What is the best way to get started as a marine vessel (yacht, cruise, merchant) engineer?

Question

The only type of schools i have found are traditional maritime academys/colleges, which are very hard to get into. I am not interested in design, or construction of marine vessels; only the maintanence and operational side of the job. Perhaps off-shore enginer is the correct term. I would really appreciate some info from someone who is a ranked officer on a marine vessel, pertaining to how they started their career. Also, are vo-tech schools with diesel technology programs a good start? any info would be helpful. thanx

Answer 1

I started out as a helper for a boat mechanic.  I went to a tec. school. Marine technology.  It was a two year course that went over all the systems of boats, plumbing, fuel systems, diesel engines, inboard/outboard, gas engines, outboard, etc.etc.  I took that knowledge and went into the merchant marines.  If you want to become a merchant marine I would not go to a vo-tech school, just go to school to become a merchant marine.  As  you upgrade you endorsements you go to class to learn the systems.  There are some schools that are focused on becoming a merchant marine. You start at the bottom  and work your way up. You still need to learn design and construction, if you don't know how it is made you can not fix the problem.  There are pros and cons about both jobs.  There is a whole bunch of info at Mother of all Marine links.

Answer 2

my advice to u would be to enroll as an officer cadet  sponsored by one of the many shipping co/s all the info is online all your expences are paid food accomodation fees etc +aprox 150  a week pocket money the program is aprox 3 yrs aftr which u become a qualified merchant navy officer with an unrestricted ticket any vessel any size there is no substitute for qualifications u are going to be asked for these all your working life so these first 3 years are the most important good luck ex m/n officer

Answer 3

If you want to make this a career then I would go for the academy's. California Maritime is the easiest one to get into (I did..lol). Besides the degree you sail as an officer which pays ALOT more.

The other way would be to go though one of the unlicensed unions. Here is that link

http://www.seafarers.org/

Good luck and its a great job

Answer 4

Join the Navy and get paid to learn. First 4 years learn their ships. Re-Enlist and learn the Submarines. Heck, then you know enough and have rank enough they pay you to re-enlist and teach. Dang, next thing you know, you 38-40 years old retired and have your own boat.

Answer 5

All deep sea US Flag merchant vessels are manned by union seafarers.  Look into joining an union.  They have their own engineering training programs.