all i have is a g.e.d. and i want to get a job on an ocean boat of some sort. what are my best choices?

Question

for a job what kind of work could i do. somthing on a boat that goes across the ocean

Answer 1

You could join the Navy, as some people suggested. I've never been in the Navy, but from all the stories I've heard it's not for everyone, and you may not get the nautical experience that you are hoping for. There are a lot of jobs on Navy ships that keep the floating city running, but aren't really related to the navigation or engine maintenance.
You could also try to get on a cruise ship, but again, you're likely to end up being janitorial staff, or wait staff. While these jobs are decent jobs you may feel more like hotel staff than a sailor.
If your goal is to be a sailor, to be involved in the working of a ship then your best bet is to work on a ship that exists to move cargo. The function of a Navy ship is to protect the country and to transport troops. A cruise ship's function is to serve the passengers. A tanker, container ship or bulk carrier exists solely to transit the waters carrying cargo and to deliver that cargo.
Commercial ships have fewer support staff, because everyone onboard is working to make the ship's owner a profit. Without a degree you can't be the captain or the chief engineer, but you can be an ordinary seaman or a wiper (engine room hand.) Seamen work on deck and with the navigational and cargo operations aspects of the ship and the ones who get to monitor cargo loading & discharge. The wipers work in the engine room with the mechanical aspects of the ship. These guys work with the engineers to maintain the pumps, motors, generators, separators and engines.
Both Seamen and Wipers work very hard (physically) and are "unqualified" positions - that is entry level that does not require special training; just a mariner's document. This document is not difficult to obtain - you must be 18, have proof of ID, proof of health (pass a drug test.) If you want to sail in international waters you will also need some basic safety training - most companies will help you find this training, and many will help you pay for it.
You could also be a day laborer - usually these guys are chipping and painting and doing other maintenance type stuff.
There are also stewards on commercial vessels. The steward is responsible for preparing the menu and the food on a ship. I do not believe that you could be hired on as a steward with out any experience, but most ships have SA's (steward's assistants). This certainly isn't the most glamorous job on the ship - the SA is responsible for cleaning up the captain's room and doing other janitorial work.

If your goal is to spend time on a ship you might prefer working on a cruise ship - they tend to roll less, and have a larger staff to make friends with. If your goal is to work your way up to a position where you really know what's going on with your ship, and you are responsible for ship activities you'll likely want to consider the less comfortable commercial vessels.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It sounds like you're a young person. Some options are:

USN- if you don't have a rap sheet, they have all kinds of jobs (probably the best option careerwise) I wouldn't trade the eight years I spent there
Cruise Ships- if you get along well with others and you're independent
Cargo Ships- if you already have some experience (I tried this and they wanted at least 90 days at sea)
Sailing Ships- if you like old wooden vessels and the lore of the ocean. It's a whole different world

Whichever way you go, learn all you can about it and spend all the time you can at the coast or local lake before you jump in.

Answer 3

cruise lines are ALWAYS hiring new staff, on every cruise there are on average, 1,200 staff members on board.... there are 100's of different kinds of jobs on cruise ships, u have to hsare a room with another staff member but u eat for free, get paid well, and get to see some AWESOME places. and a G.ood E.nough D.egree is all u need for half of their jobs..... good luck

Answer 4

Try to get in those big cruising ships! If not that it's best if you just start ur own fishing business if u interest in boat stuff.

Answer 5

navy

Answer 6

us navy