Becoming an ordinary seaman when one's inexperienced

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Originally Posted by blue whale

To precise my first post, I wished to ask this question because from the research I've done on the web, it seems possible [ The Profession of Ordinary Seaman (OS) on Ship | Marine Insight ] to become an OS in the US and Canada "just like that"; and thus I wanted to know if this was the same in the UK ;)

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Hello Blue Whale, seems you have dodged all the harpoons so far. The site quoted in your text I think gives a simplification of the true facts e.g. the only difference is the pay scale, most of us would say that the difference is "the experience gained and more importantly needed"

It is true that a lot of us on this site are old codgers reliving the sea as we experienced it, when to become an AB meant going through some rigourous training and years served.

If it is so easy to become a seafarer in the good ole US of A why are you not considering that avenue, you are not very open about your reasons for wanting to experience life at sea with a base in the UK.

You will have noted that honesty and forthrightness seem to be the byewords on this site with no punches pulled, some have tried to help by guiding you to relevant sites but you are not helping us to help you by keeping your reasons close to your chest.

You will also have noted on this site, if you read the other forums, how the lads on this site go out of their way to help others, sometimes with little or no thanks for all the efforts they put in, are you one of those who is joining this latter group ? or are you of the modern world of me, me, me,

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Originally Posted by blue whale

To precise my first post, I wished to ask this question because from the research I've done on the web, it seems possible [ The Profession of Ordinary Seaman (OS) on Ship | Marine Insight ] to become an OS in the US and Canada "just like that"; and thus I wanted to know if this was the same in the UK ;)

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If that is true, then with the greatest respect to our American and Canadian friends, that's why the British Seaman was and still is, in my opinion, the best in the world, he was trained to do his job.

Chris

I remember well in theearly 1960,s being asked by a yankee ship tied up astern if we had anyone on board who could splice wire, of course we all could, and the bosun sent two day work ABs to do the job, and they picked up a nice little earner. I think that speaks o the quality of the two nations seamen, Keith Tindell

Hi, With regard to my last post re wire splice, i am 71 years of age and still remember the old ryme
Worm and parcel with the lay
turn and serve the other way
I wonder how many guys at sea today know what a serving board is!!! never mind the knowledge to use it. regards Keith Tindell

Hi Keith, I still have a serving board and knife and spike, My Dad made my spike at the Blacksmiths shop in 1952, almost 60 years old. did a lot with it over the years. not found much use around the house with them , yet. one day, maybe,
The rhyme , very few people would know what you were talking about today.

Cheers
Brian

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Originally Posted by Keith Tyndell

Hi, With regard to my last post re wire splice, i am 71 years of age and still remember the old ryme
Worm and parcel with the lay
turn and serve the other way
I wonder how many guys at sea today know what a serving board is!!! never mind the knowledge to use it. regards Keith Tindell

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Perhaps you might tell us what worming , parceling and serving is and how to do it ?.

Now we are getting petty John, perhaps you could look HERE. It will save Keith a lot of typing.

Chris.

You have got it Chris, still in use when i was at sea late 50`s early 60s, i aint that ancient!!!!, was just the general part in use then .regards Keith

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Originally Posted by blue whale

To precise my first post, I wished to ask this question because from the research I've done on the web, it seems possible [ The Profession of Ordinary Seaman (OS) on Ship | Marine Insight ] to become an OS in the US and Canada "just like that"; and thus I wanted to know if this was the same in the UK ;)

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Why dont you just come straight out and tell us with whatever it is your after and why. Your current occupation might help tell us a lot.

John Evans

Hi Chris.
Great site that, I've added it to my favorites. I still have my palm and needle but my serving board split in two years ago.
And Keith.
I remember an American victory boat that was heading for London, called up a dutch coaster and asked whats your position, which they gave him, when they asked him for his position he said three miles South of you, he followed the coaster across the shoals and run aground.
Cheers Des