Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Get A Job On The Great Lakes This Summer! All The Fish You Can Eat-Free!










Shipboard Employment Opportunities
The U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleet typically has a number of job openings during the shipping season. While many openings are "relief positions" (replacing regular crewmembers going on vacation), there are also permanent positions available in all ratings - entries, the qualified ratings (AB and QMED) and officers. Therefore, the length of employment could be several weeks or longer.
By law, no one may work on a U.S.-Flag commercial vessel without a Merchant Mariner's Document. For more information on obtaining an MMD, click here. Mariners already possessing a valid MMD (it must be renewed every five years), may contact the following individuals and organizations.
OFFICERS
The majority of U.S.-Flag Lakers are contracted with American Maritime Officers to supply licensed officers. Individuals possessing an Engine or Deck license should contact Phil Kelley (1-800-221-9395). Grand River Navigation Company is contracted with Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP), but hires directly. Contact Rick Turman, Sr. (440-930-2024). MMP's contact is Charles Malue (216-776-1667). Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) represents officers on Interlake Steamship vessels. MEBA's Lakes' agent, Salvatore Zingales, can be contacted at (216) 579-6322.
UNLICENSED PERSONNEL
Some companies are contracted with the Seafarers’ International Union (SIU) for their unlicensed personnel. For more information, call (810) 794-4988.
The following companies are contracted with Steelworkers Local 5000, but hire unlicensed personnel directly.
Central Marine Logistics, Inc. – Lori Johnston (219) 922-2644 Great Lakes Fleet / Key Lakes, Inc. - 1-800-535-2321The Interlake Steamship Company – (800-327-3855, ext. 1140)Liberty Steamship Company (a subsidiary of American Steamship Company) - Mary Banks (800) 828-7230Grand River Navigation Company is contracted with Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP), but hires directly. Contact Rick Turman, Sr. (440-930-2024).
For employment opportunities with Lake Michigan Carferry, contact Laurie Bialochowski (231-843-1509).
Working in the marine industry is a rewarding career, but as with all professions, it has its unique demands. Great Lakes shipping IS NOT a 9 to 5 job. The ships operate constantly, stopping only long enough to load or discharge cargo. If the ship arrives in port at 0130 (1:30 a.m.), that’s when loading or unloading begins. Similarly, if loading/unloading finishes at 2300 (11 p.m.), the vessel is underway minutes later. Crewmembers are aboard ship for weeks on end, with only limited opportunities for going ashore. The pay is competitive and the food is good and plentiful. Meals and rooms are provided free of charge. All members of Lake Carriers’ Association are Equal Opportunity Employers.
Lake Carriers' Association Membership

American Steamship Company
Andrie, Inc.
Armstrong Steamship Company
Bell Steamship Company
Central Marine Logistics, Inc.
Grand River Navigation Company, Inc.
Great Lakes Fleet / Key Lakes, Inc.
Inland Lakes Management, Inc.
The Interlake Steamship Company
KK Integrated Shipping
Lake Michigan Carferry Service, Inc.
Lakes Shipping Company, Inc.
Pere Marquette Shipping Company
Port City Marine Services
Port City Steamship Company
Soo Marine Supply, Inc.
Upper Lakes Towing Company, Inc.
VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Inc.
Big Ships Prepare to Leave Erie
March 17, 2010, 4:29 pm
Two large ships that have been undergoing yearly winter maintenance here in Erie will sail out of the harbor on Friday. The Edgar Speer and the Presque Isle will head to Lake Superior to begin 10 months of hauling iron ore around the Great Lakes. Crews at Erie Sand and Gravel spent the past 2 months overhauling the engines, machinery, and doing preventative maintenance. John Thibodeau of the Great Lakes Fleet said, "We've been doing overhauls, repairing machinery and preventative maintenance as well as repairing stuff that is broken." The work has been a big boost for Erie Sand and Gravel. Tod Eagleton of Erie Sand and Gravel said, "If we didn't have this boat work we would probably have had to layoff 3 or 4 people. So we're able to keep our work force in place, and also bring on some temporary help. So it very certainly helps us and the local economy." Great Lakes shipping was down last year because of the recession. Officials are hoping for a turnaround this year. Eagleton said, "This year more vessels are actually going to be fitted out. But in the stone trade we're really not sure yet. It will play out. It is kind of a crap shoot."

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