Commercial Cruise Cadet Shipping Handbook

Transcription

1 The California Maritime Academy Department of Career Development Commercial Cruise Cadet Shipping Handbook Summer 2011

2 COMMERCIAL CRUISE CONTACTS Ku ulei Galatioto James Dalske Commercial Cruise Coordinator Director of Career Development Phone: (707) Phone: (707) Fax: (707) Fax: (707) Tess Luna Stephen Kreta Assistant Coordinator Academic Dean Phone: (707) Phone: (707) Sam Pecota John Massey MT Dept. Chair ET Dept. Chair Phone: (707) Phone: (707) Tuuli Messer Robert Jackson Deck Project Engine Project Phone: (707) Phone: (707) CMA Health Center (707)

3 Table of Contents Letter to Cadets 4 Commercial Cruise Timeline 5 Prerequisites 6 Registration 6 Student Conduct 7 Pick List Procedures 8 Required Documents 9 11 Contacting Companies 12 Do Not Contact List 13 Ship Selection 14 Cruise Contract 14 Shipping Orders 14 Items To Take With You 15 Behavior Aboard Ship 16 Length of Cruise 17 During Your Cruise Company Requirements 20 Academic Requirements 21 MSC Before You Leave The Ship Departing From Your Ship 26 Appendix

4 Dear Cadets: This booklet is to introduce you to the Commercial Cruise Shipping Program at The California Maritime Academy. It is your responsibility to read this booklet fully and to understand all requirements. If you have any questions it is your obligation to have them answered before you depart for cruise. The training and experience that you will receive during your sea time on a commercial vessel varies greatly with the type of trade in which the vessel is engaged as well as the ship s schedule and manning. It would be unreasonable for CMA to require working officers to do the job of our faculty, such as acting as a STCW Designated Examiner and certify competency in any STCW Code requirement. The officers on your vessel are not certifying competency whenever they assist you. The officer s responsibility is to the ship and company. These captains and crew have taken on an extra burden in order to assist you in fulfilling your educational needs. What you must understand is that you are now a part of their crew. You will stand watch, you will complete day work, and you will complete many tasks you may see as unnecessary or beneath you. As a cadet, you must complete all tasks assigned to you. Remember you are an official representative of the academy. Everything you say and do will not only reflect up on yourself but the entire institution and alumni. You should strive to have the necessary skills to be Officer in Charge of the Navigational or Engineering Watch as you disembark the vessel. For many of you this will be your first experience on a commercial vessel. While you may be considered to be in training you should strive to gain the respect from all the members of the crew. You need to deflate your ego and always be ready with a helping hand. Remember a simple letter of recommendation from this cruise may land you the job of your dreams after graduation. Finally, the following pages should answer any questions that may arise. There are copies of letters and forms for you to refer to. Make sure you follow directions, and complete all tasks assigned to you. Good Luck and Smooth Sailing, Ku ulei Galatioto Assistant Director of Sea Going Careers Commercial Cruise Coordinator The California Maritime Academy 4

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6 COMMERCIAL CRUISE PREREQUISTES In order for a cadet to be eligible for commercial cruise they must meet the academic requirements for that course. Prerequisites are detailed in your course catalog. Below is a sample of the prerequisites required: Deck Engine CRU 100 Fresmhen Bear Cruise CRU 150 Bear Cruise DL 111 Ship Operations II EPO 110 Plant Ops. I FCC Element 1 EPO 125 Intro. Marine Engineering DL 325 RADAR/ARPA EPO 210 Plant Ops. II DL 325L RADAR/ARPA Lab EPO 213 Welding EGL 100 English 100 EPO 215 Manufacturing Processes NAU 102 Navigating I EPO 220 Diesel Engineering NAU 102L Navigation I Lab NAU 205 Ship Stability NAU 305 Rules of the Road COMMERCIAL CRUISE REGISTRATION Cadets must enroll in the appropriate commercial cruise course. Enrollment can be done online through PeopleSoft or with Student Records. Deck Engine CRU 200 & CRU 200L CRU 250 Cadets must be fully registered & fees must be paid before ship selection. If you choose not to go on commercial cruise you must drop the course. This is an 8 unit course and it will affect your GPA. Cadets accepted in The California Maritime Academy Pre commissioning Pilot Program (CMAPPP) must enroll in CRU 225 & CRU 225L (deck) or CRU 275 (engine) The CMAPPP cruise is operated by the Department of Naval Science. 6

7 STUDENT CONDUCT ATTITUDE / BEHAVIOR Attitude and Behavior are very important for commercial cruise. Demerits affect your pick list ranking. Negative attitude affects your cadet evaluation and your grade. Poor behavior onboard the vessel could result in being removed from the vessel and failure of commercial cruise. If a captain calls to inform us of your inappropriate behavior, you will be removed from the ship. DEMERITS Demerits are used as part of the pick list ranking system. The more demerits you have on you record the lower you will be on the pick list. The Commandants Office will screen all cadets for conduct and provide a demerit records for each individual. This record will be used to create the pick list ranking. Cadets may go to The Commandants Office to see their personal conduct record. If there are any discrepancies on your record, you have until February 28th to clear them up. Conduct records are pulled March 1st to create the pick list. DRIC Cadets found guilt of an offense from DRIC board may receive a disciplinary sanction which removes them from commercial cruise. This may occur at any time prior to shipping out. CONDUCT ABOARD VESSEL Cadets are required to follow all requirements, guidelines, rules, policies and procedures as outlined by: CMA, the shipping company, captain or crew. Failure to follow these rules may result in immediate removal from the ship at the cadets personal expense and failure of commercial cruise. If a cadet has a question as to any of the requirements, guidelines, rules, policies and procedures they are to call the Career Center or ask the Captain. (Failure to follow this rule may result in the cadet not being able to sail with another company that summer.) 7

8 PICK LIST PROCEDURES All students participating in commercial cruise will be organized numerically to produce a ranking from which shipping billets will be selected. Deck & Engine cadets are ranked separately. Cadets are ranked based on their Campus Cumulative GPA & Corps Conduct. First the list is organized by GPA, then the list is adjusted according to demerits. Cadets with 1 10 demerits will drop 1 rank position Cadets with demerits will drop 2 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 3 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 4 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 5 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 6 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 7 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 8 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 9 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 10 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 11 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 12 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 13 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 14 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 15 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 16 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 17 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 18 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 19 rank positions Cadets with demerits will drop 20 rank positions When two cadets hold the same rank position the cadet with the higher GPA will be first Failure to turn in required documents by the due date will result in being dropped 10 rank positions. Failure to attend mandatory commercial cruise meetings will result in being dropped 10 rank positions. Students repeating cruise will be dropped to the bottom of the rank list, unless the repeat was due to an approved medical incident or an approved emergency. Cadets will receive their pick list rank during the second week of March. If you are not present at your schedules time of ship selection you will be dropped to the bottom of the list. 8

9 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Required documents must be turned in to the Commercial Cruise Coordinator by March 1st. Failure to obtain any of these documents or losses of any of the documents will result in being removed from commercial cruise. Passport Medical Insurance All cadets must have medical insurance. All cadets must have a passport valid for the duration of their shipping summer. Cadets choosing to sail on a vessel operating internationally must have repatriation insurance coverage. Those who have purchased the schools insurance already have repatriation insurance. The Health Center has information about available coverage. Merchant Mariner Credential TWIC Card The STCW Coordinator can assistance in obtaining this booklet. The STCW Coordinator can assistance in obtaining this card. 9

10 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS All students must pass a USCG physical. (valid for 1 year) Physicals can be completed in the Student Health Center, Sports physicals do not count. Sign up for an appointment as soon as possible. Physicals can be completed by a personal doctor as long as they are completed and submitted to the Career Center by March 1st on the correct U.S Coast Guard Form. Some companies require extra physicals, these costs are at the cadets personal expense. Cadets who do not pass a company s physical requirements are not allowed to sail with that company and are not guaranteed another billet. 10

11 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS All cadets must fill out the Cadet Personal Data Sheet, this information is sent to your selected company so be sure it has accurate information. This is a copy of your Medical Waver. A medical waver must be signed in order for your U.S Coast Guard Physical to be sent to the Career Center and to your selected company. A Basic Safety Certificate will be sent to your selected company. The Commercial Cruise Coordinator will secure this for you. A Drug Free Certificate will be sent to your selected company. The Commercial Cruise Coordinator will secure this for you. 11

12 CONTACTING SHIPPING COMPANIES You May ONLY Speak to Companies that we do NOT Contact!!! You MUST get permission from the Commercial Cruise Coordinator Prior to Contacting Anyone!! (See Do Not Contact List Provided) Violation of These Rules Can Result in Disciplinary Action and / or You Being Dropped From Commercial Cruise 12

13 DO NOT CONTACT LIST This is "NOT" a complete list of all companies that we contact. This is a list of the companies that upon NO circumstance are you to contact in regard to Commercial Cruise. You may research other companies that you would like to do a Commercial Cruise with however, you MUST get permission from the Commercial Cruise Coordinator before contacting any company to insure we are not presently in contact with them. Violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action. Alaris Companies LLC Alaska Marine Highway Alaska Marine Lines Alaska Tanker Company American Heavylift American Overseas and General Dynamics American Overseas Marine Coroporation American President Lines American Roll/On Roll/Off American Seafoods American Ship Management American Steamship Co. American West Steamboat Co. AmNav Maritime Services Inc. Atlantic Tankships, Inc. Bahamas Ferries Baydelta Maritime Bay-Houston Towing Bayou Fleet Bean Dredging Blue & Gold Fleet Boyer Towing Brusco Towing Cal Dive Campbell Towing Company Carnival Cruise Cenac Towing Inc. Chevron Shipping Co. Classical Cruises Coastal Towing Coastal Transportation Inc. Columbus Lines Commodore Dining Cruises, Inc. Conoco Philips, Polar Tankers Crowley Crystal Cruises CSX (Sealand Domestic) Disney Cruise Lines Dredge Operators Dunlap Towing Dutra Dredging Edison Chouest Foss Maritime G & H Towing Global Container Lines GoldenGate Ferries Great Lakes Dredge & Dry Dock Great White Fleet Harley Maritime Company Hawaiian Tug and Barge Holland America Cruise Lines Horizon Lines Hornbeck Offshore Hornblower Interlake Steamship Co. International Ship Management Interocean American Shipping IUM Tote J Ray McDermott Keystone Shipping, Co. Kilgore Marine Kirby Inland Marine K-Sea Transportation Labored Marine Liberty Marine Lindblad Expeditions Maersk Line LTD MAR Incorporated Marine Transport Lines Maritrans Matson Navigation McAllaster Towing Mercy Ships Military Sealift Command Millennium Maritime NATCO National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Norwegian Cruise Lines Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. Oceaneering OOCL (USA), Inc. OSG Ship Management Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management, Inc. Pacific Gulf Marine Pacific Hawaiian Line, Inc. Pasha Hawaii Penn Maritime Premier Pacific Seafood Pride International Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean Sargent Marine Sause Brothers Scripps Sea Coast Towing, Inc. Seabulk International Seabulk Offshore, Ltd. Seacor Sealift Seariver Maritime Inc. Shaver Transportation Company Shell Offshore Stolt Comex Seaway Teekay Shipping Tidewater Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. Transmarine Navigation Co. Transocean Trident Seafoods Trinity Ship Management TYCO Submarine Systems, Ltd. TyCom U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Ship Management Inc. (Sea- Land International) United Maritime Group United States Shipping, LLC University of Hawaii University of Washington V. Ships Leisure S.A.M. Washington State Ferry Weeks Marine Western Towboat Westwood shipping Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Xanterra Parks and Resorts Zidell Marine Corporation Updated 1/24/10 13

14 SHIP SELECTION All students participating in commercial cruise are given a pick number. Students will select their ship billet in order of their pick number. Picks will be held in the Career Center during the third week of March. Cadets are encouraged to keep their whole summer available for commercial cruise, ships schedules will not be adjusted for family or personal events. CRUISE CONTRACT You will be required to sign a cruise contract. This contract is a behavioral agreement with your designated instructor. Your attitude is important and any negative report will impact your grade for commercial cruise. Additionally, because this is an academic class you may be subject to disciplinary action. 14 SHIPPING ORDERS The Career Center will issue you Shipping Orders the week after ship selection. Your shipping orders will provide you with a company contact whom you will call to set a sailing date and travel arrangements. If you are having any difficulties contacting this person please call the Career Center. Hello, My name is I am a cadet with Cal Maritime. I will be sailing with your company this summer for my commercial cruise. I was told to contact you regarding my shipping dates. Do not Bother / Annoy / Harass or Pester this person, they have the option of saying NO to you. The shipping orders that we issue to you are important, do not loose them. You must take these orders with you to the ship. Some companies issue their own set of orders on company letter head, those are very important do not go to the ship without these orders. Shipping orders are your proof to the ship/company that you have permission to be there.

15 ITEMS TO TAKE WITH YOU Sea Project: Documentation: Commercial Cruise Project Passport Cadet Shipping Handbook Merchant Mariner Credentials Pens TWIC Card Pencils Drivers License / State ID Paper CMA Shipping orders Graph Paper / Sketch Pad Medical Insurance Card Laptop Ruler Jump Drive / CD Sheet Protectors And anything else you may need to complete your project (do not assume the ship has them) Clothing: Miscellaneous: Khaki uniform x2 Toiletries Boiler Suit Medication Work Clothes x2 Alarm Clock & Watch Steel Toe Boots Knife Tennis/Casual Shoes Flashlight Bates Camera Socks (5 black, 5 white) Sun Glasses Underwear & T shirts (5/7 Pairs) Feminine Supplies Swimsuit Cell Phone Sweater Phone Card Black CMA Jacket Money Yellow Rain Gear Hard Hat CMA Ball Cap Safety Goggles Ear Protection Gloves You are required to report to the ship in khaki uniform unless otherwise directed. (If you are flying internationally you will wear dress slacks and a polo shirt.) Upon arrival you will report to the Captain unless your orders indicate otherwise. ( Report on time! Do not miss your ship. A missed ship will result in a failure of commercial cruise, and no fee refund.) 15

16 BEHAVOR ABOARD SHIP The California Maritime Academy is rooted in maritime traditions. During your time here you have learned to honor and respect these traditions. While you are aboard your commercial ship remember that you are a representative of the Academy and a guest of the Company, the ship and the Master/Chief Engineer. Cal Maritime has a way of doing things, and these traditions have been passed down for over 80 years. It is our rich history and strong upholding of tradition which distinguishes us from other institutes. It is your duty and privilege to continue and respect Cal Maritime with the same respect and honor it has earned over the years. You have been walking the reputable path of previous cadets. Your future employment and the employment of your classmates could depend on your behavior while on board. Part of your commercial cruise project requires an evaluation from the ship. A poor evaluation may mean failure of your commercial cruise. CMA Core Values Dedication Honor Integrity Responsibility Respect Trust 16

17 LENGTH OF CRUISE Commercial cruise must be at least 60 days counting arrival and departure dates. The odds of departing your ship on day 60 are slim to none. The length of your cruise will vary, you may be on longer than you anticipated. Too bad you must stay on the ship until the Captain releases you. Deck cadets who select a tanker must complete at least 90 days. Exceptions will not be made to allow the cadet to return to school late. All cadets must return to school on time, first day of instruction is September 6, 2011 It is your duty to coordinate with the Captain as to when you will depart from the vessel. If there are any problems or you anticipate not being able to report back to school on time you must notify the Career Center for written approval. If you need to leave the ship early due to personal reasons you must get approval from your Department Chair, Academic Dean and the Master/Chief Engineer. If you do get permission to leave early, there is no guarantee that another 60 day commercial cruise assignment will be made. Early departure without authorization will result in failure of your commercial cruise and disciplinary action. DURING YOUR CRUISE You must call the Career Center the day you arrive to your vessel and leave a message such as the following: Hello this is deck/engine cadet First name, Last name. I am sailing with company and I will be reporting to vessel name today at the port of on Date You must call the Career Center (707) or kgalatioto@csum.edu on the day of your departure. Call the Career Center and leave a message such as the following: Hello this is deck/engine cadet First name, Last name. I will be departing my vessel on day 60 from the port of on _Date_ 17

18 DURING YOUR CRUISE CAUTION BE CAREFUL AND ALERT when on deck, in holds, in the engine room and engine spaces, on the pier and in terminals. Carry a flashlight whenever on watch (use only ship furnished flashlights on tankers). SAFETY FIRST! ALCOHOL Do not partake in alcoholic beverages while on board. A breath testing device may be administered by the Master on any crew member who appears to be Intoxicated (as a cadet you are a crew member). The Coast Guard has established.04% as the maximum allowable reading. Failure of a breath test may be reported to the Coast Guard, and will result in the removal from your commercial cruise assignment, and severe disciplinary action by the Academy, and possible dismissal. CONTRABAND Do not take aboard or remove from ship any contraband. Remember that a conviction on any drug charge (including marijuana) results in mandatory revocation of all seaman's documents and possible dismissal from the Academy. QUARTERS Keep your quarters on the ship neat. The Master or Department Head may inspect your quarters at any time. Companies will provide basics (pillow, blankets, sheets, & towels). SAILING BOARD Be sure to note the sailing board and be alert to changes. Missing a ship is a serious offense and will result in failure of commercial cruise. If you miss the ship you will be responsible for all travel expenses. Keep the ship informed of your whereabouts. IMPORTANT: Liberty is granted at the Master's or Department Head's discretion OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS The ship's officers will not assign you any task that would be inappropriate for your training or contrary to any union contract. You should not refuse any assignment unless you consider that job to be unsafe, and then be prepared to defend your decision at a DRIC board hearing. You are on board to learn and therefore are not just an observer. LEARN BY DOING. MEDICAL INCIDENT/ ISSUES Any medical incident which happened during commercial cruise must be immediately reported to the Career Center and CMA Health Center. The cadet must still get permission to depart the vessel from their designated instructor or Academic Dean. If a medical condition requires you to get dismissed from the vessel, you must notify the Career Center and CMA Health Center. CMA Health Center (707) CMA Career Center (707)

19 DURING YOUR CRUISE If any personal incident arises while you are aboard you must notify the Career Center immediately. Harassment Missed the ship Reported to ship intoxicated Failure of alcohol or drug test Kicked off the ship Injury Illness Death in the family It is better for you to inform the Career Center about any incident before the company reports it to us! IF YOU NEED TO DEPART THE SHIP EARLY YOU MUST GET PERMISSION FROM DEAN KRETA AND YOU MUST NOTIFY THE COMMERCIAL CRUISE COORDINATOR This includes personal illness, death in the family, and trouble on the ship. If you re in doubt as to your situation, call the Career Center. If you leave the ship without permission you may be subject to disciplinary action up to a Class I offense. If YOU ARE HAVING ANY PROBLEM DURING YOUR CRUISE DON T HESITATE TO CALL THE COMMERCIAL CRUISE COORDINATOR. 1 (707) There are no excuses for not being able to contact us Refer to the commercial cruise contact page at the front and back of this booklet REMOVAL / DIMISSAL FROM CRUISE If the ship reports any negative incident about the cadet aboard, a report will be sent to the Commandant s Office, Dean of Academics and the Department Chair. They will determine if the cadet shall be pulled from the vessel. If the cadet is to be removed from the vessel, all expenses will be the cadet s responsibility. 19

20 DURING YOUR CRUISE KEEP IN CONTACT It is suggested that you maintain regular contact with your family members during your commercial cruise. Let it be known that the Career Center cannot disclose any information about your whereabouts. COMPANY REQUIREMENTS Some companies have additional requirements for their cadets. The Career Center can advise you on the requirements for each company. If you select a company which has additional requirements it is your responsibility to complete all requirements. All additional requirements are at your own expense. Types of additional requirements include: respirator fit test, work related supplies, steel toe boots, drug tests, additional physical, ear plugs, etc. Most companies do not pay for your travel, and they are not required to do so. If there is an issue with transportation or flight costs please contact the Career Center for information about emergency loans. Anyone who selects a tanker will need to get a Benzene test. They are approximately $150. See the CMA Health Center for a referral. 20

21 Work ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Work on your project daily. You are responsible to ensure completion of all requirements of the project. Turn in your project on time, there are no exceptions for the due date. This includes if you start your cruise later than most of your peers. Read your project thoroughly and be sure you understand how to answer each question. If you are unsure about any aspect of the project ask your Instructor of Record. Save your work! There are no excuses for an incomplete project! You must save and protect your project. Have it backed up on a hard drive, jump drive, CD, print it out as you go along, it to yourself. Whatever you need to do to ensure that your project will be turned in on time. Contact your Instructor of Record if you have ANY questions regarding the project My Instructor of Record is Mr./Ms. I can call them at (707) 654 I can them at If your project is incomplete or not turned in on time you will find your self in hot water! COMMERCIAL CRUISE GRADING The Career Center does not answer any academic questions or make any decisions regarding the commercial cruise project. This includes due date and project completion. If a cadet has a question regarding the project, he/she is advised to contact their Department Chair or their Instructor of Record. If you are having difficulties contacting your instructor, the Career Center can asset with communications. PROJECT DUE DATE Be sure to turn in your project on time. Only your Instructor of Record can grant you an extension on your project due date. Typically extensions are not granted. My project due date is 21

22 MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND (MSC) MSC's mission is to support our nation by delivering supplies and conducting specialized missions across the world's oceans All MSC ships, unlike other U.S. Navy ships, are crewed by civilians, and some ships also have small military departments assigned to carry out communication and supply functions. Military Sealift Command currently operates 111 non combatant, civilian crewed ships worldwide. In addition, the command has access to 51 other ships that are kept in reduced operating status, ready to be activated if needed.the command has many different career opportunities both ashore and afloat. As part of its work force, MSC employs more than 4,000 civil service mariners, federal government employees who crew and sail MSC's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force and special missions ships all non combatant ships. For more information on MSC please visit: MSC COMMITMENT Cadets choosing to ship commercially with Military Sealift Command (MSC) will be required to commit with the process. Once a cadet commits to sail commercially with MSC they are locked in. If after committing to the process, the cadet chooses not to sail with MSC they will not be provided another billet or further assistance from the Career Center. The only way a cadet can be removed from the MSC commitment is if they are medically disqualified or do not meet MSC requirements. MSC SHIP SELECTION MSC picks are done differently, Cadets must be fully cleared by MSC in order to be assigned to a ship. Once cadets are cleared, the Career Center will hold MSC commercial cruise picks. Cadets are ranked according to the commercial cruise pick procedures, it is from this rank that cadets select a vessel. MSC has the right to change the vessel and departure dates as needed to support its mission. Females sailing with MSC will be placed in pairs and not go through the standard pick list. 22

23 A sampling of MSC ships which take cadets 23

24 Work BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE SHIP GET YOUR EVALUATION COMPLETED Be sure to get your evaluation completed before you leave the ship. It is nearly impossible to get an evaluation after you depart the ship. This is part of your grade and you are required to have an officers evaluation. THANK THE OFFICERS Courtesy goes a long way so it is important that you are respectful and courtesy to everyone aboard the ship. This is important during your cruise but is also important when you are leaving. You want to leave on a positive note and give a lasting impression. Be sure to thank each officer that has helped you during your cruise. A simple hand shake and thank you is good but you may want to write an actual thank you note to those who have gone out of their way to help train you. Sample thank you note Dear Captain, I will be departing the vessel Thursday in the port of Oakland. I would like to thank you for helping me during my cruise. Thank you for my time aboard and wish I could stay longer. I really learned a lot during our bridge watches. I enjoyed your sea stories and the life lessons. I look forward to sailing with you once I graduate. Respectfully, Deck Cadet Thomas Jefferson Cal Maritime Class of 2013 (707) T.Jeffsreon@gmail.com 24

25 BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE SHIP ASK FOR A LETTER OF REFERENCE For most of you commercial cruise will be your only professional maritime experience. Along with your Golden Bear cruise, this will be the job that employers will reflect on to determine your maritime qualifications and skills. Having a letter of reference can greatly increase your changes of landing your dream job. Before you leave the ship ask your supervisor if they would write you a letter of reference. A sampling reference letter July 15, 2011 Re: Recommendation for Cadet John Doe To Whom It May Concern: I supervised cadet John Doe during his commercial cruise aboard the M/V Goldenbear from May July While aboard the vessel he impressed me with his performance and enthusiasm. Cadet Doe has strong communication skills and a professional demeanor. Cadet Doe has had the opportunity to put his shipboard knowledge to practice use. Our voyage took us through the congested waters of Singapore which allowed him to practice with navigation and collision avoidance. We also encountered sever weather in which Cadet Doe was a valuable team member for securing and checking cargo. It was a pleasure working with cadet John Doe. I look forward to working with him upon graduation. Sincerely, Thomas Jefferson Second Officer, M/V Goldenbear, ABC Shipping company (555) T. Jefferson@ABCship.com **Get their contact information for a future reference.** 25

26 DEPARTING FROM YOUR SHIP Notify the Captain of your intent to depart You will need to get a Notice of Discharge / Sea Service letter to include in your project Be sure this letter has the correct dates and that you have met the required 60 days Read this letter carefully to ensure its accuracy The letter must cite you as Cadet Certificates of Discharge are usually provided from ocean going ships. Letters Of Discharge are printed on company letter head. They cite specific CRF code and state your time served aboard the vessel. Letters of discharge differ depending on the vessel which you are aboard. 26

27 APPENDIX BACK TO BACK CRUISES Cadets wishing to complete back to back cruises must get permission from their Department Chair. Back to back cruises are only granted for special circumstances. The cadet will go through the pick list and must select a billet which will allow them the opportunity to complete both cruises. Cadets are not guaranteed to pass either cruise. ENROLLMENT All students participating in the commercial cruise program must be actively enrolled in the appropriate course. This includes students finishing sea days, PIC endorsement, TOAR endorsement or other programs associated with sailing aboard commercial vessels. MEDICAL INSURANCE All cadets are required to have personal medical insurance. Cadets who select a vessel that may operate internationally must have repatriation insurance coverage. SHIPPING BILLETS All cadet shipping billets will be completed, approved and coordinated through the Career Center. All special arrangements and ship requests must be approved by the Career Center. Pre selected letters are approved by the Career Center, factors that are taken into account include: conduct, grades, academic standing and company approval. NEW COMPANY APPROVAL Any cadet requesting to sail on a vessel with a new company or company that we have not worked with before will need to be approved by their department chair or their designee. SUMMER SCHOOL Cadets who fail a prerequisites course for commercial cruise are not eligible to ship until the prerequisite is complete. Cadets who enroll in a summer school program are not guaranteed a commercial cruise billet and will not be allowed to select a vessel until a passing grade has been achieved. If vessel selection has already taken place prior to the failure of a prerequisite the billet be stripped from the cadet and may be given to another cadet. BILLET INTERVIEWS Shipping companies reserve the right to interview or pre select their cadets. If a company wishes to interview for their cadet, the commercial cruise coordinator will be in charge of organizing interviews. Cadets cannot contact any company until permission from the Commercial Cruise Coordinator has been granted. 27

28 APPENDIX Outlined below are the requirements of cadets for documentation and the level of service the Career Development Center is able to provide enrolled cadets, based on their residency status within the United States. Permanent Residents U.S. passport valid for the duration of the shipping period U.S. Permanent Resident document, valid for the duration of the shipping period U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, valid for the duration of the shipping period Transportation Workers Identification Credential valid for the duration of the shipping period U.S C.G. Physical, fit for duty. Physical must be valid (<12 mo. old) during shipping period Medical insurance Cadets whose vessels will transit into foreign countries will be required to show proof of repatriation insurance. (CMA Student Health Center has arranged a coverage for $65 which may be purchased for this propose) Permanent residents may not be eligible to serve on vessels chartered for government purposes. Many of these vessels have additional security requirements which a Permanent Resident may not meet, therefore making them ineligible to serve aboard that particular vessel. Foreign Nationals Passport from country of origin, valid for the duration of the shipping period F1 Visa valid for the duration of the shipping period I 20 valid for the duration of the shipping period U.S C.G. Physical, fit for duty. Physical must be valid (<12 mo. old) during shipping period Medical insurance Cadets whose vessels will transit into foreign countries will be required to show proof of repatriation insurance. (CMA Student Health Center has arranged a coverage for $65 which may be purchased for this propose) Strongly suggested that the cadet hold a Seaman s Book/Merchant Mariner Credential from their country of origin. Foreign nationals who are sponsored by a maritime authority/company will coordinate their commercial cruise cadet berth directly with their sponsor. Foreign nationals that are not sponsored by a maritime authority/company are provided assistance by the Office of Career Development in finding a cadet billet in order to complete curriculum requirements. Foreign National cadets are not guaranteed placement aboard a vessel. Should the Office of Career Development, through its contacts with the foreign fleet, not be able to secure a berth for a cadet, the cadet will be granted permission to directly contact additional companies outside those normally utilized for cadet billets. Any billet, outside of those companies normally utilized for cadet billets, must be pre approved by the Department Chair or Academic Dean as meeting the requirements to complete the CRU 200/250 Cruise Project. 28

29 COMMERCIAL CRUISE CONTACTS Ku ulei Galatioto James Dalske Commercial Cruise Coordinator Director of Career Development Phone: (707) Phone: (707) Fax: (707) Fax: (707) Tess Luna Stephen Kreta Assistant Coordinator Academic Dean Phone: (707) Phone: (707) Sam Pecota John Massey MT Dept. Chair ET Dept. Chair Phone: (707) Phone: (707) Tuuli Messer Robert Jackson Deck Project Engine Project Phone: (707) Phone: (707) CMA Health Center (707)

30 Work NOTES 30