though it's after the 5 year point post-initial certification, am i still good for taking just the revalidation?

I'm US based so I would be taking a USCG course and getting/updating a USCG cert, but I work on a foreign flagged ship-- however i also take contracts on US ships occasionally too.

Thanks for any advice.

NMC has changed and all i can get are contractors who arent as knowledgeable or as informed as bots. up to four months is the pat answer im getting, over and over. ok, i say, but, recently, how long has it been taking for certs to be issued? up to four months again. i say, ok. that's the upper limit. obviously, not ALL certs are taking this long. what has been the recent average. it's like talking to wall. in the not so distant past, ive been able to get informed and pleasant actual Coast Guard folks on the phone at NMC.

what has anyone been experiencing timewise for their med certs?

Hey everyone, this item literally just spawned into my life out of thin atoms and I wanted to share it with the community since it didn't even exist on Google Lens. It's a heavy 3D laser-etched crystal display block of the Nantes Knutsen LNG tanker, flying under the Knutsen O.A.S. Shipping fleet. Since the actual ship was only delivered in late 2024, I figured this must have been an exclusive corporate/shipyard launch gift for the crew or executives. Thought you guys would appreciate seeing a piece of modern maritime history that usually stays locked away in corporate offices or captain's quarters!

Another glimpse into the most unusual navigation training in the maritime world:

In this episode the trainees visit beautiful Lacey Falls and remote Minstrel Island, places on the Inside Passages that cruise ships never see. But this is no pleasure cruise. Exposed to the elements, without motor or GPS, these apprentice navigators dead-reckon their way through spectacular Canadian wilderness.

Why do we have such a rigorous navigation training program? At 2:14 the skipper explains it:

"A professional navigator uses every skill and scrap of knowledge they have to pilot a vessel safely. That’s what we’re trying to do out here: honing the skills that go beyond the technology—skills that have guided mariners for centuries and still matter today.

https://youtu.be/5_TWsBkYhlw

I'm considering the MNAV pathway after HS and I'm wondering how much someone would get coming out of Georgian College's Marine Navigation program & whether Marine Engineering makes more. How competitive is it to land positions after? Thanks!

On getting job I do have twic trying to do inland and then eventually get mmc I’m in Texas bout about 7hrs from water I can get there but would need a couple checks to officially move 24 no family

Is dark vessel detection something that is actually being done operationally? If so how is it being done currently, is it by cross checking AIS and satellite data or in a different way? and how important is it?

This one’s for all you engineers and ETOs out there.

I’ve always been curious, is this cert as sought after by you lot as DP Offshore Unlimited licenses are by deck officers? I don’t think I’ve ever once heard engineers talk about filling in a DPVM logbook or holding a DPVM license the same way deck officers do regarding their NI licences.

Do companies in the offshore sector require it as minimum certification for engineers/ETOs the same way they often do for deck officers or is it just a nice to have?

Hey everyone! 👋🏽

I’ve been thinking about an idea and would love to hear your honest opinions, especially from single seafarers who are just starting out in their careers and trying to build their lives back home.

The idea is to create a comfortable, secure and affordable shared living space specifically for seafarers who want their own personal space without the financial burden of renting an entire house alone.

Imagine a fully furnished house where everyone has their own private, lockable bedroom, while sharing common facilities such as the kitchen, living room and laundry area.

The goal is to create a peaceful environment where you can come home after a contract, have your own space, save money and live comfortably among people who understand the seafarer lifestyle.

This could be especially helpful for those who are still building their savings, don't want to live with family indefinitely, or aren't ready to commit to renting an entire apartment on their own.

Before taking this idea further, I’d love to get your feedback:

Would you be interested in living in a seafarer-focused shared house with your own private bedroom?

What monthly amount would you consider reasonable for a furnished private room with shared facilities?

Would you prefer to keep your room and belongings while away on contract, even if it meant paying a monthly fee?

Which areas in Kenya would be most convenient for you?

This is currently an idea I'm exploring, and your feedback would help me understand whether there's a genuine need for it.

Feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions or concerns. If this sounds like something you'd genuinely consider, please let me know! 🙏🏽⚓

Let's see if we can create something practical for seafarers who are building their future, one contract at a time. ❤️