Being a deck officer in M.E.B.A., we're a smaller subgroup within the union, but because of that it's more of an advantage, because it's such a close-knit community. I know most of the deck officers in the union, and I can vouch for them and assist them.
Everyone's looking out for each other, on the ship and off the ship. You're more likely to go back to sail with the same people and be able to build a good rapport, and advance, I think, faster than a traditional path.
