psneeld
Guru
PS you’re absolutely right my sample size is extremely small. However with in that small sample the problematic individuals are way over represented by that group. Now when reviewing and vetting I discount what formal certificates prospective crew have paying more attention to their experience, supporting personal endorsements and direct discussion with them and the references they list. Some of my best crew has been professional mariners such as yourself, prior naval officers and other prior government employees. My go to guy ran fire boats in NY harbor. Close friend ran mega yachts (not deliver but full time). When he’s on my boat he’s captain and I’m crew.
I have not been licensed for over 20y so currently am not licensed. I never worked as a professional mariner. Self attested seatime doesn’t carry the weight that is allowed for lower levels. I’m honest and strict when I was keeping my log. Also when others signed off my seatime. I wonder about others. I have the utmost respect for professional mariners. I was referencing a segment of US captains within a level of captaincy. They are not representative of the group at large. This is a quite distinct group.
Yes good training captains are worth every penny. Unfortunately not all are. Watching and spending time with someone even briefly may tell you more about whether things will work out then a piece of paper.
You routinely use 100T if I recall the usual captain slam posting.
Lower level licenses make up a huge segment of the pro captain fleet.
You almost have to be a pro mariner from the beginning to work you way up to upper levels unless you go through an academy or extensive outside training.
Up to 100 can be obtained through one of the captain mills that abound in the country.
The type of captains I believe you had experiences with and correct me if I am wrong...are not the type that wind up being the backbone of the commercial fleets and are in and out of jobs for various reasons. Usually the same faults you mention are the reasons they don't stay long or last long in a lot of jobs I have worked. The part timers at big dealerships and a lot of delivery guys or wannabe charter guys seem to have littered my existence.