>>1621926Yeah, I started as a deckhand at a bottom-barrel outfit, accumulated sea time, tested for and got my AB, moved to my current (better) company. This approach is called "hawspiping."
>I’m wondering if they perhaps have “accelerated formations” in 1-2 yearsPossibly. I don't know too much about the engineering track. Pretty sure it just boils down to: companies want to hire people with 1) the necessary certs and 2) experience. Getting the certs is a matter of passing Coast Guard exams, which can be done at Coast Guard centers or at "sea schools," which are not academies but dinky little teaching facilities usually located in strip malls, and which offer courses a la carte. I think you can also simply study independently and take the exams. Yes, you can also get your certs via maritime academy, but this is obviously a big, expensive, yearslong commitment which bundles together classes, internships, and a sort of college life. I think this is better for young guys out of HS, whereas for someone like you that has a degree already, I'd recommend taking courses at a sea school. As for "experience," I think you'd probably have to work as a deckhand for a while until you get at least an AB, but I'm not totally sure about that. Like I said, I really only know the deck track. Maybe someone else can chime in.
