Marine Techniques Publishing | Author of the Mariner's Employment Guide

(1,700 plus addresses and more than 300 Job descriptions and salary ranges listed, 598 total pages). The only complete navigation guide to maritime employment. It takes you through a step by step process that is listed in both layman and nautical terms. Pelletier fully describes the merchant service, giving its history, its present situation, and projections for the future. The book clearly explains the full spectrum of the merchant marine, from small passenger vessels that carry six or less passengers for hire to large passenger vessels that carry thousands of passengers, from towboats that ply the waters of the Western Rivers to freighters, crude oil, chemical tankers and containerships, that cross the seven seas, from crew boats working in the Gulf of Mexico “oil patch” to supply boats that service oil and gas rigs worldwide. Merchant marine employment, as the Guide’s nucleus, is handled in a very thorough manner however; the book also covers shipyard careers, marine biology, oceanography, ocean engineering, geology, geophysics, naval architecture, commercial diving, commercial and sport fishing, marine surveyors, commercial yachting and more.

Book Specifications:

8.375” X 10.875” X 1.4”, vertical, glued and smythsewn (stitched) perfect bound, 12pt C1S softcover (four-color) gloss lamination cover finish, 598 pages and over 1660 total listings of marine, aquatic, and nautical resources

This book also contains: 33 illustrations - 304 marine position descriptions & salary ranges - 70 national/international contacts listed - 620 marine/aquatic schools listed - 145 marine/aquatic employment agencies listed - 512 marine/aquatic associations listed - 162 marine/aquatic publishers listed - 152 marine/aquatic bookstores listed and 1,525 entries of marine and aquatic words and terms glossary.

Book Reviews:

“This book should be on the bookshelf of not only every active merchant mariner, but also in the libraries of every high school and every guidance counselor’s office in the country. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking employment or who is already employed in the merchant marine.” Captain John F. Whiteley, Director of The Inland Waterways Academy at Marshall Community and Technical College - Huntington, West Virginia

“As the largest website of maritime employment, we serve both experienced merchant mariners as well as those looking to start a career. Therefore, we recognize a great guide when we see one. The Mariner’s Employment Guide is, by far, the most extensive summary of U.S. Marine employment and its lucrative career paths. Whether you are interested in bluewater, brownwater or offshore, buying this Guide is money well spent.” Mr. Jim Ireland, President of MaritimeEmployment.com - Houston, Texas

“As a professor of nautical science, and Master of the offshore marine technology training vessel R/V Dan Moore here at Cape Fear Community College, I heartily commend you for the comprehensive scope of your work. It should be a tremendous asset to any aspiring candidate for employment in the vast, and often complex, maritime, marine science, and marine technology fields. I offer a sincere closing salute for your tremendous achievement in authoring this vital work. Pending the final preparation of the 10th Edition, I will await your guidance on the ways that we may provide a home for three copies.” Captain Steve Beuth, Professor of Nautical Science and Master of the offshore marine technology-training vessel R/V Dan Moore at Cape Fear Community College - Wilmington, North Carolina

“The Mariner’s Employment Guide is an excellent informational tool for anyone wanting to learn about the maritime industry. I will make it available in our library for our students, faculty and visiting guidance counselors to use as a valuable resource.” Captain Richard G. Youcis, Director of Career Services and Cadet Shipping Program at Maine Maritime Academy - Castine, Maine

“I referenced an early edition of The Mariner’s Employment Guide when I was a young cadet, just graduating Kings Point and hungry for a job. Now, 20 years later, I am impressed by the many improvements and enhancements made to this new edition, especially the excellent distillation of STCW and USCG requirements and clear information on career tracks. I have yet to find a more comprehensive or well-organized marine employment guide anywhere. This book is an invaluable resource to anyone searching for or even just considering maritime employment. I heartily recommend this text to all maritime training centers, libraries, and high school counselors. As I work primarily with senior cadets at the California Maritime Academy, I will be recommending this Guide to my students as they begin their job searches. You have really done an outstanding job, and I commend your efforts.” Captain Tuuli Messer-Bookman, Esq., Associate Professor - Marine Transportation Department at the California Maritime Academy - Vallejo, California

“Congratulations on producing your outstanding Mariner’s Employment Guide. As the largest fresh water port in the world, the Port of Philadelphia provides thousands of jobs that underpin our region’s economy. We created the Maritime Academy Charter High School in 2003 hoping to open doors of opportunity for inner city students to learn about and aspire to careers in maritime industries and become functioning members of this area’s vibrant maritime economy. Your employment guide is a solid answer to our need to have a single, comprehensive source for our staff and students to get information about maritime employment opportunities, where the jobs are, how to get them, and what they pay. It’s a wonderful volume that we expect to use in our maritime career exploration classes with our high school freshmen and with parents who can help guide their children to strive for maritime careers. Thank you for providing us with an excellent learning tool. Dr. Ann Gillis-Waiters, Chief Executive Officer at the Maritime Academy Charter High School - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“This edition is an outstanding example of a well-thought-out and well-laid-out reference manual. It is representative of every area of the maritime industry and will aid both the beginner and the Master that may be on his 5th issue. All areas including maritime history, service requirements, and differing vessel types and sizes. Practical topics range from Coast Guard procedures to employment opportunities with pay scales. Information is backed up with reference links for each area covered. This manual is a “must have” for every reference library. I highly recommend it to those seeking guidance in this field. Captain Carl Moore, Marine Operations Coordinator at the Louisiana Technical College, Young Memorial Campus - Morgan City, Louisiana and Approved by: Mr. Gregory L. Garrett, Regional Director

“Jim: Just wanted you to know that I finally had time to take a look at The Mariner’s Employment Guide. I think it is a comprehensive document with up to date information that should be very helpful to those in the maritime fields who are seeking employment or trying to figure out how certain jobs fit into organizations. What I personally found very helpful about the book was the list of schools with marine related programs. This was particularly helpful in deciding on which schools offered what sorts of curricula for on board training, and for marine and oceanographic training. Thanks for asking me to review this directory. Good luck with printing and distributing it. Maggie L. Merrill, Editorial Director, Marine Technology Reporter Magazine, New York, New York

“Hello Jim, Yes, I have received the book. . .tremendous job, I am woowed! A lot of dedication and work resulting in a great product, Jim. I hope you understand when I say that I may become learned in the Mariners way as a direct result of reading an intriguing and interesting volume of work as you have put together! Truthfully, I just began skimming and found myself saying time and time again “wow, that’s interesting!” Thank you for having me involved in so powerful a body of information. Thank you for the honor of inclusion in your book and I am proud to say it has found its place in our entry hallway, displayed on a table beside my favorite reading chair.” Jos Van Poederooyen, Inpix Business Solutions, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

“Employment guide helps maritime workers navigate waters of the trade. If you’re thinking of jumping ship to escape the confines of your maritime or office job, hold off just long enough to get your hands on a copy of this guide. Painstakingly researched and compiled by U.S. Merchant Marine Staff Officer and Marine Engineer James Laurence Pelletier, the “Mariner’s Employment Guide” may be the shot in the arm of your maritime career. If you’re new to the field, even better: Try starting with the succinct and straightforward history, current conditions and forecast for the U.S. maritime trade. This directory is laid out to take you step by step through a variety of merchant mariner, U.S. Coast Guard, and educational/training opportunities. But it also covers careers in the yards, marine biology, oceanography, commercial diving and fishing, surveying and much more. Within these various fields, Pelletier reviews average salaries, entry-level procedures, training requirements and options, national and international contacts, bookstores, and employment agencies, among many other features. The vast range of information in this guide is accessible and invaluable. Whether you’re an experienced merchant mariner, a guidance counselor or a frustrated cubicle dweller, get a copy for your shelf.” NF Jessica Hathaway, Associate Editor, National Fisherman Magazine, page 5 January 2007 issue.

“Mariner’s Employment Guide - The Complete Navigation Guide to Maritime Employment. Here’s one job hunting guide you won’t find in every Resource Room! This 598-page book covers the full spectrum of jobs in the merchant marine, from small passenger vessels and towboats to huge cruiseships, freighters and tankers. It covers basic entry-level procedures, licensing and other requirements. It contains more than 300 maritime job descriptions and salary ranges, and over 1,700 listings for marine/aquatic employers, schools, employment agencies, associations, publishers, and bookstores. In addition to merchant marine employment, the book also covers careers in shipyards, marine biology, oceanography, ocean engineering, geology, geophysics, naval architecture, commercial diving, commercial and sport fishing, marine surveyors, commercial yachting and more. An aging workforce and growing international trade have combined to create a potential shortage of merchant seaman.” Mr. C. Paul Mendez, President, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, Washington, DC, page 10 January 2007 NAWDP Newsletter Volume 20 No. 1.

Letter dated: 25 January 2007. “Dear Mr. Pelletier, Thank you for your letter of 15 January 2007 transmitting two copies of the 2007 edition of the “Mariner’s Employment Guide” and related articles. The courtesy of your gesture is appreciated. I trust that your book (which will enrich our Library) will inspire young men and women to pursue a career at sea. As you know, IMO, with the assistance of the World Maritime University (WMU) and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), supports administrations in developing countries in all affairs maritime but much more needs to be done and your contribution is greatly valued. I know I can count on your continued support in any way you are able to.” Yours sincerely, E. E. Mitropoulos, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization, London, England, United Kingdom.

"When we decided to review James Pelletier’s Mariner’s Employment Guide, we had no idea as to the enormous scope and depth with which the book examines virtually every aspect of the world of maritime employment. But, the 598 pages of this remarkable compendium cover the broad range of applying for Coast Guard documents, where to get training, career tracks, salary surveys and much, much more. There is literally something here for everyone: from the entry-level mariner right up to the most experienced Master."

"First published in 1983, The Mariner’s Employment Guide has been updated no less than eight times -- the last in 2007. Pelletier updates the book regularly and stays abreast with changes in licensing and documentation procedures -- no easy task as the Coast Guard revamps how it does business with the U.S. commercial mariner. The book covers lower-level endorsements all the way up to unlimited licenses and provides statistical background on all of them."

"The answer to virtually any question that a candidate might have about the maritime employment game is contained with this book. Pelletier’s compendium probably gives its best utility to the entry-level mariner because of its exhaustive overview of so many obscure job titles that exist over a wide range of marine platforms. For the person who might ordinarily think there was no place at sea for him or her, James Pelletier will make him or her think again."

"James Pelletier’s background includes at-sea experience in the U.S. Navy and another twenty years on board a wide range of foreign and domestic, deep-draft vessels. He has a wealth of experience in other transportation modes, as well. After you read this book, you’ll understand that his research abilities speak for themselves. At a time when the industry is literally crying out for competent mariners, James Pelletier’s Mariner’s Employment Guide shows potential seafarers the way forward. And, not a moment too soon." - MarEx – by Joseph Keefe, Managing Editor - The Maritime Executive Magazine & Newsletter – Thursday, November 15, 2007

Table of Contents:

Table of Contents
Introduction
Acknowledgments
Brief History of the United States Merchant Marine
Job Situation in the United States Merchant Marine
Commercial Marine Employment - Basic Entry Level Procedures Involved
U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (RECs)
Obtaining a Mariner’s Credential
United States Coast Guard Information
Department of Homeland Security
General Information for Merchant Mariner’s Documents (MMDs), Licences, and STCW Certificates
Acceptable Documents for Identification and Citizenship
Mariner’s Navigation Guide to Licensing and Documentation
Applying and Qualifying for a U.S. Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD
U.S. Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) and Professional Requirements
Service Chart for Qualified Member of Deck Department Ratings
Service Chart for Qualified Member of Engineering Department Ratings
Military and/or Foreign Sea Service Requirements
National Driver Register (NDR) Check Requirements
United States Coast Guard Licensing Fundamentals
Licenses vs. Certificates of Registry, and Merchant Mariner’s Documents
Examination and Reference Materials
United States Passport Requirement
Common Questions Asked and Helpful Hints
History of STCW-95 Implementation
STCW-95 Training and Demonstrated Proficiency
United States Coast Guard User Fee Schedules
Active Mariner Credentials Issued
Shipboard Careers
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner Document (MMD)
Original or Renewal of Merchant Mariner’s Document
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers (STCW)
Able Seaman (AB) and STCW
Able Seaman Flow Chart - Climbing the Coast Guard ladder
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner Licenses
Upper & Lower Level Deck and Engineering Department Officers
Summary of Required Documentation
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers (STCW)
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner Certificates of Registry (COR) or Radio Officer (RO) Licenses
Checklist for Certificate of Registry or Radio Officers Licenses
Summary of Required Documentation
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers (STCW)
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner Licenses and Qualified MMD Renewals
Guide to Renewing U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents (MMD), Licenses and Certificates of Registry (COR)
Checklist for License or Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) Renewal
Summary of Required Documentation
General Requirements for License and/or Merchant Mariner Document Renewal
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers (STCW)
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner Duplicate Copies of Licenses, MMD, STCW or Certificates of Discharge to Merchant Mariner
Checklist for Duplicate License, MMD, STCW and/or Certificate of Discharge
Summary of Required Documentation
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner Lower Level Limited Deck Licenses
Common or General Requirements for Deck Licenses
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) or “6-Pack” Licenses
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Limited Licenses
Limited Master License of not more than 100 gross registered tons (GRT)
Master of Vessels of not more than 100 gross registered tons (GRT) - All Routes
Examination Modules and Passing Scores
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner Lower Level Vessel Specific Deck Officers’ Licenses
Common and General Requirements for Lower Level Deck Officers’ Licenses
Master Ocean/Near Coastal Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels
Mate Ocean/Near Coastal Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels (non-STCW)
Master of Towing Vessels Ocean/Near Coastal/Great Lakes/Inland/Western Rivers
Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels Ocean/Near Coastal/Great Lakes/Inland/Western Rivers
Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels Ocean/Near Coastal/Great Lakes/Inland/Western Rivers
First Class Pilot of (Tonnage To Be Determined) GRTs
Limited Scope Deck Licenses
Career Tracks - United States Merchant Mariner - U.S. Coast Guard Approved Courses
United States Coast Guard - U.S. Merchant Mariner Applications - Forms - Documents and Example Letters
Visual Illustrations of Applications, Forms, Documents and Letters
Instructions for Completing United States Coast Guard Forms
Application for License as an Officer, Staff Officer, Operator and MMD
Acceptable Documents for Identification and/or Citizenship
Merchant Mariner Physical Examination Report
Merchant Marine Certification of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings
Camera Set-Up Form for Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD)
DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing Form
Small Vessel Sea Service Form (Merchant Marine Vessel Service)
Sea Service Form (Merchant Marine Vessel Service) with Certificates of Discharge
Request Pertaining to Military Records Form
Sea Service Form (Military Experience)
Declaration of Consent Letter (Example)
Letter of Commitment for Entry Level Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD)
Letter of Competency (Example)
Letter of Sea Service/Sea Time (Example)
Sea Service Letter (Example)
Random Drug Testing Program Letter (Example)
Renewal for Continuity Purposes Statement (Example)
Acknowledgment of Radar Requirements Form
Tankerman Letter (Example)
Tankerman Endorsements
Engineering Officers - Gas Turbine Main Propulsion Qualifications
Vessel Stability and Trim Training
Shipboard Firefighting Certification
Standard First Aid and Adult CPR Certification
Shipboard Firefighting Training Certificates (Examples)
Standard First Aid and Adult CPR Certificate (Example)
United States Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) - Old Version
United States Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) - New Version
Master’s License Steam or Motor Vessels of any Gross Tons upon Oceans
Chief Engineer’s License Steam or Motor Vessels of any Horsepower
Certificate of Registry to United States Merchant Marine Staff Officer - Old Version
United States Merchant Marine Staff Officers License - New Version
Certificate of Discharge to United States Merchant Seaman (Example)
STCW-95 Certificate - USCG Form CG-5611 (illustration)
Shipboard Position Descriptions and Average Salaries
Commercial Merchant Marine Position Descriptions and Average Salary Ranges
General Overview, Training and Experience Requirements
Deep-Draft (Blue Water) - Inland & Coastal (Brown Water) - Offshore Oil & Gas Support Vessels and Passenger Vessels
Offshore Oil & Gas Specific Jobs - Significant Points & General Overview
Working Offshore - The future for the offshore oil & gas industry
Types of Offshore Oil & Gas Rigs
Offshore Oil & Gas Rigs - Position Descriptions and Average Salary Ranges
Commercial Shipbuilding and Boat Manufacturing - Significant Points and General Overview
Recreational Boat Building, Repairing and Manufacturing Industry
Ocean Economy Sectors and Industries by NAICS and SIC Codes
Ship Building & Repair and Boat Building & Repair Position Descriptions and Wages
Naval Architects - Naval Engineers - Ocean Engineers - Chemical/Petroleum Engineers
Commercial Diving as a Career - Significant Points and General Overview
Marine Surveyor - Ship’s Surveyor - Marine Investigator as a Career
Commercial Fishing/Sport Fish Charter as a Career
Fishing Careers Ashore
Passenger Vessels as a Career (Cruise Ships - Ferries - Casino Boats)
Passenger Vessel Position Descriptions and Average Salary Range
Hotel Department - Service Personnel Positions
Cruise Staff Department - Service Personnel Positions
Housekeeping Department - Service Personnel Positions
Galley Department - Food Service Personnel Positions
Food and Beverage Department - Service Personnel Positions
Bar Department - Service Personnel Positions
Medical Department - Medical Personnel Positions
Concessionaires Department - Personnel Positions
Casino Department - Personnel Positions
Beauty Salon Department - Personnel Positions
Entertainment Department - Personnel Positions
Other Cruise Ship Employment Opportunities
Commercial Yachting as a Career
Yacht Crew Positions and Average Salary Range
Yacht Crewing/Manning Requirements for Deck Officers
Yacht Crewing/Manning Requirements for Engineering Officers
Scientific and Engineering Careers At Sea
Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, Geology, Geophysics and more
Salary Range by Occupation or Occupational Group
National and International Maritime Transportation Career Contacts
Alphabetical listing of maritime country contacts (70 listings)
Foreign-Flag Licensure
Maritime “Admiralty Law” Legal Resources
Top 20 Commercial Merchant Marine Fleets of the World
Largest Oceans and Seas of the World
United States Water Transportation System - Extent and Use
Commercial waterway facilities and number of vessels
Top 20 United States Water Ports by Shipment Weight
Value of United States International Merchandise Trade by Mode of Transportation
Top 20 United States Foreign Water Trade Freight Gateways
Number and size of the United States Flag Merchant Marine Fleet and its share of the World Fleet
A Career in Shipping Ashore
Maritime, Aquatic and Nautical Academies, Colleges, Universities, Marine Education Institutions, Technical Schools and License Exam Preparation Schools - (620 listings)
Maritime, Aquatic and Nautical Marine Employment Agencies, Vessel Crewing/Manning, Maritime Unions, Job Search and Marine Headhunters - (145 listings)
Maritime, Aquatic and Nautical Associations, Foundations, Institutions, Organizations and Societies - (512 listings)
Maritime, Aquatic and Nautical Publishing Companies - Magazines, Newspapers, Newsletters and Journals - (162 listings)
Maritime, Aquatic and Nautical Bookstores and Educational Aids - (152 listings)
Glossary of Maritime, Aquatic and Nautical Terms and Words - (1,525 listings)
Other Marine Techniques Publishing - Industry Specific Marine Company Directories