What is it like being a merchant mariner?

Question

I'm considering working in this field in an entry level postion, ordinary seaman or whatever, I would like to hear from someone who has been there and done that.

thanks.

Answer 1

First of all it is alot of very hard and dirty work. A typical day would be 12 hours and usually more. There is the travel and visiting forgien ports which is awesome. I have been just about everywhere from Japan to Singapore to India to Spain. Thru the Panama and Suez canals. Sometimes you can get some good time off in a port and sometimes all you get to do is see it from the ship. As you move up in the ranks you can make some VERY good money. It can be hard to be away from home for up to 6 months at a time but then you do get a few months off work at a time as well. Like any work place you have good and bad people that you meet on the ship. Most of the friends that you make will be life time ones. The biggest piece of advice is to upgrade out of the entry positions as soon as possible

Answer 2

I've not been in the Merchant Marines but I've spent a fair bit of time at sea so I'll give it a shot.

Comradre can be great because you're in a small group with common objective and dependent on each other.

You will be secure in the knowledge of your own duties and perform accordingly with out interruptions.

When/if an emergency breaks the routine you'll be trained to cope and confront it as a team.

You will see more stars at night than you can imagine. And there is solitude if you want it.

You will see foreign ports although it will take some effort to get from the port to the tourist area.

You will have an opportunity to save money because your basic needs are provided and you won't have much to spend on.

The experience will vary according to the type of vessel you ship on but in any case you will get out of it what you put in.

If you're driven to this by the sea also consider the Navy. That way you will also have an opportunity to learn a new trade or skill. But don't go for Subs if you are claustrophobic or like to sleep with the window open.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Great job if you like seamen. Not for everyone but it is an aquired taste.