Thanks for all the input re DEC's guys and gals, didn't mean to touch a nerve though clearly I have. I agree the company should promote those already in the RHS with required experience etc, thats what career progression is all about and without which I'd still be an FO..... which would be great at the moment given what happened to my last employer! I know it's frustrating to hang around waiting for that first command especially when people like me come straight into the LHS but that seems to have been addressed and at least it seems easy are going in the right direction as a company on that score. Requirements for DEC's will always change with market conditions so hopefully after all you aspiring Captains have the correct seat there'll be a job for me. Now where was the job centre again...?