Maritime Shipping Industry

[Foxtrot777]

I was wondering if anyone out there is a in a relationship or knows someone who works on a freighter or tanker ship. (namely Merchant Marines)  I know it is a hard life to live for the person who has to spend weeks away from home on a ship.. Just wanting to hear from someone about the job and it's affects on relationships and life in general.

Thanks!

[specialmom]

Hi Foxtrot,  I'm impressed by your depth!!  I think you are very wise to think about ALL aspects to this type of job. Being away for such long stretches is something to consider if you care to have a relationship and children.  I think it will make it harder.  Some do just fine with a long distance relationship (which this would sort of be like)-------- you'd have to find a way to keep regular communication which is harder at sea.  Where I think it is very difficult is with kids.  My husband's job requires travel.  It was hard on ME when the kids were tiny but then it switches.  The kids started to be aware and it would upset them.  My son would watch my husband leave crying and clinging to him.  It was hard for my husband to leave knowing he was making his child so sad.  And now my boys are 6 and 7 and things like coaching their baseball teams or going to their father/son cub scout meeting is hard.  He actually cut back on his travel because he wants to be involved.  So, that is the reality of a travel job such as this.  

I'm just giving you further information to help you with your decision.  Lots of families make all kinds of things work------------  so you have to weigh all the pros and cons and make the best choice for YOU!  good luck

[Foxtrot777]

With all that in mind, the family/relationship strains that can put on people are still in the back of my mind.

[Foxtrot777]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind! I'm interested in going to school for maritime operations or something along that line, which, if I pursue would have the hope of becoming Captain or another civillian job that makes over $100,000 a year.

[swampcritter]

Swampy knew someone a few years ago who did east coast oil delivery. He was gone maybe 6 weeks at a time, then back for 2. He was not married and had no children, though.

US law mandates that US flagged ships have a US crew. It used to be that many of the crew had been enlisted in the Navy, but today that is not as often the case. You can find from the Coast Guard the required education, once you have papers you can be hired.

Swampy's friend used to always suggest it as a mid career move, these ships offer stable employment as long as you keep your nose clean (ie -- don't get arrested). Pay is decent, not really high but not low (Swampy thinks his friend, who was an able seaman,  made $50,000 / year in 2004, but is not completely certain of that).  

If you get sea hours and you get additional education, you can progress to jobs on the water that don't involve leaving home and pay well. An example is a harbor pilot. In SF, they make between $200,000 and $300,000 a year, and as you would guess, the job is highly competitive.