If someone wants to volunteer on sportfishing boat or commerical fishing boat do they need a MMD LIKE THE CREW

Question

i always wanted to experience want it was like to work on a merchant vessel if i find a vessel whos company owner allowes volunteers to work on his boat as general vessel attendant do you think i will need a mmd i read the coast guard rules 100 gross tons and above and employed

Answer 1

Hello.

First of all, on a rec or commercial fishing boat you don't need a MMD (Merchant Mariners Document) also known as a Z-Card to be employed.

You are correct that a MMD is needed on vessels above 100 tons with few exceptions (working as a seafood processor on-board processor ships is exempt). You would also need STCW-95 Basic Safety Training. This is a five day course that covers first aid/CPR, fire fighting, water survival and social responsibility.

Nobody is going to normally let an undocumented person (No MMD, no STCW-95 BST) come on-board and even work as a "volunteer". The liability is too great for one. Two, many of these jobs are union. Three, companies are looking for people to make a career and the training costs with an entry level crew member are too high to waste on somebody that's only going to be there for a short while.

I have included a few links below. Mercy Ships is a religious based volunteer maritime relief agency. They always have openings for crew members and they seem like a good outfit if their goals and beliefs are in-line with yours.

There are also some Liberty/Victory Ships that you can volunteer at. They are being preserved as floating museums and in some cases they also sail at various times of the year on short cruises. You can work as a crew member and help operate the ship when it's cruising.

Answer 2

This depends on if your a filling a slot that requires a licensed crew member. If you are you will need a MMD.  If you are acting as a deck hand that does not meet a licensed slot then you do not need a MMD.

Most sport fishing boat do not require licensed mates or engineers. If you are involved in the operation of the vessel you will need to be in the vessels drug testing program.

good luck and safe boating ! !