Pros
-Federal Employment so benefits and reliable paycheck -You can move up if have the right mariner endorsements
Cons
-They say it is a minimum 120 day assignment to a ship, but don't be surprised if you are overdue 30, 60, 90, or 120 days. They are doing better getting people off before the 60 day mark, but it is still very common to be overdue. Hey it sucks that you missed the plans you had made for when you get home, but the office will still want you to come back to work on time even though the office can't get you home on time. -Don't expect them to settle your travel claim on the government travel card that they force you to open in your name in a timely manner. When you start getting past due notices at your house, you can tell them they really need to settle the claim. -If something with your pay gets messed up good luck working through the bureaucracy trying to get it fixed. -It can be difficult to get training that you would like to get, if it is not absolutely necessary for you to get. If you really need the training MSC will send you and pay for the course, but if you would like to get training that is to move up then it is best to go through the Chief Engineer or Chief Mate. MSC is so short of people they have prioritized keeping people on ships.
