Winter Safety Line – 2021
December 21, 2021The winter issue of the Safety Line is here with a look at the recent Maritime Administration Turbo Activation, a police training exercise and more. Read the full 2021 Winter Safety Line.
The Ship Hierarchy and Ship Life
All vessels are comprised of three Departments: Deck Department, Engine Department and Steward’s Department (Galley)
– On the deck side there is a Captain, mates, able body seamen, often a boatswain and deckhands
– On the engine side there is a Chief Engineer, assistant engineers, handymen, qualified members of the engine room, oilers, and/or wipers
– The galley consists of a steward and often a second cook
While working on the vessels, employees are usually on board for extended periods. Crew members typically work 7 days a week, 8 hours per day at a minimum. On-duty schedules vary depending on service requirements and additional daily overtime is required if necessary.
Licensing
All qualified applicants must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) and Transportation Worker’s Identification Card (TWIC).
Information on how to obtain these documents and what working on the Great Lakes is like can be found under:
TWIC Application
Great Lakes Maritime Careers
How to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential
Mates and Masters sailing in the Great Lakes are required to have their Great Lakes Pilotage, Radar Observer, and Radio Operator Permit (FFC) in addition to those documents.
Engineers (and Chiefs) are required to have an unlimited horsepower motor and/or steam endorsement with the rating to cover the different positions from Third Assistant Engineer to Chief Engineer.
Galley Personnel (Stewards and Second Cooks) are required to obtain their ServSafe License in addition to those documents.
Your Safety and Well-being Is our Primary Concern
As is stated in our Safety, Quality, and Environment tab, safety is the first concern for all members of the Keystone team. To further support employee wellness, we have initiated a Health and Wellness Programs on many of our ships to support the busy work schedule of our employees. Some initiatives include healthy eating and wellness programs, that establish healthy meal options and exercise equipment onboard. In addition, all of our Great Lakes employees are provided support in a variety of life challenges through our Employee Assistance Program with Sand Creek.
Benefits of working as a mariner with Keystone
Our employees play a critical role in the Keystone family, and we believe in attracting and retaining top talent to work efficiently and safely. To do so, we offer our employees several opportunities:
- Competitive pay and benefits (i.e. paid vacation, medical, and educational benefits).
- No education needed for entry-level positions besides licensing (MMC & TWIC).
- Promotions, and upgrades to higher positions are possible and supported by the company.
- Job security in a versatile career that enables you to experience the different regions
- Ability to live anywhere while at sea, with transportation paid for.
- Excellent Safety Record.
- Well maintained vessels in quality condition. (ongoing maintenance, modern equipment).
- Onboard quality of life including AC, and Wi-Fi internet.
- Continuous improvement initiatives by the company to create a healthy work-life balance.
If you are interested in learning more information about seagoing opportunities with Keystone, inquiries can be handled at the following numbers:
Deep Sea:
Bala Cynwyd: (610) 617 – 6800
Great Lakes:
Duluth: (218) 723 – 2413
Union affiliation
All of our shipboard positions are affiliated with unions in the Maritime Industry. To learn more about them, please visit their websites.
AMO – American Maritime Officers
Great Lakes Fleet:
- Licensed Employees: Deck Officers, Engine Officers and Steward (Galley)
MEBA – Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Deep Sea/Commercial:
- Licensed Employees: Deck Officers & Engine Officers
MMP – Intl. Org. of Masters, Mates & Pilots
Great Lakes Fleet:
- Licensed Employees: Deck Officers
SIU – Seafarers International Union
Deep Sea/Commercial:
- Licensed Employees: Deck Officers & Engine Officers
- Unlicensed Employees: Deck, Engine, & Galley
Great Lakes Fleet:
- Unlicensed Employees: Deck, Engine, & Galley
Each union must be contacted separately.
USW – United Steelworkers Union Local 5000
Great Lakes Fleet:
- Unlicensed Employees: Deck, Engine, & Galley
Maritime Academies
Other access points to jumpstarting a career in maritime, are four-year maritime academies. Keystone recruiters travel annually and provide informational sessions at:
- Great Lakes Maritime Academy
- Maine Maritime Academy
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- State University of New York Maritime Academy
- Texas A&M University at Galveston
- United States Merchant Marine Academy
Keystone Shipping News & Announcements
At Keystone Shipping we are proud of our accomplishments. Our unwavering dedication to excellence has allowed us to thrive and excel in the maritime community.
Learn More
Summer Safety Line – 2021
August 26, 2021The summer issue of the Safety Line from Keystone Shipping is here! We welcome back the NS Savannah, look at a recent MIRT training exercise and more. Read the full 2021 Summer Safety Line
The Intrepid Voyage of the TS Kennedy
January 20, 2021Read the U.S. Naval Institute article about the successful training voyage of the TS Kennedy here.