advice for a youngin'

[dhaus111]

Hey all,

What I'm looking for is advice from those who have been in the boating industry, or people that want to share their opinions for my benefit. I've been wanting to take the plunge and buy a boat and figure out how to support it and myself (single male, 22, yes I'm young, but dedicated) with a job that I can get experience I can use and, equally important, one that I enjoy doing. I've looked at various schools (westlawn, Marine Mechanics Institute, etc) and haven't completely ruled anything out, though, I don't think yacht design is for me, at least not yet. I'm looking for recommendations on entry level positions, wise choices, ideas, what not to do, etc. Anything goes, engines, repairing anything on a boat, crew, piloting, capt, I do have a bunch of computer experience for what thats worth in this industry. Any career possibility that would enable to me to take at least one cruise a year or so. I'm young and dumb and certain that I can do anything that I put my mind to. Of course I'd love to have some high paying job, but not 100% necessary in this case. I figure this is a pretty good place to post something like this since I'm hoping my future expertise can be sailing oriented, but for now it doesn't have to be, I just need to get my foot in the door.

any suggestions?

[camaraderie]

We have a boat builder near here that provides jobs to the local economy. As a result, the local community college has courses on particular aspects of boat building.
Since boats are generally made near the water...searching out boat manufacturers might be a way to find one in an area you'd like to live-aboard while being able to get both a job and continuing education in the field.

[Boasun]

That depends on whether you want to work on commercial vessels or Yachts.
The commercial vessels the job entry level is Deck hand... you either have to go to a maritime union or apply to non-union companies. The latter is mostly down here in the gulf. The work is 12 hour days here in the gulf working 28 on 14 off. Some vessels are 14 & 14. Those are days I am talking about. A D/H depending on experience can earn from $95 per diem to around $150. Boat engineers start at $150, with a license can earn as much as the Master of the vessel. After about two years you will have enough time to sit for a license. Then you would go to the schools like the one I work for, for additional training and then take the exams. There are FBI back ground checks and those with drug or drinking records are passed over. Sorry no DUIs or drug convictions. This industry is the most tested here in the States. A 100/200 ton license can earn from $250 to $350 per diem. Towing endorsement could add another $50 to $100 more per diem above that.
Then do you want to work the rivers? or Offshore? a decision you will be needing to make.

On the Yachts?? You will have to check with someone who has worked their way up on board them. Or work for a boat yard Or voluneer to do odd jobs on the yachts and slowly build a name for yourself. There are Marine engines schools and various sailing schools you can attend. In fact there is a possibility that you could go from a student to an instructor at one or two of these schools. But If you go with the yachts, you will need a day job as you build your reputation. But there are people out there who are more qualified to answer about the private vessel sector. And they can answer your questions better than I can on the Private vessel sector.

[Sailormann]

If you're good with 'puters then you might try to apprentice with a sail loft (sailmaker). You'll get the opportunity to deal with all kinds of boats and owners. Learing how to do excellent fibreglass work would virtually guarantee that you could work anywhere on any coast - or even any country for that matter. Probably easier to find a spot in an auto body shop to start - but you might get lucky with a boatyard if you offer to start really cheaply. Diesel mechanics do pretty well - and I would imagine that there will soon be a need for people who are knowledgeable about electric propulsion systems such as those produced by Salomon Technologies and Asmo Marine...I don't think that working as crew on a private yacht, or delivery skipper would be very lucrative or stable...the other thing to consider is learning how to be a marine surveyor...

[tenuki]

Take a look at rigging too, you can often apprentice with a reputable rigger for a while till you 'learn the ropes' well enough to go out on your own. Riggers around here (puget sound) charge from 60-100 bucks an hour.

[kptmorgan04]

from one youngin (I am 25) to another, my short story.
I went to the US Merchant Marine Academy right out of high school and got my Third Mates license. Worked ashore for two years not making any money and finding no time to get a boat which has been a dream of mine since I can remember. So I said bye bye to life ashore in August, got a job with a company down in the Gulf of Mexico working a 28 day on 28 day off schedule, moved home and started saving money. It is now May, I bought a 36 ft boat 2 weeks ago and plan on sailing/living on it for the entire time I am off work for the foreseeable future.
In your case if you went the commercial route follow Boasun's advice. Start as as Deck Hand and work your way up to AB (Able Bodied Seaman), either Union going Deep Sea or non union, typically Gulf of Mexico and other coastal companies. Working offshore it is very easy to sock money away if you dont have a family to support since you have your food and housing taken care of for while you are underway.
There are tons of maritime jobs out there.
If you wanted to stay shoreside, I really dont have anything for you

[ollie820]

You may want to try and get a job in a boat yard helping with rigging, getting boats ready for launch, maintenance, etc. This way you could see what you like and don't like. I can tell you that here in RI I see jobs at yards for general help, diesel mechanics and riggers quite often. At the boat makers here they are often looking for electricians, woodworkers and fiberglass guys. But the marina/boatyard work may help you decide what to do.