I sailed for 31 years(1976-2007)I agree with all you said..life as a mariner isn't easy,but it beats going to a factory or office everyday,hoping to get 2 weeks vacation..i never worked more that 7 months a year,often less...my time aboard ships allowed me ample time-off to do just about anything I wanted...I guess some may see glamour in it,to me(being onboard) it was a necessary part so I could have months at home with my family,the money was good with good benefits...yeah,you had to be tolerant of other peoples habits and customs..but i'd do it again...I enjoyed my "life at sea"!
As a fellow sailor, I can find no fault with what you said. Everything you said is absolutely right. As you said, those 10 things are not necessarily bad points; it's all what you make of it and how. It is an awesome opportunity but is not for everyone. I loved this video and do wish it had been made back in 2010(before I joined the US Merchant Marine). It would not have changed my mind but I would have been better prepared mentally for what to expect. Fair winds and following seas.
Yeah, pretty much all if these things have their upside for some people as well. For example the Conflicts point. The reason for this is that since you are living with your coworkers, you get to know them much better. Some you might like and some not, thats how it is, but theres never like that wierd guy who does crossfit during breaks which noone really knows what he actually does on your workplace. You eventually get to know everyone onboard inside out, and the crew becomes a family to you. Some you fight with, some you play games with, some you joke with, some you speak about politics and so on.
Join the merchant navy and in a few short years become a certified alcoholic qualified in shagging whores and with no friends to speak of and stunted interpersonal skills.......................ultimately leading to a lonely and sad existence.
I limited my time at sea to 6 months of the year, and maintained a home and friends ashore, so I did well. But when you cut ties with the land, and your whole life is on ships…..big trouble.
I was a truck driver, going all over the country. I romanticized it but after a few months, the time away from home, friends, and family made me hate it. I became very depressed. I paid for trucking school for nothing because I quit because I couldn't handle it. Also because in trucking and sailing you live away and rarely get to enjoy things in life normal people do, raising kids, time with family and friends, normal things that make people happy. Careers in trucking and sailing take a certain kind of person to deal with the intense loneliness. If you have any doubts at all don't go into the field. Money is not worth unhappiness. Always do something you love. We only have this one life.
Many people are always showing videos or writing blogs about how good something is, but often you don't see people show the other side of the coin. In my many years of sailing, I found it to be both a love/hate relationship. More love and less hate. It's one of those things, that either it's in you or not. I think there is plenty of room for improving the lifestyle board ships. The prices of internet satellite has come down and offering some level of connectivity. Some ships offer civilians to book trips on ships which I think could be a welcome distraction. There are a few cargo ships that do just that, cruises and delivering cargo at the same time. Self improvement is also a great idea. I spent most of my spare time studying to become a captain. If you can get a co-worker to join along, you can push each other. As you can see from my avitar, we were both a success at that task. There will be a time when no one will be aboard ship. Rolls Royce is working hard on designing autonomous ships. It will save companies money but then we will lose our jobs. In 20-30 years, maritime jobs will be harder to come by.
Well said Jack. I duplicated your path and served at sea for some years....then met a supervisor with the US Nat'l Park Service. I was offered a job on one of their ships. Yes they have a few small ships (1,000 tones or less) and many small boats in their fleet. The job was a dream sir. Keeping in mind the 'love/hate relationship,' I admire what you've done with your life. It can be Very addictive. I'm retired now, very content with my wife who I met at 52, and living the dream along the central coast of California. Cheers and best wishes Capt'n.
Back when I was still doing my truck driving videos, I gave a pretty detailed insight as to what goes on in driving a truck, down to the frustrations. Most videos you see, you only see the good side of things, and I didn't like that. Watching my videos back when I still had them up, you could see how many times I was getting frustrated. Nowadays, I don't really do the truck driving videos nearly as much anymore, as I started to lose interest in doing them. Too much to do, and not enough time to do it all.
Well done with your videos, they will help many make the right decision! As a veteran of the industry, I thought I should pitch in my 5c. The short message is: I concur with you, the golden years of working at sea are long gone. Is not a career I would recommend to anyone unless you come from the most underdeveloped part of the world where alternatives are very hard to find. I enjoyed most of my career, but I would not do it again in the current conditions. I started as Marine Engineer in the eighties and was lucky enough to quickly transition from cargo ships to Cruise ships, Unionized Ferries in an advanced nation, Ultra Deepwater Drilling, Cruise ships again and Superyachts for preretirement. I was privileged to work for the best of the best in the different sectors, were for the most part, I was valued and treated very well. Those good employers have become extremely rare and for the majority of the people in the shipping industry it extremely unlikely to ever land any decent job with a good employer. The difference in working conditions I witnessed in the same cruise ship company 30 years apart is shocking despite the fact that it was and still is the number one company in the world in their sector. Things went from heaven to hell on most fronts. Pretty sad and the result of corporate greed, mismanagement and a general race to the bottom thanks to globalization of the workforce and profiteering. As mentioned in the video, manpower was greatly reduced while workload is greatly increased with no end in sight. A terrible combination for the life of seafarers. Another point often misunderstood. Unless you are mister fix it / naturally born Engineer and driven in nature, if you still want to become a seafarer, become a Deck Officer. Engineering requires more brain, talent and a constant self-development drive to become good at it. Doing your normal working hours is not enough to get an edge in the field. In addition, you will work mostly in very difficult and dangerous conditions and by the time you retire you will have work related irreversible health issues (hearing loss, back pain, hernia, various scars, the odd missing nail or finger). The chances of becoming permanently disabled or die are far greater too. There is no glory and less money in Engineering and even if you decide to go shore based, the career and income prospects are better as a Deck Officer. I met many people that became Engineers for the wrong reasons and ended up quitting, hated their job or never became good at it. Although I had great satisfaction from my job covering prestigious positions for very serious wages, if I were to start again, I would become a Decky. A 30% salary premium for Engineers would change that but I doubt it will ever materialize.
Join the merchant navy and in a few short years become a certified alcoholic qualified in shagging whores and with no friends to speak of and stunted interpersonal skills.......................ultimately leading to a lonely and sad existence.
Michael stein I have been sailing for 38 years and all I have to say is it is not for everyone. It has paid for my house in cash paid for my children’s college . Yep life has been good to me out to sea but there are things you give up.
I love the sea and have always lived close to the water. Lived aboard a Navy ship for 2 years, but that was decades ago. Watched a documentary film about modern day shipping. The ship's captain commented something to the effect that a sailor used to sail from port to port and saw the world, but now they are continuously underway and only see waves. There's an old navy saying: "Sailors belong on ships and ships belong at sea." I would add "but not forever" to that expression. You are very stoic and I realize you have family obligations, but you're still young and for what it's worth, if I were you, I would be using my free time at sea to plan/prepare for another way to make a living on shore, even a lower paying one if necessary. You only have one life to live and you're a man, not an albatross.
I can't think of any better way to spend your life tbh. Life at sea and being a captain would be my dream job. 4 months on 4bmonths off you get ample time to do all the things you mentioned.
I've been a Merchant Mariner for about 13 years. I've seen a lot of changes. Many of them coming in the way of new regulations: TWIC, Medical Certificates, annual physicals, mandatory classes, etc. Unfortunately there's a lot of redundancy. Between the Union physical, Coast guard physical, and MSC physical I end up getting poked and prodded a couple times a year. Having said that, it is a great way to make money, see the world, and meet Great people. If you've got an itch, the sea will scratch it. Stay safe brothers and sisters. -B
@@crishnaholmes7730 in terms of physical fitness? It's been years now but from what I remember you would have to safely lift 60 lb. , be able to crawl a certain distance, go under a two foot bar then step over it. I think I even walked on a treadmill for 5 or 10 minutes one time. Nothing too hard. Then of course you take a class dealing with shorting (patching holes on a vessel), you take a fire fighting class and the list goes on.
It's very similar to the trucking industry. This career used to be th ticket to upper middle class and great pay and benefits. Nowadays it's just another low wage dead end job.
That's debatable, actually. As a company driver, we have fuel networks with the big chain truck stops, so when I stop for the night, I'm usually at one of them. Stopping at the same places all the time, the food is pretty much all the same for the most part.
You might make that much if you own your own truck, but then take into consideration your costs, like fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls, and taxes. A trucking company might tell you that you might make that much if you own a truck (if you're a company driver, you generally don't come anywhere near close unless I guess maybe if you were hauling for oil fields or something, then it might be possible, but I can't confirm that), but they conveniently leave out all the details like your expenses. All of a sudden, you might not make any more than a company driver does.
As both a former Merchant Marine AND a trucker, I made slightly better money as a mariner. When I say 'slightly', it's like I made the equivalent of 11.00/hr in the maritime industry compared to 10.00/hr in trucking. Now, one thing that maritime has over trucking is that you rarely spend any money until you hit shore leave, so you have much more ability to save your earnings as opposed to having to purchase your food at a truck stop every night. I had a nine-month tour as a cadet, and I boarded the ship with $200 in my pocket, and at the end of nine months I still had $129 in my wallet, plus nine months worth of paychecks to cash. Another thing that maritime trumps commercial trucking in is the fact that you have very little responsibility, because you're part of a crew. You're not solely responsible for getting your load dropped like if you were trucking, so there's infinitely less stress involved. For any person trying to decide between the two industries, I would highly recommend joining the Merchant Marines. Unlike trucking, pay is commiserate with experience, so while you're starting out at low pay, within a couple of years you can climb up in rank fairly steady. The trucking industry doesn't care if you've been driving six days or six decades, you're going to start out at the same $0.30 a mile they pay everyone else. As an owner/operator, all it takes is one bad president and a spike in fuel prices to grind the industry to a halt and send you home bankrupt. (Ask me how I know!) If I could go back in time, I would pull my younger self aside and not let myself leave the Merchant Marines in favor of the trucking industry. I followed some pie-in-the-sky advice from a couple of guys who were leaving the sea life and buying their own trucks, claiming that they would make 200,000 a year and other horseshit like that. Those guys ended up back at sea in a cadet ranking at about 3/4 of the pay rate they were at before they left.
You are a very articulate and thoughtful young man. You should do very well in your career. While I am not a professional mariner, your observations ring true to me.
Hey, I am studying maritime engineering, it's my first year and I can't wait for my first onboard training in March. I'm glad I found our channel though, it helps me grasp the real life at sea. Thank you for your videos !
Wow, hey kid. I watched a couple of your other videos you posted, and I was your perspective was narrow because of your youth and short time in the industry. However, you “nailed-it” on this particular video. And I am impressed. You are articulate, your editing is well done and the points you made here are accurate and well founded. Anyone that has been going to sea for years will agree with virtually everything you said here. Me? I has been going to sea professionally since 1990, 1986 if you count my time as a cadet. I will continue to view some of your other posts. Take care brother, stay safe, and stay optimistic. Old Salty
As a 3rd Engineer on ship. I would like to say " Thank you " for speeking up for the seafarers. Hope u stay strong and keep releasing new videos like this
Very interesting video of current conditions. When I left the British Merchant Navy in 1977, I could already see changes ahead (including the rapid reduction of the British fleet), but I regard my time as well spent. I agree with most of your comments, but I would add from my own experience that there was generally no friction between the various racial and ethnic groups on board. In the bulk shipping fleet that I served, the Deck and Engineering Officers were mostly British, with some Indian, Pakistani and even one Australian. The stewards/catering crew were mostly Goanese Indians (the quality and variety of food prepared was excellent). A small team of Chinese fitters were carried to assist engine room maintenance and a Pakistani General Purpose Crew carried out deck and engine room duties. I may have been lucky, but the different ethnic groups had no problems with each other. As for the internet- it did not even exist at the time so no problem. I was surprised to see that you had to pay for your own training- my company gave me paid study leave to get my certificates
Excellent! I haven't been deep-sea for over 45 years but one issue you didn't mention which was probably top of the list in those days was communication with home & family. The only means of communication then (apart from costly emergency radio telegrams) was by post. I remember one six month voyage without receiving a single letter from my wife or family. The heartbreak of getting into a new port and awaiting the agent to give the old man the mail, only to find non for you... Eventually got a pile of letters on the day I signed off in London! At least that issue appears to have diminished but then on the other hand to receive bad news but be impotent to resolve it is probably equally as bad.
Egg Bramhill not much changed))) Nowadays the vessel internet (on my personal experience) is worth for texting only and it sucks. I want to hear the voice, to see the videos, images, but even these things cost big money... still
Hello There's an old saying that goes like this..... The ship is your jail cell and the sea is your jailer........... Yes being away from home and family is hard and so is a life at sea . Cutting ties with the land isn't hard to do and has is pros and cons. Yes you can save up a ton of money and no bills to worry about but the ones you decide to incur. I can say that for me it was a great career and I had fun. I sailed as a third engineer for over twenty five years and retired. The job wasn't easy and no its not for everyone but I didn't become a drunk but I was lonely and you just have to fine a way to deal with it. 3AE Greg Rogers
@claude banks, I would be interested to ask you questions about your 20 years of work. I will share my email. Honestly, anyone that works offshore especially engineers can email me to. I am researching the lifestyle/work and I want to learn as much as possible. Ashley.charlieparson@gmail.com Thank you in advance
A kid making his first trip shared an observation with me:The difference between being on a ship and being in prison is that on a ship nobody cares if you are a child molester.
Really enjoy your video's!!! i'm in my first year now, really struggled with the pros and con's before getting into this study. I've only worked on a ship one week and already started to have struggles with ethical disagreements between the captain (in holland we work a lot with phillipinos, and they get treated pretty badly in my opinion, partly because people just don't get trained in dealing with people from different cultures) . My aim is to change this when i hopefully end up working as a captain. I feel like a lot of people in my year didn't really think it through that well what working on a ship really means, so thank you so much for getting this out here, think it can help a lot of people!!! keep up the amazing work
As with almost all career choices, there are good and bad. I'm a truck driver and I love what I do. Is it for everyone? No. Are there aspects of my job I don't like? Yes. While being at sea presents far different challenges from what I do, I am away from home for extended periods of time. There are far too many government regulations that choke the trucking industry. Not everyone is going to be a good fit as a truck driver, same holes true with your career. Stay safe out there, great video too!
My Dad went to sea in 1911. He was 12 years old. He got his Chief Engineer's License @ age 21 and began teaching at Syracuse University's NY Maritime College @ age 24. His younger brother James went to sea in 1916 @ age 16. He became a Gold Seal Master in the Merchant Marine. Their cousin Tom was a Commander in the USCG during WWII. I myself served in the USCG on the International Weather Patrol in the 1950's. Of the 48 months I was on active duty, I spent 43 months at sea, on station in the North Atlantic. None of us had basketball courts and ping-pong tables on board. Only my ship had a Sick Bay. Our duties on board kept us from getting depressed by being away from loved ones. We whiled away our "off duty hours" with Pinochle and Cribbage. We didn't go to sea for the money. We went because it was in our blood. B-T-W......when my CG Cutter was called to the Andrea Doria disaster, I was on watch on the bridge for 16.5 hours as we helped remove 1605 passengers and crew from the Doria before she sank. No place for WHIMPS that day the Old Coastie
When I was a cadet engineer I had a similar experience at sea on a bulk carrier traveling from Dalian, China to Port Hedland, West Australia when a crew member became very sick, very quickly only a couple days away from our load port. He was under constant watch in the hospital. The Captain made the decision to alter course and head to East Timor to transfer him to an Australian Navy ship for treatment which was in the area but unfortunately he passed away before we could make it. The captain had been on the satellite phone to a Doctor throughout most of it and crew and captain did their best in trying to resuscitate him. It was very sad and tough for all on board.
I've been in the Maritime business for over twenty years, more than half of those years I was sailing. There was no such thing as the Internet and we used the write letters to our love ones. Things were a lot different those days when I see the younger generation I see lost of love for this beautiful carrier.
I went to sea for over 41 years.I enjoyed it.The work ,the people, the pay, the travel.But it isn’t for everyone.You have to be your own best friend,have thick skin,and a strong back.
Hey Jeff, I agree with what you said at the end of this video - It depends on how you approach the disadvantages. I'm 4 weeks into my cadetship, so still in the college stage, but I'm not put off by anything you've said so far. Always looking forward to your uploads.
All in all correct. I have one thing to add: when you tell about time at home and time at sea,you should point on different contracts for seafarers. Not everybody spend more time at sea than at home. Its all up to you. For instance, seaman may get a bonus if he stays home not more than 3 month,but nobody can force him to go at sea, he can stay home. As for me,being at sea for 7 years i manage to have 4 month at sea and same 4 month at home. Money bonus is not worth the time with the family
Your video is spot on! But needless to say. For my experince boredom wasn't really an issue. Work could easily last 9-10 hours a day 6 days a week. And I enjoyed working out for one hour everyday. That would give me around 2-3 hours for "free space". Where i could watch the series i wouldn't have watched at home. At the same time, it was easier for me to get my healthy amount of sleep. To fellow upcoming sailors: Pack an external drive with lots of movies and series. And bring books if you enjoy reading. That will for sure pack your spare time at sea.
Thank you for the video Jeff.. I decided to quit my current college this year and join the nautical college in the next academic year...I cant wait to start..Your videos helped me a lot to understand the daily struggles and joys of the seafaring... Thank you again , and keep up the good work..I love your content
Good day sir! I'm currently a Gr. 12 Senior High-school student this year and I'm planning pursue this field in college (BSMarE).. Despite of what you showed us in this video you posted sir still I'm going to take this course and will get this degree sooner.. Thank you for the advice/perspective you shared sir and always looking forward to your videos for more educational information about this kind of job. :)
just watched every video... yes you did show the lure of the love of the sea..... and so I thank you for doing this. it really does put it in perspective. esp with today's youth and internet access
Thanks Jeff! I spent 30 years at sea on and off on the Australian coast with some short swings in the Gulf of Thailand. Many of the things you enumerate here were problems for me, especially absence from loved ones. I struggled with this enormously. However i look back at my seagoing career with happy nostalgia and am glad I spent those years on board quality ships with great crew. Thanks for your vid. I will subscribe!
I am a currently a freshman cadet at a maritime college and every day I question my decision in coming here. The small regimented school where you are restricted to campus is designed to mimic the lifestyle of a merchant Marine. This video very accurately describes all the worry’s I have been having when considering continuing my education here. I am glad I have realized these things early on because initially I came to a Maritime college for the salary and convinced my self that I would enjoy the life style. I plan on finishing the first year but as of now do not believe I will be returning next year.
I sailed for 29 years. Started out on seagoing tugs and then moved to ships. Our entertainment on the tugs was either reading or playing cards. When I started on ships, we had a few videos. My last ship had satellite. We didn’t have cell phones initially, so we had to get phone cards. Mail was hopefully forwarded by the company to the local agent. The most important one you mentioned is the missing out on family events. People lose loved ones while they are out at sea. My first wife was in a terrible accident while Inwas out at sea. There are many broken marriages. Even if you are single and get off for a few months, all your friends on shore are working. It is definitely a lonely life. There are more and more requirements and endorsements. When I was sailing and was on my time off, the union wanted me to come to school and take classes. I now work as an engineer at a hospital and I consider it the best “ship” I ever worked on. Ram Chief Engineer (retired)
Very good summary for all the cons. You asked a very good question: what do you want to do in the next 10, 20, 30 years. I was able to earn enough money so I have an option to change my career (to realize my childhood dream as an engineer) after spending eight years in this seagoing career. It was a difficult decision to make at that time because my next step was working towards a captain's license, which could open up a lot of job opportunities ashore. I am glad I took that career change step. Looking back, my years at sea helped me to mature much faster and I don't regret at all to be a seaman. Cheers!
on top of everything, you guys have no idea how poor is the salary structure and safety system in most of the South Asian and Chinese companies. sailors have to pay money to manning agents who mercilessly exploit new cadets or OS waiting for sea time. and, you go through all that to come back home with an amount which you could have easily made with some nut job in land.
I absolutely agree with you,this is a job that is not for everyone,don't let fool by sunsets or sunrises at sea Its a tough heavy and lonely job,that really requires a strong mind and body...
I really love what you're doing JeffHK. I just found your channel yesterday. For most of us we will never be exposed to this area of work and life. Your videos answer a lot of questions and are giving me an insight into things I never thought about, just wanted you to know people really appreciate it, I look forward to more videos.
Some of the points that could be seen as "bad" could also be seen as "good" though, like mentioned in the video. The lack of internet could also mean you put your time into more social or solitary activities, which could build you up as a person, like getting fit and picking up an actual book. Being stuck with people of other nationalities could mean through immersion (and some effort on your part), you could learn new languages which is a really valuable asset no matter where you go.
Pieter Westerink okay friendo give us 10 good reasons I'm Merchant Marine Able Body Seaman after 12 years I am disgusted with the industry give me 10 good reasons I'm sure they're there I just haven't experienced any of them in a a long time and it gets worse every year shipmate
You are spot on with your 10 reasons why working at sea sucks. Specially the pay and amount of work that they expect you to do. Overworked and under paid. The Merchant Maritime Industry is just one notch above slavery. The big shipping companies are the biggest exploiters of humans. Why has it come about to this situation, is that most countries and unions of most seafaring countries like, the Philippines, Indonesia, India and many more should all get together and make an agreement on what is a fair wage for the Sailors of today. In my opinion, we sailors should be paid very highly for the harsh environment and endurance that we have to put up with in this type of job. It is very unfair what we are getting these days, and all the big companies that are making mega millions are laughing all the way to the bank.
I'm very interested in abandoning the day-in day-out bullshit of the 9-to-5 corporate job. No family, no children, no concerns other than keeping bills paid. I am very curious about how to start looking into starting a career in this sort of work.
Do bare in mind though that what may appeal now in terms of isolationist feelings, etc., may change completely in your later years. After retirement, possibly 20 years of being lonely isn't a good thing.
I loved being at sea. Your point of missing moments with family is why I left that trade. No amount of money will make up losing those moments. If you do not have a family, it is much easier on the soul.
It sounds like the perfect job for me (almost). I'm a loner and rarely, almost never socialize. I do great being alone for long periods of time. But internet is a necessity just to learn things and acquire materials, it would be very difficult to do anything being offline for a month.
Jeff, I once toured a container ship (docked at port!) and, being a communications enthusiast, requested (and was immediately granted) permission to visit the radio room. It was quite the experience. Please consider covering communications in an upcoming video. Would be most interesting. Thanks for the efforts!
Airline job is a breeze in comparison. Many pilots fly from their base and are home at the end of almost every work day; it's really only long-haul pilots who are away for days, and then they get several days off anyway. Not at all like being stuck at sea IMO.
I’d love to do it. And the work you all do is so fucking important, especially at times like this. You all truly deserve more than you get, hats off! But honestly it’s the loneliness that does it for me. I’m a very social creature. Weirdly enough I have social anxiety so it’d be nice that way.
hello jeff. Less pay,money spend for yearly new rule and courses ,not much time for shore leave.except these 3, nothing els matter to me.thats why changed my career even after completing nautical science. looking for more vdos.
I've just discovered your channel today as one of your videos -the one about anchoring- has been linked to in a Spanish social news website. The thing is, I am not a sailor, I've never been remotely interested in maritime life before or even felt curious about what this kind of job entails, but for some reason, I got hooked on your videos and I've been binge-watching them for a while now. You clearly know what you are talking about, and you do it in an interesting, educational and understandable way. And top of that, they are really well edited! Keep up the good work! :)
Hey 👋🏻 Great vidéo and content. It’s my first vid to watch on your channel. My dad is a Marine Engineer, and I remember him saying when I was way younger why he decided not to pursue working as a seafarer. It is all you have mentioned except the internet part at his time 😉 He said if I want to have a family I want to be close to them, know my kids and see them grow up. I believe more light must be shed on Seafarers, and spread the awareness about their lives and how they are not getting the acceptable basics. I think most think you must be making tons of money, but the truth is not all are and still this is a job that needs to be well compensated and taken care of to help ease a little bit of all the cons you have mentioned . Mental health especially is a factor that needs to be on top of the list. I respect you and all seafarers for all we have and take for granted without thinking about the journey the commodity or product has taken to reach me, and the crew who made it possible. Prayers and blessings to all of you out there.
I don't have a university degree 1)How can i start my courses? 2)And how long does it take? 3)And how much does it cost until being able to have a job on ship?
You are right. It is not about the ship's type. I'm in PCTC (Pure Car Carrier as you can see in my channel) but same problems exists in all over ships and since my graduation from Marine Academy at 2007. Always looking forward to your videos!
You are in the Navy. You need to get on with eachother. If not you have a chain of command. It's in the blood being at sea. I spent 13 years at sea with the Royal Navy. The navy does not molicodle it's crew. But do look out for them.
So interesting and so true. Things i never thought about being land based. Thankyou so much for the interesting videos please post more. Keep floating - David
I’m impressed by this video, as one in the maritime though not a sailor. There is no short of view points but very true, neutral and objective. Well done.
I watched both your pros and cons videos vis a vis the merchant marine and must give you credit for thinking of everything including factors not the most obvious to those who haven’t shipped out in the merchants. I was also an enlisted submariner in the US Navy in addition to being an unlimited AB in the US merchant marine including serving in the Gulf War sealift of 1989-90 plus hauling all the crap back for a total of four voyages at that time and being awarded the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal. To me the real pros are these: you can ship for as long as you can tolerate it while basically saving all of your money then pay cash on a beat up old cottage in a played out mining town in for instance, either the UP of Michigan or northern Ontario, Canada, where you are from and where I once worked as a paid canoe tripping guide on Lake Temagami. Or, if you’re considering university you can get a marine engineering degree from a maritime academy and then if you dislike the merchant marine you can switch to being a stationary engineer running a giant building somewhere. Although the merchant marine aboard a naval pre-positioning ship with a civilian mariner crew was the best job I ever had, that was an unusual assignment with lots of shore liberty. Subsequent jobs on commercial ships where no shore leave was on offer basically sucked the big one, so I became a self employed barber, rather than wasting the money on cram school for a mate’s license, which wouldn’t have done me any good considering all the ABs I knew who had their 3rd mate’s ticket but weren’t using it since they were reluctant to switch to Liberian or Panamanian flagged ships. As a barber I would tell people don’t bother with either the navy or the merchant marine unless [1] you got on the waiting list for the navy Seabees or [2] went into the merchant marine as a cook, perhaps after doing three years in the naval reserves as a cook to qualify. I eventually came to detest being in the deck gang; it seemed like all ABs were either underemployed geniuses or else Neanderthalic troglydites, not a good combination. But anything beats teaching school! I wasted 8 years teaching school and that job truly sucks to high heaven.
Hello, there was engine hum with the last upload (the ship was going at 21knots), which was very apparent for people with sub-woofers so i decided to clean up the noise and re-upload Another vlog will be coming up tomorrow or so!
One option when someone is very sick, is to ask for assistance from vessels with a doctor onboard. I had three instances when we were asked to close another ship and send our helo to medivac a sailor when I was in Navy.
Brett Daniels well I have no experience at sea but tbh I think good results throughout education played a part and I think the fact I worked well with others and showed an interest in the way of life at the company throughout the interview process helped a lot. I had applied to several other companies which impressed them ! - Overall though they are looking for a certain type of person :) - it's a bit all over the place but hope this helps !! (edit) - 3 years studying + sea phases
I have a friend who was a merchant marine until he was in New Orleans when Katrina hit and he seriously thought that the boat was going to sink. He got back home and quit.
Thank you so much Jeff, this really helped, although i am watching this 7 years late. i am still young but i will not specify my age, today i went hiking and saw the sea and some ships... i fell in love with it, now my dream job is marine engineer
Jeffery, I really enjoy viewing you videos. You have a real talent. My wife (who is Chinese) and I took a tour of mainland China about twenty years ago. After two weeks of exactly the same meals, everyone in the tour went to MacDonalds when we reached Hong Kong.
Sailors feel loneliness, miss family and friends, miss attending important family events like weddings of family and friends and birth of their own children, miss spending time with their children during their very crucial growing up years. Their children and spouse miss them and have to live their lives alone for many months every year. Food becomes boring. Homesickness affects the sailors. It's dangerous when seas are rough. You have to be in perfect health to be able to sail successfully. Sailors get depression easily. Some become alcoholics. It's not an easy profession. I salute those brave people who who in Merchany Navy and cruise ships.
despite the drawbacks, i find this line of work fascinating. Have you considered a video for those interested in maritime on how to get started in this career? :) Apologies if this already exits...haven't watched all your vids...yet!
The only thing I could disagree with is the medical, but then again, now a days who knows how it is to sail. I sailed in the early 1970's, I was the only women on most of my ships, and I don't regret any minute of it, I loved it. The best job I ever had, and the Food was great on board ship. You have to have a certain mentality to cope with the loneliness, fill the time read or listen to music. I was a union member so there was no contract back then. It is just not for everyone. The money is good, but you have to manage it. I sailed long enough to get it out of my system, and then went back to a secure job I had before I got there. I sailed for 9 years.
You don't really think of #1 until it happens to you, I got a lung infection/fever working at sea back in late February, I wasn't sure what it was but was thinking covid was killing me. The whole food thing is true, you miss things you can't have like certain foods, family, sex, civilization, ect. The ship I was on the food was great, but I still wanted a Big Mac and fries more then anything.
It is really like Jeff said. It's a fantastic job, IF you can deal with it's bad sides. And everything he mentions here is not necessarily negative. But it can be hard to deal with. Golden times are definitely over. But it's utterly interesting and in case you don't want to be away from home for a couple of months or you all of a sudden discover that you are not made for the job on big ships, there's always the possibility to get a job on a smaller vessel, doing more coast jobs, having the opportunity to spend time off board more often.
Truth is the best way to face things. You call in sick you better be on your death bed. But really the people in charge are trying to do more with less and that can backfire with dire consequences. A well put together and honest video.
Heyo! If you are still interested in maritime after hearing the cons, check out the pros in "10 reason why Maritime is AWESOME" video!
Can you a do a video on different types of ships?
I want alone life but now I am in medical school a boring life can some one help me to join maritime
Yes I am interested
Are you not fucking bitches and making money? Bruv don't worry about nothing you cant control 💯
what can you do on land with a captain license
I sailed for 31 years(1976-2007)I agree with all you said..life as a mariner isn't easy,but it beats going to a factory or office everyday,hoping to get 2 weeks vacation..i never worked more that 7 months a year,often less...my time aboard ships allowed me ample time-off to do just about anything I wanted...I guess some may see glamour in it,to me(being onboard) it was a necessary part so I could have months at home with my family,the money was good with good benefits...yeah,you had to be tolerant of other peoples habits and customs..but i'd do it again...I enjoyed my "life at sea"!
400,000 a year x 31 years = $12,400,000 : Hello.
gatekeeper1 really...you'd be out for a while then just have a bunch of time off??
@@vitalchance1032 theres taxes etc uknow
Vital Chance seafarer doesnt make 400.000$ a year, not even captains. Experienced pilots do, theres a difference.
@@Simon-uv4ih masters can get 25k$ per month
For me the Sailor Life is the best because i'm not a very Social Guy, i'm a Loner so i love it
+Nord mann it is a life of good solitude! i do enjoy time to myself ☺️
Can you smoke weed while you're on board say after some down time?
Goofyattack you gotta chill man, there's no reason to attack someone for asking an innocent question.
Goofyattack “grow up already” says the fuckwit throwing insults and calling people fags online for asking an innocent question
I’m a loner also. Navy was the happiest time in my life!
As a fellow sailor, I can find no fault with what you said. Everything you said is absolutely right.
As you said, those 10 things are not necessarily bad points; it's all what you make of it and how. It is an awesome opportunity but is not for everyone.
I loved this video and do wish it had been made back in 2010(before I joined the US Merchant Marine). It would not have changed my mind but I would have been better prepared mentally for what to expect.
Fair winds and following seas.
Yeah, pretty much all if these things have their upside for some people as well. For example the Conflicts point. The reason for this is that since you are living with your coworkers, you get to know them much better. Some you might like and some not, thats how it is, but theres never like that wierd guy who does crossfit during breaks which noone really knows what he actually does on your workplace. You eventually get to know everyone onboard inside out, and the crew becomes a family to you. Some you fight with, some you play games with, some you joke with, some you speak about politics and so on.
USMM Chris how is the pay is it lucrative
hey the the politics real sucks I agree coz I am 4 engineer on a gas tanker
Join the merchant navy and in a few short years become a certified alcoholic qualified in shagging whores and with no friends to speak of and stunted interpersonal skills.......................ultimately leading to a lonely and sad existence.
I limited my time at sea to 6 months of the year, and maintained a home and friends ashore, so I did well. But when you cut ties with the land, and your whole life is on ships…..big trouble.
As a 17yr veteran of the US Navy, you hit everything we tell our junior sailors. Thank you for what you do. I really miss being at sea.
Thanks for your service, Sailor !
I was a truck driver, going all over the country. I romanticized it but after a few months, the time away from home, friends, and family made me hate it. I became very depressed. I paid for trucking school for nothing because I quit because I couldn't handle it. Also because in trucking and sailing you live away and rarely get to enjoy things in life normal people do, raising kids, time with family and friends, normal things that make people happy. Careers in trucking and sailing take a certain kind of person to deal with the intense loneliness. If you have any doubts at all don't go into the field. Money is not worth unhappiness. Always do something you love. We only have this one life.
+John M well said, youngsters are drawn to the money side and haven't thought of the social aspect
Well look for local job
Wait until you dont have a choice. Money can buy hapiness.
Sounds like you didn’t think it through. Lol
...seems like something you consider/figure out before you spend 1000s of dollars.
Everything was fine until you mentioned no internet.
SilverCrow Yeah! dying of a pancreas disease is so fine but please don’t take the internet away
Kevin Castro, I have major intestinal issues now but god damn if you disconnected my DSL.
No pornhub......NO DEAL !!!!!
@@MisterFister612 there's no magic if you have already seen the good parts
you may have to read a book, my God!!!!
Many people are always showing videos or writing blogs about how good something is, but often you don't see people show the other side of the coin. In my many years of sailing, I found it to be both a love/hate relationship. More love and less hate. It's one of those things, that either it's in you or not.
I think there is plenty of room for improving the lifestyle board ships. The prices of internet satellite has come down and offering some level of connectivity. Some ships offer civilians to book trips on ships which I think could be a welcome distraction. There are a few cargo ships that do just that, cruises and delivering cargo at the same time. Self improvement is also a great idea. I spent most of my spare time studying to become a captain. If you can get a co-worker to join along, you can push each other. As you can see from my avitar, we were both a success at that task.
There will be a time when no one will be aboard ship. Rolls Royce is working hard on designing autonomous ships. It will save companies money but then we will lose our jobs. In 20-30 years, maritime jobs will be harder to come by.
well said captain
Well said Jack. I duplicated your path and served at sea for some years....then met a supervisor with the US Nat'l Park Service. I was offered a job on one of their ships. Yes they have a few small ships (1,000 tones or less) and many small boats in their fleet. The job was a dream sir.
Keeping in mind the 'love/hate relationship,' I admire what you've done with your life. It can be Very addictive.
I'm retired now, very content with my wife who I met at 52, and living the dream along the central coast of California.
Cheers and best wishes Capt'n.
yes, you are right. captin. maritime companies are looking forward to sucess of Rolls Royce's project. They don't care about their crew's tirement.
Captain Jack Can i have your instagram?
Back when I was still doing my truck driving videos, I gave a pretty detailed insight as to what goes on in driving a truck, down to the frustrations. Most videos you see, you only see the good side of things, and I didn't like that. Watching my videos back when I still had them up, you could see how many times I was getting frustrated. Nowadays, I don't really do the truck driving videos nearly as much anymore, as I started to lose interest in doing them. Too much to do, and not enough time to do it all.
Well done with your videos, they will help many make the right decision!
As a veteran of the industry, I thought I should pitch in my 5c. The short message is: I concur with you, the golden years of working at sea are long gone. Is not a career I would recommend to anyone unless you come from the most underdeveloped part of the world where alternatives are very hard to find.
I enjoyed most of my career, but I would not do it again in the current conditions. I started as Marine Engineer in the eighties and was lucky enough to quickly transition from cargo ships to Cruise ships, Unionized Ferries in an advanced nation, Ultra Deepwater Drilling, Cruise ships again and Superyachts for preretirement. I was privileged to work for the best of the best in the different sectors, were for the most part, I was valued and treated very well. Those good employers have become extremely rare and for the majority of the people in the shipping industry it extremely unlikely to ever land any decent job with a good employer.
The difference in working conditions I witnessed in the same cruise ship company 30 years apart is shocking despite the fact that it was and still is the number one company in the world in their sector. Things went from heaven to hell on most fronts. Pretty sad and the result of corporate greed, mismanagement and a general race to the bottom thanks to globalization of the workforce and profiteering. As mentioned in the video, manpower was greatly reduced while workload is greatly increased with no end in sight. A terrible combination for the life of seafarers.
Another point often misunderstood.
Unless you are mister fix it / naturally born Engineer and driven in nature, if you still want to become a seafarer, become a Deck Officer. Engineering requires more brain, talent and a constant self-development drive to become good at it. Doing your normal working hours is not enough to get an edge in the field. In addition, you will work mostly in very difficult and dangerous conditions and by the time you retire you will have work related irreversible health issues (hearing loss, back pain, hernia, various scars, the odd missing nail or finger). The chances of becoming permanently disabled or die are far greater too. There is no glory and less money in Engineering and even if you decide to go shore based, the career and income prospects are better as a Deck Officer. I met many people that became Engineers for the wrong reasons and ended up quitting, hated their job or never became good at it. Although I had great satisfaction from my job covering prestigious positions for very serious wages, if I were to start again, I would become a Decky. A 30% salary premium for Engineers would change that but I doubt it will ever materialize.
you are doing a great job in limited space and time. great bro
+Ameer Kalifullah VERY limited space, time and data indeed... and thats an understatement ahaha
Nowdays 80% of ships have internet.
unlimited??
Aye Chan Hein 5g boiii
@@Nightshiftersbymelvin no I don't think so. I assume you have a certain amount of data per month to use. It might also differ from company to company
today my university told me i passed the admission examen to get in the maritime university im very happy
Gaming Mapache. Good for you 😀
Gaming Mapache. I'm jelly
When you go to bed at night, breathe slowly and deeply. Say "I CAN do this!!", for 20 minutes as you go to sleep.
Gaming Mapache. how was the test....I'm taking mine this Wed. coming up (4/12/17)
Join the merchant navy and in a few short years become a certified alcoholic qualified in shagging whores and with no friends to speak of and stunted interpersonal skills.......................ultimately leading to a lonely and sad existence.
You nailed it. 37 years in and currently C.E. your prospective is right-on!
Michael stein I have been sailing for 38 years and all I have to say is it is not for everyone. It has paid for my house in cash paid for my children’s college . Yep life has been good to me out to sea but there are things you give up.
I love the sea and have always lived close to the water. Lived aboard a Navy ship for 2 years, but that was decades ago. Watched a documentary film about modern day shipping. The ship's captain commented something to the effect that a sailor used to sail from port to port and saw the world, but now they are continuously underway and only see waves.
There's an old navy saying: "Sailors belong on ships and ships belong at sea." I would add "but not forever" to that expression. You are very stoic and I realize you have family obligations, but you're still young and for what it's worth, if I were you, I would be using my free time at sea to plan/prepare for another way to make a living on shore, even a lower paying one if necessary. You only have one life to live and you're a man, not an albatross.
I can't think of any better way to spend your life tbh. Life at sea and being a captain would be my dream job. 4 months on 4bmonths off you get ample time to do all the things you mentioned.
I've been a Merchant Mariner for about 13 years. I've seen a lot of changes. Many of them coming in the way of new regulations: TWIC, Medical Certificates, annual physicals, mandatory classes, etc. Unfortunately there's a lot of redundancy. Between the Union physical, Coast guard physical, and MSC physical I end up getting poked and prodded a couple times a year.
Having said that, it is a great way to make money, see the world, and meet Great people. If you've got an itch, the sea will scratch it. Stay safe brothers and sisters. -B
What exercises were you tested on
@@crishnaholmes7730 in terms of physical fitness? It's been years now but from what I remember you would have to safely lift 60 lb. , be able to crawl a certain distance, go under a two foot bar then step over it. I think I even walked on a treadmill for 5 or 10 minutes one time.
Nothing too hard. Then of course you take a class dealing with shorting (patching holes on a vessel), you take a fire fighting class and the list goes on.
@@bennywright4900 ok and if you failed could you try again
It's very similar to the trucking industry. This career used to be th ticket to upper middle class and great pay and benefits. Nowadays it's just another low wage dead end job.
Agreed. Captains are glorified truck drivers with a sense of entitlement and no skills that translate to shore side careers.
That's debatable, actually. As a company driver, we have fuel networks with the big chain truck stops, so when I stop for the night, I'm usually at one of them. Stopping at the same places all the time, the food is pretty much all the same for the most part.
You might make that much if you own your own truck, but then take into consideration your costs, like fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls, and taxes. A trucking company might tell you that you might make that much if you own a truck (if you're a company driver, you generally don't come anywhere near close unless I guess maybe if you were hauling for oil fields or something, then it might be possible, but I can't confirm that), but they conveniently leave out all the details like your expenses. All of a sudden, you might not make any more than a company driver does.
The day to day of trucking seems worse. Much more monotonous, sedentary and solitary.
As both a former Merchant Marine AND a trucker, I made slightly better money as a mariner. When I say 'slightly', it's like I made the equivalent of 11.00/hr in the maritime industry compared to 10.00/hr in trucking. Now, one thing that maritime has over trucking is that you rarely spend any money until you hit shore leave, so you have much more ability to save your earnings as opposed to having to purchase your food at a truck stop every night. I had a nine-month tour as a cadet, and I boarded the ship with $200 in my pocket, and at the end of nine months I still had $129 in my wallet, plus nine months worth of paychecks to cash.
Another thing that maritime trumps commercial trucking in is the fact that you have very little responsibility, because you're part of a crew. You're not solely responsible for getting your load dropped like if you were trucking, so there's infinitely less stress involved.
For any person trying to decide between the two industries, I would highly recommend joining the Merchant Marines. Unlike trucking, pay is commiserate with experience, so while you're starting out at low pay, within a couple of years you can climb up in rank fairly steady. The trucking industry doesn't care if you've been driving six days or six decades, you're going to start out at the same $0.30 a mile they pay everyone else. As an owner/operator, all it takes is one bad president and a spike in fuel prices to grind the industry to a halt and send you home bankrupt. (Ask me how I know!)
If I could go back in time, I would pull my younger self aside and not let myself leave the Merchant Marines in favor of the trucking industry. I followed some pie-in-the-sky advice from a couple of guys who were leaving the sea life and buying their own trucks, claiming that they would make 200,000 a year and other horseshit like that. Those guys ended up back at sea in a cadet ranking at about 3/4 of the pay rate they were at before they left.
You are a very articulate and thoughtful young man. You should do very well in your career. While I am not a professional mariner, your observations ring true to me.
3:49 I am beginning to appreciate his video editing skills. 😆👍
yeah cause I say the real side
Pls send pdf or etc obout deck officer
Crazy video man👌
Check this super amazing marine video as well you gonna love it
👇👇👇
ua-cam.com/video/Bx3bbwoVeTA/v-deo.html
Hey, I am studying maritime engineering, it's my first year and I can't wait for my first onboard training in March. I'm glad I found our channel though, it helps me grasp the real life at sea. Thank you for your videos !
where you at now?
Wow, hey kid. I watched a couple of your other videos you posted, and I was your perspective was narrow because of your youth and short time in the industry. However, you “nailed-it” on this particular video. And I am impressed. You are articulate, your editing is well done and the points you made here are accurate and well founded. Anyone that has been going to sea for years will agree with virtually everything you said here. Me? I has been going to sea professionally since 1990, 1986 if you count my time as a cadet. I will continue to view some of your other posts. Take care brother, stay safe, and stay optimistic.
Old Salty
Very interesting to hear your perspective, always looking forward to your videos.
Pierre, HOW are you verified?
Harambe Minion lol
How are you verifed at 50subs???!??????????!!!!??!????
@@p00pie asked myself the same thing
As a 3rd Engineer on ship. I would like to say " Thank you " for speeking up for the seafarers. Hope u stay strong and keep releasing new videos like this
Very interesting video of current conditions. When I left the British Merchant Navy in 1977, I could already see changes ahead (including the rapid reduction of the British fleet), but I regard my time as well spent.
I agree with most of your comments, but I would add from my own experience that there was generally no friction between the various racial and ethnic groups on board.
In the bulk shipping fleet that I served, the Deck and Engineering Officers were mostly British, with some Indian, Pakistani and even one Australian. The stewards/catering crew were mostly Goanese Indians (the quality and variety of food prepared was excellent). A small team of Chinese fitters were carried to assist engine room maintenance and a Pakistani General Purpose Crew carried out deck and engine room duties.
I may have been lucky, but the different ethnic groups had no problems with each other.
As for the internet- it did not even exist at the time so no problem. I was surprised to see that you had to pay for your own training- my company gave me paid study leave to get my certificates
Excellent! I haven't been deep-sea for over 45 years but one issue you didn't mention which was probably top of the list in those days was communication with home & family. The only means of communication then (apart from costly emergency radio telegrams) was by post. I remember one six month voyage without receiving a single letter from my wife or family. The heartbreak of getting into a new port and awaiting the agent to give the old man the mail, only to find non for you...
Eventually got a pile of letters on the day I signed off in London!
At least that issue appears to have diminished but then on the other hand to receive bad news but be impotent to resolve it is probably equally as bad.
Egg Bramhill not much changed))) Nowadays the vessel internet (on my personal experience) is worth for texting only and it sucks. I want to hear the voice, to see the videos, images, but even these things cost big money... still
Hello
There's an old saying that goes like this..... The ship is your jail cell and the sea is your jailer........... Yes being away from home and family is hard and so is a life at sea . Cutting ties with the land isn't hard to do and has is pros and cons. Yes you can save up a ton of money and no bills to worry about but the ones you decide to
incur. I can say that for me it was a great career and I had fun. I sailed as a third engineer for over twenty five years and retired. The job wasn't easy and no its not for everyone but I didn't become a drunk but I was lonely and you just have to fine a way to deal with it.
3AE Greg Rogers
Yup, finding a way to deal with it is the most important aspect
@claude banks, I would be interested to ask you questions about your 20 years of work. I will share my email. Honestly, anyone that works offshore especially engineers can email me to. I am researching the lifestyle/work and I want to learn as much as possible.
Ashley.charlieparson@gmail.com
Thank you in advance
A kid making his first trip shared an observation with me:The difference between being on a ship and being in prison is that on a ship nobody cares if you are a child molester.
Really enjoy your video's!!! i'm in my first year now, really struggled with the pros and con's before getting into this study. I've only worked on a ship one week and already started to have struggles with ethical disagreements between the captain (in holland we work a lot with phillipinos, and they get treated pretty badly in my opinion, partly because people just don't get trained in dealing with people from different cultures) . My aim is to change this when i hopefully end up working as a captain. I feel like a lot of people in my year didn't really think it through that well what working on a ship really means, so thank you so much for getting this out here, think it can help a lot of people!!! keep up the amazing work
How is it going
As with almost all career choices, there are good and bad. I'm a truck driver and I love what I do. Is it for everyone? No. Are there aspects of my job I don't like? Yes. While being at sea presents far different challenges from what I do, I am away from home for extended periods of time. There are far too many government regulations that choke the trucking industry. Not everyone is going to be a good fit as a truck driver, same holes true with your career. Stay safe out there, great video too!
"Lack of social life" seems like the type of life I want lol
I certainly do
Me 2
My Dad went to sea in 1911. He was 12 years old. He got his Chief Engineer's License @ age 21 and began teaching at Syracuse University's NY Maritime College @ age 24. His younger brother James went to sea in 1916 @ age 16. He became a Gold Seal Master in the Merchant Marine. Their cousin Tom was a Commander in the USCG during WWII. I myself served in the USCG on the International Weather Patrol in the 1950's. Of the 48 months I was on active duty, I spent 43 months at sea, on station in the North Atlantic. None of us had basketball courts and ping-pong tables on board. Only my ship had a Sick Bay. Our duties on board kept us from getting depressed by being away from loved ones. We whiled away our "off duty hours" with Pinochle and Cribbage. We didn't go to sea for the money. We went because it was in our blood. B-T-W......when my CG Cutter was called to the Andrea Doria disaster, I was on watch on the bridge for 16.5 hours as we helped remove 1605 passengers and crew from the Doria before she sank. No place for WHIMPS that day the Old Coastie
When I was a cadet engineer I had a similar experience at sea on a bulk carrier traveling from Dalian, China to Port Hedland, West Australia when a crew member became very sick, very quickly only a couple days away from our load port.
He was under constant watch in the hospital. The Captain made the decision to alter course and head to East Timor to transfer him to an Australian Navy ship for treatment which was in the area but unfortunately he passed away before we could make it. The captain had been on the satellite phone to a Doctor throughout most of it and crew and captain did their best in trying to resuscitate him. It was very sad and tough for all on board.
Rest in peace
Thank you for that professional, well-done input. God bless and be safe!!!
I've been in the Maritime business for over twenty years, more than half of those years I was sailing. There was no such thing as the Internet and we used the write letters to our love ones. Things were a lot different those days when I see the younger generation I see lost of love for this beautiful carrier.
I’ll be going to Maritime college in Ireland in September. I’m doing a course in marine electrotechnology and this will help me prepare. Thanks man
How was it
I went to sea for over 41 years.I enjoyed it.The work ,the people, the pay, the travel.But it isn’t for everyone.You have to be your own best friend,have thick skin,and a strong back.
Hey Jeff, I agree with what you said at the end of this video - It depends on how you approach the disadvantages. I'm 4 weeks into my cadetship, so still in the college stage, but I'm not put off by anything you've said so far. Always looking forward to your uploads.
All in all correct. I have one thing to add: when you tell about time at home and time at sea,you should point on different contracts for seafarers. Not everybody spend more time at sea than at home. Its all up to you. For instance, seaman may get a bonus if he stays home not more than 3 month,but nobody can force him to go at sea, he can stay home. As for me,being at sea for 7 years i manage to have 4 month at sea and same 4 month at home. Money bonus is not worth the time with the family
Your video is spot on! But needless to say. For my experince boredom wasn't really an issue. Work could easily last 9-10 hours a day 6 days a week. And I enjoyed working out for one hour everyday. That would give me around 2-3 hours for "free space". Where i could watch the series i wouldn't have watched at home. At the same time, it was easier for me to get my healthy amount of sleep.
To fellow upcoming sailors: Pack an external drive with lots of movies and series. And bring books if you enjoy reading. That will for sure pack your spare time at sea.
+Frederik19951995 agreed, keeping self occupied
Do ships have gyms ?
@@drivass_11 Yes
Are Fleshlight's allowed?
Thank you for the video Jeff..
I decided to quit my current college this year and join the nautical college in the next academic year...I cant wait to start..Your videos helped me a lot to understand the daily struggles and joys of the seafaring...
Thank you again , and keep up the good work..I love your content
+Donix Onix Glad ive helped! Positive comments keeps me going :)
The lack of efficient medical care scared me a little bit but it doesn't change my mind of being a maritime engineer
Live your dream👌
Good day sir! I'm currently a Gr. 12 Senior High-school student this year and I'm planning pursue this field in college (BSMarE)..
Despite of what you showed us in this video you posted sir still I'm going to take this course and will get this degree sooner.. Thank you for the advice/perspective you shared sir and always looking forward to your videos for more educational information about this kind of job. :)
just watched every video... yes you did show the lure of the love of the sea..... and so I thank you for doing this. it really does put it in perspective. esp with today's youth and internet access
Thanks Jeff! I spent 30 years at sea on and off on the Australian coast with some short swings in the Gulf of Thailand. Many of the things you enumerate here were problems for me, especially absence from loved ones. I struggled with this enormously. However i look back at my seagoing career with happy nostalgia and am glad I spent those years on board quality ships with great crew. Thanks for your vid. I will subscribe!
I am a currently a freshman cadet at a maritime college and every day I question my decision in coming here. The small regimented school where you are restricted to campus is designed to mimic the lifestyle of a merchant Marine. This video very accurately describes all the worry’s I have been having when considering continuing my education here. I am glad I have realized these things early on because initially I came to a Maritime college for the salary and convinced my self that I would enjoy the life style. I plan on finishing the first year but as of now do not believe I will be returning next year.
Hey did u continue?
I will be amazed if he reply back lmao@@adithyakarun
I sailed for 29 years. Started out on seagoing tugs and then moved to ships.
Our entertainment on the tugs was either reading or playing cards.
When I started on ships, we had a few videos. My last ship had satellite.
We didn’t have cell phones initially, so we had to get phone cards. Mail was hopefully forwarded by the company to the local agent.
The most important one you mentioned is the missing out on family events. People lose loved ones while they are out at sea. My first wife was in a terrible accident while Inwas out at sea. There are many broken marriages.
Even if you are single and get off for a few months, all your friends on shore are working.
It is definitely a lonely life.
There are more and more requirements and endorsements. When I was sailing and was on my time off, the union wanted me to come to school and take classes.
I now work as an engineer at a hospital and I consider it the best “ship” I ever worked on.
Ram
Chief Engineer (retired)
Brilliant. I live in Southampton and often wondered how mariners live at sea. You have explained it so succinctly. Thank you!
Very good summary for all the cons. You asked a very good question: what do you want to do in the next 10, 20, 30 years. I was able to earn enough money so I have an option to change my career (to realize my childhood dream as an engineer) after spending eight years in this seagoing career. It was a difficult decision to make at that time because my next step was working towards a captain's license, which could open up a lot of job opportunities ashore. I am glad I took that career change step. Looking back, my years at sea helped me to mature much faster and I don't regret at all to be a seaman. Cheers!
on top of everything, you guys have no idea how poor is the salary structure and safety system in most of the South Asian and Chinese companies. sailors have to pay money to manning agents who mercilessly exploit new cadets or OS waiting for sea time. and, you go through all that to come back home with an amount which you could have easily made with some nut job in land.
I absolutely agree with you,this is a job that is not for everyone,don't let fool by sunsets or sunrises at sea
Its a tough heavy and lonely job,that really requires a strong mind and body...
2:54 hahaha you made a point. you know what, because of the video inserts, I think you could do well such uploads on plenty of subjects.
+Royale with cheese 😆😆
I really love what you're doing JeffHK. I just found your channel yesterday. For most of us we will never be exposed to this area of work and life. Your videos answer a lot of questions and are giving me an insight into things I never thought about, just wanted you to know people really appreciate it, I look forward to more videos.
But now ten reasons why it is awesome?
+Pieter Westerink you bet! coming up
i am looking forward to it!!!
Some of the points that could be seen as "bad" could also be seen as "good" though, like mentioned in the video. The lack of internet could also mean you put your time into more social or solitary activities, which could build you up as a person, like getting fit and picking up an actual book. Being stuck with people of other nationalities could mean through immersion (and some effort on your part), you could learn new languages which is a really valuable asset no matter where you go.
Tremulousnut So... going to prison can be a good thing?
Pieter Westerink okay friendo give us 10 good reasons I'm Merchant Marine Able Body Seaman after 12 years I am disgusted with the industry give me 10 good reasons I'm sure they're there I just haven't experienced any of them in a a long time and it gets worse every year shipmate
You are spot on with your 10 reasons why working at sea sucks. Specially the pay and amount of work that they expect you to do. Overworked and under paid. The Merchant Maritime Industry is just one notch above slavery.
The big shipping companies are the biggest exploiters of humans. Why has it come about to this situation, is that most countries and unions of most seafaring countries like, the Philippines, Indonesia, India and many more should all get together and make an agreement on what is a fair wage for the Sailors of today. In my opinion, we sailors should be paid very highly for the harsh environment and endurance that we have to put up with in this type of job. It is very unfair what we are getting these days, and all the big companies that are making mega millions are laughing all the way to the bank.
I'm very interested in abandoning the day-in day-out bullshit of the 9-to-5 corporate job.
No family, no children, no concerns other than keeping bills paid.
I am very curious about how to start looking into starting a career in this sort of work.
spunkyprep I think I'm in the same boat.
Do bare in mind though that what may appeal now in terms of isolationist feelings, etc., may change completely in your later years. After retirement, possibly 20 years of being lonely isn't a good thing.
I loved being at sea. Your point of missing moments with family is why I left that trade. No amount of money will make up losing those moments. If you do not have a family, it is much easier on the soul.
It sounds like the perfect job for me (almost). I'm a loner and rarely, almost never socialize. I do great being alone for long periods of time. But internet is a necessity just to learn things and acquire materials, it would be very difficult to do anything being offline for a month.
The rough sea, that's what he didn't mention on that, sleeping in rough sea also a things to get used to.
I really appreciate you being honest and this video. There were things brought to light I had not considered.
Jeff, I once toured a container ship (docked at port!) and, being a communications enthusiast, requested (and was immediately granted) permission to visit the radio room. It was quite the experience.
Please consider covering communications in an upcoming video. Would be most interesting.
Thanks for the efforts!
+k1mgy sure thing
These are the SAME reasons I decided not to go through with the Airline/Commercial Aviation career.
Great video man, you should upload more!!!!
Airline job is a breeze in comparison. Many pilots fly from their base and are home at the end of almost every work day; it's really only long-haul pilots who are away for days, and then they get several days off anyway. Not at all like being stuck at sea IMO.
I’d love to do it. And the work you all do is so fucking important, especially at times like this. You all truly deserve more than you get, hats off!
But honestly it’s the loneliness that does it for me. I’m a very social creature. Weirdly enough I have social anxiety so it’d be nice that way.
Absolutely true, I face those problems on the ship. Seaman life is not so easy as people think that.
I feel empty and I’m very anti social I’ll be good🤙🏾
Few days until i will join a ship as a cadet. Your videos saved me! Thanx
hello jeff.
Less pay,money spend for yearly new rule and courses ,not much time for shore leave.except these 3, nothing els matter to me.thats why changed my career even after completing nautical science.
looking for more vdos.
I've just discovered your channel today as one of your videos -the one about anchoring- has been linked to in a Spanish social news website.
The thing is, I am not a sailor, I've never been remotely interested in maritime life before or even felt curious about what this kind of job entails, but for some reason, I got hooked on your videos and I've been binge-watching them for a while now. You clearly know what you are talking about, and you do it in an interesting, educational and understandable way. And top of that, they are really well edited!
Keep up the good work! :)
Thoughtfully presented as well as aesthetically pleasing, thanks for sharing, keep up the great work.
Hey 👋🏻 Great vidéo and content. It’s my first vid to watch on your channel. My dad is a Marine Engineer, and I remember him saying when I was way younger why he decided not to pursue working as a seafarer. It is all you have mentioned except the internet part at his time 😉 He said if I want to have a family I want to be close to them, know my kids and see them grow up.
I believe more light must be shed on Seafarers, and spread the awareness about their lives and how they are not getting the acceptable basics. I think most think you must be making tons of money, but the truth is not all are and still this is a job that needs to be well compensated and taken care of to help ease a little bit of all the cons you have mentioned . Mental health especially is a factor that needs to be on top of the list.
I respect you and all seafarers for all we have and take for granted without thinking about the journey the commodity or product has taken to reach me, and the crew who made it possible.
Prayers and blessings to all of you out there.
I don't have a university degree
1)How can i start my courses?
2)And how long does it take?
3)And how much does it cost until being able to have a job on ship?
Dumb ass you don’t need a degree
You are right. It is not about the ship's type. I'm in PCTC (Pure Car Carrier as you can see in my channel) but same problems exists in all over ships and since my graduation from Marine Academy at 2007.
Always looking forward to your videos!
You are in the Navy.
You need to get on with eachother. If not you have a chain of command.
It's in the blood being at sea. I spent 13 years at sea with the Royal Navy.
The navy does not molicodle it's crew. But do look out for them.
Thanks to you JeffHK , and clarifying some doubts, I am a cadet of the Venezuelan merchant marine!
So interesting and so true. Things i never thought about being land based. Thankyou so much for the interesting videos please post more. Keep floating - David
I’m impressed by this video, as one in the maritime though not a sailor. There is no short of view points but very true, neutral and objective. Well done.
This is an amazing documentary
I watched both your pros and cons videos vis a vis the merchant marine and must give you credit for thinking of everything including factors not the most obvious to those who haven’t shipped out in the merchants. I was also an enlisted submariner in the US Navy in addition to being an unlimited AB in the US merchant marine including serving in the Gulf War sealift of 1989-90 plus hauling all the crap back for a total of four voyages at that time and being awarded the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal. To me the real pros are these: you can ship for as long as you can tolerate it while basically saving all of your money then pay cash on a beat up old cottage in a played out mining town in for instance, either the UP of Michigan or northern Ontario, Canada, where you are from and where I once worked as a paid canoe tripping guide on Lake Temagami. Or, if you’re considering university you can get a marine engineering degree from a maritime academy and then if you dislike the merchant marine you can switch to being a stationary engineer running a giant building somewhere. Although the merchant marine aboard a naval pre-positioning ship with a civilian mariner crew was the best job I ever had, that was an unusual assignment with lots of shore liberty. Subsequent jobs on commercial ships where no shore leave was on offer basically sucked the big one, so I became a self employed barber, rather than wasting the money on cram school for a mate’s license, which wouldn’t have done me any good considering all the ABs I knew who had their 3rd mate’s ticket but weren’t using it since they were reluctant to switch to Liberian or Panamanian flagged ships. As a barber I would tell people don’t bother with either the navy or the merchant marine unless [1] you got on the waiting list for the navy Seabees or [2] went into the merchant marine as a cook, perhaps after doing three years in the naval reserves as a cook to qualify. I eventually came to detest being in the deck gang; it seemed like all ABs were either underemployed geniuses or else Neanderthalic troglydites, not a good combination. But anything beats teaching school! I wasted 8 years teaching school and that job truly sucks to high heaven.
That wasn't so negative as I see . This could have been a fabulous experience for me
It’s not “almost like they’re trying to milk you” that is exactly what is being done!!! In every career!
Jeff, good job... IMHO lack of sex while at sea You had mentioned ahead ahead of any other issues
Vadym Pyatko that is no trouble for me :D
he said he brings lots of downloaded videos hah
Stemmi Kus plenty of gay sex to be had though
Incoming a joke about how all sea men are gay
Right. Carry lots of porn mags and soften your hands with lotion. And NEVER DROP THE SOAP
These are not cons, each one of these makes me excited!!
why did you erase the video?
Hello, there was engine hum with the last upload (the ship was going at 21knots), which was very apparent for people with sub-woofers so i decided to clean up the noise and re-upload
Another vlog will be coming up tomorrow or so!
thanks bro
One option when someone is very sick, is to ask for assistance from vessels with a doctor onboard. I had three instances when we were asked to close another ship and send our helo to medivac a sailor when I was in Navy.
Just had BP offer me sponsorship for a deck officer- so happy! I start studying in January next year :)
Peter Reed Curious, what do you think made you earn that scholarship over another applicant? How many years of training will you go through?
Brett Daniels well I have no experience at sea but tbh I think good results throughout education played a part and I think the fact I worked well with others and showed an interest in the way of life at the company throughout the interview process helped a lot. I had applied to several other companies which impressed them ! - Overall though they are looking for a certain type of person :) - it's a bit all over the place but hope this helps !! (edit) - 3 years studying + sea phases
I have a friend who was a merchant marine until he was in New Orleans when Katrina hit and he seriously thought that the boat was going to sink. He got back home and quit.
Do you still speak to him
good channel. i really appreciate your videos and more those about engine . greetings from panama
Thank you so much Jeff, this really helped, although i am watching this 7 years late. i am still young but i will not specify my age, today i went hiking and saw the sea and some ships... i fell in love with it, now my dream job is marine engineer
If you have good people around, it alleviates a lot of the downsides of being at sea.
+Serge Hamelberg agreed.
Jeffery, I really enjoy viewing you videos. You have a real talent. My wife (who is Chinese) and I took a tour of mainland China about twenty years ago. After two weeks of exactly the same meals, everyone in the tour went to MacDonalds when we reached Hong Kong.
BRO I LOVE UR VIDEOS U R AWESOME
PLEASE MAKE VIDEO ON CABINS AND ROOM DEPENDING UPON RANKS AND KEEP IT UP
+Harshit Harsh THANKS
Sailors feel loneliness, miss family and friends, miss attending important family events like weddings of family and friends and birth of their own children, miss spending time with their children during their very crucial growing up years. Their children and spouse miss them and have to live their lives alone for many months every year. Food becomes boring. Homesickness affects the sailors. It's dangerous when seas are rough. You have to be in perfect health to be able to sail successfully. Sailors get depression easily. Some become alcoholics. It's not an easy profession. I salute those brave people who who in Merchany Navy and cruise ships.
despite the drawbacks, i find this line of work fascinating. Have you considered a video for those interested in maritime on how to get started in this career? :) Apologies if this already exits...haven't watched all your vids...yet!
+Matt Hinds havent got one but planning for it!
Yes please!
Thank you for this thoughtful commentary on life at sea. Very interesting!
The only thing I could disagree with is the medical, but then again, now a days who knows how it is to sail. I sailed in the early 1970's, I was the only women on most of my ships, and I don't regret any minute of it, I loved it. The best job I ever had, and the Food was great on board ship. You have to have a certain mentality to cope with the loneliness, fill the time read or listen to music. I was a union member so there was no contract back then. It is just not for everyone. The money is good, but you have to manage it. I sailed long enough to get it out of my system, and then went back to a secure job I had before I got there. I sailed for 9 years.
Was it not hard socially to be the only woman abroad a large ship packed with lonely men who do not have a touch with women for months?
You don't really think of #1 until it happens to you, I got a lung infection/fever working at sea back in late February, I wasn't sure what it was but was thinking covid was killing me. The whole food thing is true, you miss things you can't have like certain foods, family, sex, civilization, ect. The ship I was on the food was great, but I still wanted a Big Mac and fries more then anything.
man u covered all shipping details except ETO job please make a video about it
+fast of facts uday meh, just hurry and fix my light bulbs
... just kidding, alright ill see if my ETO can give me some interesting topic
tq jeff HK
Yeah man!! I would like to know more about your ETO
waiting for an ETO video
fast of facts uday what's ETO?
3:25 This is something that everyone should keep in mind if they want to have an aquarium with lots of different fish species.
#11 pirates
Especially butt pirates!
But they got flares and mostly guns too
nah, overdramatized
They're called target practice!
@@tony16074 de fi net ly not
As a fellow Sailor I appreciate your comments and sacrifice. Fair winds and following seas.
I'm in highschool and am thinking about going to the merchant marine academy. I have the grades to get in, but is it still a good job?
Miles Laurence I'm interested also.
Well, if youre too lazy to talk to a recruiter and figure your benefits, sitting in a ship for months would be a perfect job
TheMastergabe gee thx for the helpful advice
I’m not interested in being a merchant marine but, I did stay at a Best Western.
It is really like Jeff said. It's a fantastic job, IF you can deal with it's bad sides. And everything he mentions here is not necessarily negative. But it can be hard to deal with. Golden times are definitely over. But it's utterly interesting and in case you don't want to be away from home for a couple of months or you all of a sudden discover that you are not made for the job on big ships, there's always the possibility to get a job on a smaller vessel, doing more coast jobs, having the opportunity to spend time off board more often.
great channel and info. industry is tough but well worth it if you can stomach the work and lifestyle. keep the vids coming, safe travels.
Well said Kelley! Thanks for the support
1 should of been no women
should have*
Actually there are women, whether they are officers or not.
Truth is the best way to face things. You call in sick you better be on your death bed. But really the people in charge are trying to do more with less and that can backfire with dire consequences. A well put together and honest video.