Merchant Mariner Career Track

[rebel heart]

Hello!

I've never had a solid reason for getting my OUPV other than I have the time on the books, I enjoy studying the material, and eventually I wouldn't mind making a living on the water. That being said, I know the world is flooded with six-pack/100 ton captains. Honestly I think I'd rather do sailing for fun, and make money on bigger boats.

Is there some general guidance any of you more experienced captains could offer as far as good moves to do early in your career? I still have my "normal" profession and career, but I know I need to keep training and accumulating sea time and experience in order to eventually have a decent maritime career one day, so I'm looking for any advice that you guys can offer up.

I'm open to sealift command as a mate, cruise ships, harbor boats, larger sport fishers, whatever. I just know I'm nowhere near qualified to move a 300' harbor tour boat around, but I'd like to get there.

[Chief Engineer]

You have to make contacts.......and more contacts.......get a job as a deckhand and move up from there.