CLASS 816 TRAINING AT PINEY POINT | PAUL HALL CENTER | PHASE 1 | SIU UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM

I was in class 665, now I’m a tug boat captain in Alaska. SIU changed my life.

I have absolutely no interest in being a sailor or even being on a ship, yet I find your experience fascinating. It’s a snapshot into things I would not know anything about if not for your vlog.

My mom is a merchant mariner, and I decided I wanted to do it as well. I was just accepted into the program at Piney Point. Just gotta do my physical and wait for a class to open up between August and October. I'm really excited. I went in 2019, but because of my weight I couldn't finish. I was told to get healthy--so in other words lose weight--and go back. I mopped around for a bit, then Covid happened. I've lost 80 lbs since November, and still losing and am really looking forward to this. Thanks for the video.

Watching this for like the 20th time. I have 5 days before I’m heading out there to start the program. Doing all I can to be mentally prepared. Both nervous and excited. You have no idea what these videos have meant to me, Joe. They were a big part of helping me decide to take this next step in my life. And it’s been one of the best tools to prepare myself for what to expect. I truly thank you for your hard work on making all your videos. Maybe one day I’ll see you out on the high seas!

Wow, no idea the training was like a military operation! So pleased for you all to pass, great work and great video!

I was in class 170. The year 1975. Your training was better. This brings back memories, I just subscribed, your videos are very professional, your narration is excellent.

My Grandfather was a Merchant Sailor, out of Dublin, before and during WWII. He became a radio operator. After the war he became an air traffic controller, but being a sailor was always his first love. I wonder how different the training was when he first went to sea at 17 (1935)?

Very neat video. Merchant marines were the unsung heroes of WW2.

God bless the SIU and the union brothers and sisters. My son is on a great career trajectory because of the Union.

This was a really nice video to watch. I learned several things. It reminded me of Basic Training. I went through U.S. Air Force (USAF) Basic Training in Feb-Mar 1982 and then on to Technical School Training. Both of these two trainings were back-to-back for a total of 5 months of intense training. Then, it was on to my first assignment at Dyess AFB located near Abilene Texas. I really did respect the Air Force and stayed a total of 20 years on Active Duty and Retired 1 March 2002. I've now been retired 20 years. Sitting here now at 61 years old, choosing a career with the USAF was one of the best decisions I ever made for my future. It was a tough life, there were easier ways to make a living, but I enjoyed the structure.

I'm starting Phase I in two weeks, feeling nervous but determined. Thanks for making this great video!

Really love these videos you’ve got excellent film making talent and you’re showing me a whole new world that I never would’ve known, thank you and keep them coming !

Im glad to have been the the person to welcome you guys to the pen and have been y’all’s temporary Bosun! Seeing this video brought many wonderful memories about my time in PP! Class 816 I’ll never forget y’all.. great fucking video joe! Hope all is well with you brotha. Lucky lopez 814 president 💪🏾🔥

The best one of these piney point videos out right now. Thanks Joe!

Class 619 here, Love the videos. Thanks so much for the memories they brought back. Best of luck.

Thank you for the video Joe it is great to see your journey. Looking forward to phase 2.

Class 652, here. Thanks for your videos. Bringing back some memories. I spent most of my time on the Great Lakes.

Glad y'all all passed . I am going to the SIU hall here in Houston Texas tomorrow to get started with my application

Joe, I really like your videos because they`re put together so well and you`re just a down-to-earth guy narrating his story. I used to work for a cruise line for 14 years on the hotel side, so no deck or engine duties, but it doesn`t matter because we are mariners. Well, truth be told, it`s been a few year since I walked down the gangway, but I am in touch almost every day with crew I worked with, almost every freaking day, the bonds are that tight. Be safe, smooth sailing.

Fantastic video, I always wondered and you made it come true. Love your videos