Sailing professions?

[toastchee]

Hi salty brothers and sisters,

If I had the chance to go back to school, either university or vocational, what are some good career choices in high demand that would put me near boats for the rest of my life?

Some I've thought of:

Diesel Mechanic
Chef
EE
Mechanical Engineer

thanks!

[PBzeer]

Air Conditioning/Refrigiration
Canvas Repair/Reupholstering
Welding

[sailingdog]

Captain, mate, USCG, USN, Sailmaker, boat designer, naval architect, Marina manager, etc...

[Omatako]

All the "trades" (mechanic, refrigeration, electrician) seem to have little benefit at sea because when you pull into a dock somewhere and need to earn a little bread, once you've had a beer with the guys around you, it becomes harder and harder to charge money for the help you dispense.

And generally, most of the help people want are little bits and pieces that seem insignificant at the time and make it even harder to ask for money.

I know this because I'm reasonably good at all of the above and seem to spend a lot of time drinking beer and fixing stuff.