Hello Dennis,
I read your answer to the question from the guy interested in working on the freighters. I am also interested in pursuing this a career and could use all the help I can get. I live in Jersey about 15 miles from Staten Island, NY. Any advice is appreciated!
Matt
Matt,
I am always happy to help people get started in a maritime career. There are a couple of ways of getting started:
- If you have good academic skills you should consider attending a maritime academy. There are several schools around the country that have bachelor degree programs that include getting either a third mate unlimited or a third engineers license.
- If a four year school is not to your liking there are several community colleges and vocational schools that provide two year programs that include able seaman or qualified member of the engine department training.
- If the academic approach is not your style and you would prefer to learn the ropes on the job than you need to get an ordinary seaman’s document or z-card. This credential will allow you to work on sea going commercial vessels as a deck hand, a wiper in the engine room, or as a food handler in the stewards department.
For more information visit one of my websites or send me another email.
Good Sailing,
Dennis, Home Page
