Licensed Officers

Deck Officers, referred to as Mates, are responsible for the safe navigation of our vessels and cargo operations. Engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of our vessels' machinery and propulsion plants. ASC hires its officers from two main sources.

Many of our officers were previously employed as unlicensed seamen on our vessels. In the industry, it's called "coming up the hawse-pipe." The hawse pipe is a pipe near the bow of the ship where the anchor chain is hauled through by the anchor windlass. Unlicensed seamen must first meet minimum sea time requirements and take US Coast Guard license exams in order to obtain a license as a First Class Pilot or Engineer.

We also hire many of our officers as graduates from the Federal or State maritime academies. Most maritime academies have four-year programs where upon graduation, the person will have both a bachelors degree and US Coast Guard license. Students enrolled in licensing programs at maritime academies may sail aboard ASC vessels as cadets to obtain the required US Coast Guard sea time and experience. Maritime Academy students who are interested in sailing with ASC may arrange this through the academy's ship- board training representative or by contacting ASC directly. You can click on any of the academies listed below to get additional information:

• US Merchant Marine Academy
• Great Lakes Maritime Academy
• Maine Maritime Academy
• State University of New York Maritime College
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Our Great Lakes vessels lay up for the winter in early to mid-January. The vessels usually start to fit-out for the navigation season in mid to late March.

All of our officers are members of the American Maritime Officers Union (AMO).

Benefits

All ASC officers receive free room and board while employed aboard one of our vessels. We also provide paid vacation, pension, medical, and education benefits through the American Maritime Officers Union (AMO). The AMO has its own modern schools and upgrading programs.

Information For Veterans

Individuals who have had prior service in the military or other government agencies with qualifying shipboard experience may be immediately eligible for endorsement as a licensed engineer. Such individuals are encouraged to contact any US Coast Guard Regional Examination Center for additional information. You may also refer to the Code of Federal Regulations, 4 6CFR10.213, sea service as a member of the armed forces of the United States and on vessels owned by the United States as qualifying experience.

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Deck Officers (Mates)

All Great Lakes deck officers must meet the following requirements:

• Valid US Coast Guard license as First Class Pilot Of Any Gross Tons Upon The Great Lakes Between Duluth, Gary And Buffalo
• Valid Unlimited Radar Observer endorsement
• Valid FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit - See FCC Application Form 605
• Valid Merchant Mariners Document issued by the US Coast Guard
• Current physical examination
• Current Department of Transportation Drug Screen in accordance with NIDA standards
• Proof of US citizenship

Requirements for First Class Pilots can be found in the US Code of Federal Regulations or by contacting the US Coast Guard Regional Examination Center in Toledo, Ohio.

Individuals licensed by the US Coast Guard as Third Mate, Second Mate, Chief Mate or Master with unlimited tonnage on oceans will be considered for employment. Please contact the company's Human Resources Department for details.

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Engineer Officers

All Great Lakes vessel engineers must meet the following requirements:

• Valid US Coast Guard license as a Third Assistant Engineer Of Motor Vessels Of Any Horsepower (US Coast Guard licensing and documentation information can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations.)
• Valid Merchant Mariners Document issued by the US Coast Guard
• Current physical examination
• Current Department of Transportation Drug Screen in accordance with NIDA standards
• Proof of US citizenship

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Additional Information

You can contact us for any additional information on employment opportunities by filling in our online form, writing to our Human Resources Department, or calling our Human Resources Department at the address and phone number shown below.