Taking courses for work (Caribbean)

[devilfishlane]

I plan on living in the Caribbean on my sailboat for a few years. Until then I would like to take some courses at a community college or trade school, which would help keep the kitty in the black. Which areas would you recommend to find work

A diesel engine course

small electronics course

sail making and repair

or ???

Thanks

[David M]

I would guess a diesel mechanic. Electronics are becoming more plug and play, more proprietary and therefore a bit more user friendly. Sail repair is sort of a no brainer for emergency fixes but to do it right pretty much requires a sail loft. Fixing the iron genoa is probably what people know the least about. I would dread though making a living at climbing into tiny little sailboat engine spaces in the tropics.

[Efraim]

As already mentioned forget electronics, however a good electrician well that's another story.
A good electrician is worth his weight in gold, you'll be turning business away.

Hang around this forum for awhile and you'll soon find out what most people are having problems with.

[Boracay]

As most cruising seems to take place in resort areas have you considered something like bartending?

[Reality Check]

You need to understand that in many areas of the Carib, you are not permitted to work unless you have a work permit which is often very difficult to obtain and usually takes months to get approved.

Depending on what your nationality is, restrictions can be sever on what jobs your able to get... if your allowed at all.

Your best bet may be to restrict your "clients" to personal and referral contact within the cruising community.... lots of work to be had in that group but unfortunately we are also a realllllllly Cheap bunch of people!!!

[sandy daugherty]

Underwater bottom painting.

[Ex-Calif]

Electrics and electronics.

We have had one transmission failure and one engine failure at our club in 2 years. There are always at least 3 boats at any one time with electric problems.

Diesel engines either run or they need filters. When they finally get worn out, you need a machine shop to repair them. Not likely to have one with you when you are cruising.

Also diesel engines are not "groovy." There are always guys looking for "professional" (read expert) installation of their instruments.

The other busy guy around here is the rigger. He is always working on someone's mast or rigging.