Sail The High Seas (jobs)

[Duckchasr]

If anyone is willing to work there are lots of good jobs out there.

Big Paychecks Can’t Woo Enough Sailors for America’s Commercial Fleet
The U.S. faces a growing sailor shortage despite maritime jobs offering big pay and significant perks

Link to WSJ article: https://archive.is/x3h6T#selection-531.0-535.101

[LouReed]

My oldest brother went the TAMU Maritime Academy route and worked as a chief engineer on tankers for 30+ years. The "Chief" is usually the second highest salary after the captain. He made a ton of money, that is for sure. Friend's son is a captain already in less than ten years out of the same school as my brother.

There certainly must be a shortage if someone progresses to captain that fast.

[Unknownstrohsfan]

Kinda like being a guide in Galveston, you study, pass the tonnage tests, and move on.

[OneDayScratch]

My oldest brother went the TAMU Maritime Academy route and worked as a chief engineer on tankers for 30+ years. The "Chief" is usually the second highest salary after the captain. He made a ton of money, that is for sure. Friend's son is a captain already in less than ten years out of the same school as my brother.

There certainly must be a shortage if someone progresses to captain that fast.

Or your brother is just a slacker.

Jokes, just jokes....

[LouReed]

Actually, at the time (late 70s), my brother was the youngest to make chief grade in Gulf Oil's era of the "supertankers." It was a little lucky that they were expanding their fleet at just the right time. That was before they then became part of Chevron.

[Bandit1]

People are always looking for good seamen...

[Wade Fisher]

Haze gray and underway

[I Fall In]

People are always looking for good seamen...

That's what she said.

[Unknownstrohsfan]

Freddie!!!!!

[Unknownstrohsfan]

It's a real thing, I did fuel and oil bunkering on boats for many years. If the chief engineer is a goober, you are subject to problems, the captain usually has no clue what needs to happen for an energy transfer, so the engineer is your guy. If the second engineer shows up to oversee a bunker, beware!

[SeaSpeed]

I have worked in commercial maritime for almost 20 years, since graduating from the Merchant Marine Academy (similar program as the state maritime schools, just federally operated).

I tell everyone that is willing to listen what a great career going to sea can be. It isn't perfect- but what is? Leaving your family behind for month(s) at a time is probably the toughest part. It pays very well, and the time off is such a plus. There is a huge labor shortage- not just deep sea, but brownwater also (inland tows and tugboats, etc).

When I occasionally have to drive into Houston, I feel a bit sorry for all the folks that have to make that drive every day, in that concrete jungle. Much respect for them for being contributing members of society, but I couldn't do it. Watching the sun rise over the water on company time is an awesome feeling . It's also pretty awesome being able to hunt and fish during the week and avoid the crowds. 🤪

[Da Reel Daddy]

If I was 18, I'd do it.

[RRbohemian]

Me too!