r/maritime

UK Cadet here going to Warsash in Southampton. I was betting on my parents letting me live with them but its looking like that might not happen, so were gonna have to figure this out by ourselves.

Anyway, my questions...

How did you survive on this money? Did you take a job? Does the Uni offer cheap accommodations? Do you even have enough time to work a job?

It just seems like a really small amount to survive on.

P.S I have like 2k saved up.

Thanks.

I'm in the US, specifically Texas and would like to get into an academy for Fall 2027, but I'm not sure I'll get accepted into any. I want to do engine, I am ok with going to any but preferably whatever is cheaper, I've looked but I am confused how much they would actually cost. Any advice is very appreciated, I don't have a counselor or anyone that can help with this.

Regarding the letters of recommendation, I'm not sure I'll be able to get any (I did high school online (through Acellus, graduated last year) so can't get any from teachers. I also did not do any activities or anything, I was completely shut inside).

I don't have college credits nor attending community college or college so I will be applying as a freshman or high school grad. I also have not taken the SAT or ACT and I think some require them? I can take the ACT if needed, the next available date I can get is in October.

Anyways I am really doubting I can get accepted, and for Fall 2027 I think I have to apply by this year? I was looking at when admissions open, but I am not sure when they close.

I don't remember if I was going to ask more, but any help with applying or requirements I'll need to get in would be great. I really want this as my career because I want to be on a boat, only career path I've felt excited looking into. Thank you for reading and any advice.

Edit to add: this is in the United States (U.S.), but it might work for your country too (let me know if it does)

If you're an entry-level seeker in this industry, search for: "deckhand job" on Google, Indeed, LinkedIn, or any other job board.

I found a ferry company several weeks ago, applied, and got hired as a Deckhand the same day as my interview!

A lot of ferry companies are still hiring for this summer season (and beyond). If you're in a land locked state, look up coastal states like California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, etc. The pay is low, but it's easy work (to me anyways), and at the very least, you'll be acquiring seatime.

I've only worked a few days with the ferry, but here's a breakdown of my day:

1. Prepping the boat:

- clock in at 8am

- pull ramp/gangway and tie it to the boat

- vacuum or sweep inside the boat (where the passengers will be)

- take out the trash

- clean and restock the bathroom

- spray/ wash the stern (the aft/ back standing area of the boat) and sweep or mop out the access water after the wash

- hook up a pump to an area near the bathroom to pump out waste

- fuel hookup

- fresh water hookup

- spray/ wash the windows (from the outside)

- get money from the office for the bar drawer

- stock up supplies, snacks, beverages, and ice

2. Now that the boat is ready, it's time to welcome the passengers onboard (there are multiple deckhands, so you'll be tasked with half of these duties, but I'm listing them all) :

- scan tickets

- count passengers

- untie the bow and spring lines

- untie stern lines

- check the back waterway port (left) and starboard (right) sides for any moving vessels, give the "all clear in the back" on the walkie-talkie if there are none

- after the Captain moves the boat to start going forward, you're on the way to your destination(s)

3. Sailing/cruising time (listing all the duties, but it's divided up):

- stand at the bar

- ring up items

- mix drinks

- bartend

- check the upper deck(s) to make sure passengers are okay and not attempting to jump off the boat or any other unruly thing

- periodically check the bathroom

4. Arriving at destination:

- deckhand(s) at the bow (front/fwd):

- grab spring line, attach it to the boat

- grab bow line, tie and knot it to the boat

- deckhand(s) in the stern (back/aft):

- grab stern line, tie and knot it to the boat

- grab spring line, tie and knot it to the boat

- grab the ramp/gangway, tie it to the boat

5. Leaving destination:

- same duties as #2

6. End of duty responsibilities:

- this will vary, but essentially, you're counting the drawer, restocking and cleaning

- clock out at 10:30pm or 11pm

I hope this breakdown has been helpful! I won't say which ferry I'm with, but know that ferry companies are hiring. If I were with a major company, I would disclose the name. Hopefully, that will happen, and I'll come back to share with a different post :)

Already did a bachelors degree and a post bacc but I’m considering pivoting to this career field possibly however their is no masters like the SUNY program in my state which means that if I did go that route it would be very expensive (100k +) for the program I’m unsure if this is worth it compared to just getting a teaching credential or something. I luckily don’t have debt but was wondering what options their are and if their may be any internationally that are cheaper than the ones in the US that give you the officers license.

Anyone here from Szkoła Morska in Gdynia?

I'm 28 and Polish, and considering a maritime school which would take 2.5 years to finish. The first year is theory only, the second year will be some sort of cadetship (they're so sure of that they say it'll cover tuition) and one last semester on land again. Is that... enough to start a career? I went to an open day which seemed both optimistic and down-to-earth, but then again, they were selling a product.

I'm trying to be as grounded as possible to make an informed decision and crash the fantasy with reality. I spent months thinking about it, now I want to either move forward or forget about it.

The school is pretty cheap, but if i change my mind after a month i'll still have to pay for the whole semester, that's what's stopping me from just trying it out.

If I did go through with it, ideally I'd like to work on some European vessels, maybe research-related, though I get those are rare and it's mostly tankers, LNG, containers, etc.

I have a zoom orientation with ACL later today and my father in law just passed a few days ago so I haven’t had time to get a haircut or shave or anything and I also had to get right back to work since I couldn’t get bereavement. Will I be ok for my zoom orientation? What’s the general expectation from them during the orientation?

UPDATE: I called ACL and let them know my situation and that I would not meet grooming standards for the orientation and they sent me this email:

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out and letting us know that you are unable to meet our grooming standards prior to orientation.

As a one-time courtesy, we will allow you to attend orientation. Please note that you will be expected to meet all grooming standards moving forward. Please review the attached grooming standards and ensure you have fully read and understood the standards.

Let us know if you have any questions! We are excited to meet you next week!

Any thoughts?

Hi, I currently work as seasonal process operator at total energies(bitumen) in uk. I have wide industrial experience as process operator, machine operator, furnace operator. I got loads of experience specially with health and safety, hsqe,coshh etc. my contract ends in October 1st and I’m looking for that first opportunity to go offshore. I don’t have bosiet and oeuk but I’m willing to do it if that first opportunity comes asap, what I don’t want to do is spend 1200£ and just waste it away. I’m aware there is thousands of applicants for this jobs. I really have strong cv, right mindset and learn very very quickly, but I need realistic advice if is even worth pursuing something who only people with studies and courses have. Thank you

The main reason I want to become a merchant marine is to be able to live in Puerto Rico during my time off. I'm now learning that unions make you be physically present to get jobs.

Is there no online union option for third mate+ ranked sailors? This is a huge bummer. Will joining a single company solve this issue?

I got my twic and going do my physical for my MMC this week. Any entry level tug boat companies hiring? Im going to try to pay for a few certifications to have that on my back also! Thanks