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Work in NSW??

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:43 pm
by Timbo
Would anyone happen to know what the marine employment is like in NSW for a coxswain, looking around Newcastle/Lake Macquarie?


Cheers
Timbo

Re: Work in NSW??

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:37 am
by nomad
probably not much inside the lake but newcastle harbour is a busy port. worth a try

Re: Work in NSW??

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:52 am
by mnemonix
Hey Timbo,

Thats where I call home. The MUA has a strong contingency in Newcastle so the local branch would be a great place to touch base and consider transferring your membership if you're already affiliated.

The effects of their presence works both ways. The longer running jobs (ie: svitzer tugs, handling roles on the wharfs) are very hard for an outsider to gain access to, being very much a unionised "old boys club". You need to be a mate of a mate to get work there.

The sites with no strong union presense like the NCIG berths, PWCS T-4 expansion and Newcastle Port Corp have occasional vacancies, but not enough work that would warrant me crossing the country seeking employment.

For a coxwain your options are limited as most working vessels will require at leasted a 5. Your most likely options for work in that class of vessel would be working with support barges for NCIG K11 berth construction, PWCS t-4 construction or crew change assistance for the dredging fleet.

Newcastle Tafe has a strong marine training regime that puts a lot of semi-qualified workers into the local workforce which tends to make job competition fairly fierce.

If you head north out of Newcastle to Nelson Bay you can add a large fleet of commercial fishing and charter vessels.
Lake Macquarie has zero commercial fishing due to a buyback, Newcastle Harbour has a small fleet and their reputation isn't shining.
A few companies to make enquiries with would be:
Newcastle Port Corporation.
Pacific Tugs.
Heron Constructions.
W. Johnson Marine Salvage.
Hunter Allied Dive Services.
HarbourWorks Carrington.
Varley.
Hunter Towage Services.

Hope it gives you some leads. Drop me a PM if you have any queries.
I've gotta ask though, I'm happy to be up here in Paradise. Why the hell would you leave?

-Mark.

Re: Work in NSW??

Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 11:44 am
by Timbo
Thanks guys,

Mark - don't really want to leave, just thinking of a sea change. If i can score some more work up here i'd probably stay. Just putting the feelers out. Really want to get my 5, thanks for all the contacts.

Cheers
Timbo

Re: Work in NSW??

Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 1:43 pm
by nomad
i would have thought that with all the projects happening, there would be lots more work up here

Re: Work in NSW??

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:40 am
by mnemonix
Most of the project work there has flowed on sequentially, so employees finish 1 project and mostly roll straight onto the next.
Some guys have been there for the past 5+ years through 4 projects and have not needed to look for work.
Unfortunately for an outsider, this doesn't offer many fresh opportunities. Especially on the water.