How do I go about working on the barge ships as a ship hand?

Question

I have always wanted to do that ever since I was a kid.

Answer 1

I assume you are talking about tug and barges? Although there are L.A.S.H. vessels that carry barges. Lighter aboard ships. the only U.S. company that operates LASH vessels is International Ship Holdings Corporation thru their subsidiaries Waterman Steamship Corporation and Central Gulf Lines. These are Union contracted vessels so you would have to contact the Seafarer's International Union, try www.seafarers.org They also have an inland division for tugs and barges. They operate a large school in Piney Point, Maryland and will train you and place you on a ship or tug. The only limit you have is you. Good luck.

Answer 2

depending on what part of the country you live in, if you are close to the Western rivers try Ingram barge lines or Tennessee Valley Towing, (TVT) or if you live on the coast east or west try Moran Towing,  web sites they will hire you without exp and will train you, it is hard work though, all those barges are wired together with steel wires and ratchets, you work in the rain, cold, heat, days and nights,most big lines you work 21 days on 10 off 12 hour days,

Answer 3

Go to this site and start getting info on what you need to know and do to get your Mariners Z card.

http://www.uscg.mil/d8/sector/lwrmsrvr/r...

If you can find a ship captain or company that will take you on as an apprentice it will help speed things up.