How can i become a merchant seaman?

Question

I am intersted in a career, but i am having a hard time finding out what my training would be. i would like to find an apprenticeship somewhere near Jacksonville Forida. If you have any information on becoming a merchant seaman i would appreciate it. thank you.

Answer 1

go to a maritme academy - or the us merchant marine academy in kings point ny.

Answer 2

Check with Navy. Search net.

Answer 3

You have some tug companies near you, try them.  Maybe a dredge company also. A merchant mariner does not often have an 8 to 5 job where you spend each night at home.  Most jobs have you away for months at a time and home for a few weeks in between.  Be sure that suits you.  A job at a theme park might get you on the water and home at night.  A hundred to masters would be all that you would need in most cases.  Maybe a fishing boat out of Mayport or St. Marys GA.

Answer 4

Go to your local Coast Guard REC (Regional Exam Center) and apply for a MMD (Merchant Marine Document) which usually costs about 150.00 or 180.00. They will do a background check on you which usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to get your card. Ask around about different tugboat companies or go to tugboatlife.com and ask some of the guys on there which would be a good company to go with in your area and fill out an application. You will have to get sea time, which is a certain amount of days at sea, to advance in your career such as an AB (Able Seamen) or engine room license or wheel house license. I am a licensed engineer working for a company out of Baltimore named Vane Brothers. Maritime Schools are about the quickest way to get a Wheelhouse license or an Engineers license but it seems like they don't get the respect the guys who started out as deckhands and worked there way up do. But if you have the money and the time it would be the quickest way to go up the ladder.