2/M looking to join

[u/WitcherFan2020]

Hey all, I'm currently with AMO however due to internal issues with the union and how it's looking to go downhill, I'm looking at switching to MSC for job security.

I've been in talks with a recruiter, and just wanted it fact checked. He's giving me the same numbers that the CIVMAR website is giving: 184k a year, 4 months on, 2 months off. And being a recruiter, of course he's saying that 2 months off is guaranteed now, and that it's very rare to be overdue unless you're a rescue swimmer. He's also saying I could get directly hired into 2/M, instead of starting at 3rd.

What are the actual income numbers I'd be looking at and is the 4on/2off rotation actually happening? Is there also a chance to be hired in as a Cargo 2nd, and not the Navigation 2nd? Last time I talked to anyone from MSC, I was a cadet and my 3rd and 2nd mates had been on board for over 8 months.

I know pay is entirely based on the type of ship. I'd expect to be assigned to a T-AO or T-AKE, due to having a Tankerman PIC, and away from the lower paid ships like the Zeus because I don't have DP.

[u/God_and_MyTwinVicars]

The money he is right about, you should be able to make 184k or higher as a second mate. It depends what platform you get on. I was on one of the Sub Tenders once and me and the Second Mate were making bank, more than the Captain and Chief Mate because all the night watches were paid overtime. Probably

more than 200k if I had stayed on there and not got bored and left. The 2 months off guaranteed is a lie unless you know how to work the system. When you get home, need to get a dentist appointment or PT for that shoulder injury you have, remember? Then you can't come back unless you get a signed doctors note that you are fit for duty. Just don't play these games during your one year probationary period and you're golden.

You can start as a second mate. Just apply as one.