Career Opportunities for Licensed Deck Officers (Mates) & Engineer Officers; Steward; and Unlicensed Seamen
Founded in 1907, American Steamship Company (ASC) has been a pioneer in Great Lakes vessel transportation that operates a fleet of self-unloading vessels. The company is owned by the General American Transportation Corporation (GATX). ASC Great Lakes fleet consists of self-unloading vessels that range in length from 635-feet to 1,000-feet.
The diversity of the asset base enables ASC to transport a variety of dry-bulk commodities including iron ore pellets, coal and limestone aggregates. The single-trip vessel-carrying capacity ranges from 24,000 to 70,000 net tons. During the navigation season, the vessels operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and require no onshore assistance to unload Cargo.
All of ASC officers are members of the American Maritime Officers Union (AMO). All ASC officers receive free room and board while employed aboard one of the vessels and also provided paid vacation, pension, medical, and education benefits through the American Maritime Officers Union (AMO). The AMO has its own modern schools and upgrading programs.
ASC Career Opportunities
Licensed Officer Careers
ASC hires its officers from two main sources. Many of the officers were previously employed as unlicensed seamen on the vessels. 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.
ASC also hires many of the officers as graduates from the Federal or State maritime academies such as US Merchant Marine Academy; Great Lakes Maritime Academy; Maine Maritime Academy; State University of New York Maritime College; and Massachusetts Maritime Academy. 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.
- 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; Valid Merchant Mariners Document issued by the US Coast Guard; Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card; Current physical examination; Current Department of Transportation Drug Screen in accordance with NIDA standards; and Proof of US citizenship. 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.
- 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; Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card; Current physical examination; Current Department of Transportation Drug Screen in accordance with NIDA standards; and Proof of US citizenship.
Onboard Culinary Careers
- Stewards: A Steward is the chief cook on the vessel and the department head for the Stewards Department. They are normally promoted from Second Cook. However, there is no license requirement to be employed as a Steward. All of the Stewards are members of the American Maritime Officers Union (AMO) and receive officer’s benefits. ll Great Lakes vessel Stewards must meet the following requirements - Valid Merchant Mariners Document issued by the US Coast Guard; Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card; Current physical examination; Current Department of Transportation Drug Screen in accordance with NIDA standards; and Proof of US citizenship.
Other Careers
- Unlicensed Seamen: Most unlicensed seamen start their careers in entry-level positions working on deck, in the engineering spaces or in the Stewards Department. After meeting minimum sea time requirements, an entry-level seaman is eligible to take a US Coast Guard exam for advancement to Able Seaman (AB) or Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED). Porters are not required to take exams for promotion to Second Cook or Steward in the Stewards Department. Many of the unlicensed seamen are members of the Seafarers International Union (SIU) and are hired through the union Hiring Halls to fill unlicensed positions. Please take a look at the Seafarers International Union (SIU) Paul Hall Center Training Programs.