Job Responsibilities
Modern oil tankers operate with a minimum of crewing thus most of
the engineering/navigation work is done by computers. The most
complex are the units involved in the engineering department.
The main engines are operated and monitored by computers. Thus
the majority of the specilist time would be involved with the
engineering department. There may be thousands of sensors the
will need periodic testing and repair. There may be up to 2
dozen compers involved in the monitoring and functioning of the
main engine. In some instances a faulty sensor will cause the
computer to shut down the main engines, causing serious proplems
for the ship. There will be night call outs to determine alleged
problems or real problems. When there is a min engine shut down
work will be continous until it is back on line and operating
properly. Therefore the majority of your work will be
calibrating sensors with work on engine problems not associated
with shut engine shut down done in port time when the engines are
cold. Some time will be spent with the sensors associated with
the discharge and receiving of cargo as the cargo pumping
equipment is also computor monitored.
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Job Requirements
The best background prepartion for this field is to attend
community college electronics/computer repair courses. At this
time there are two routs available for this position, The first
one that I will address is through enlistment in the Navy and
entering one of the electroic trained fields. This will take a
minimum of a 4 year commitment. The second route is through one
of the maritime union schools for the engineering department an
obtaining the opportunity to attend thier electronic training.
Both pathes require extensiveat at sea documentation and Coast
Guard testing.
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Uppers
The pay is comparable to shore jobs when considering the perks that are
associated with this field. Free room and board while on board ship. Free
transportation from home to the boarding port. The opportunity to travel
outside
the U.S. In some cases 4 to 6 month paid vaction time. You will be working
withpeople who consider being at sea the best part of the job away from the
hectic drive to work every day, the hustle and bussel of shore live and most
will
have homes located in small towns or remote places or live in countries out side
of the U.S.
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Downers
The biggest downer that I experienced what the time away from
home and family. Even having a bad boss would change frequently
as they were sent home for vacation.
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Lifestyle
Seriously consider the fact that there will be long periods of
time that you will be away from home following this career path.
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Compensation
When I retired in 1996 I was earning over 70,000 a year and
working about 8 9 months a year. I am sure that the wages have
increased in the insuing time.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Seriously consider the fact that there will be long periods of
time that you will be away from home following this career path.
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