Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 2
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Good morning!
I've spent the last 4 years off an on working in tall ships, and have accumulated a little more than 500 days of sea-time (near-coastal mostly, with about 100 days ocean) on 100 ton ships.
I'm currently working as mate on my first motor yacht, a 124 foot Skipperliner that does private charters and weddings around the area.
Given that this job pays enough (finally! Tall ships rarely pay more than $800 a month.) to pay rent and save a little, I'd like to buckle down and get my licensing and training in. I think I would like to work in the more commercial side, that seems to fit me better than fiberglass and epaulets (though I would take either gig in a heartbeat).
Knowing I do still have a budget, and looking to get my STCW (including firefighting and lifeboatman), as well as AB-Special and my 100-ton Near Coastal Masters, where would you advise I take training that is both affordable and quality? Any other advice?
While traveling is certainly an option, I live near Washington, DC.
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Joined: 14/01/2009
Posts: 1029
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Difficult to justify anything on yachts as Professional. You would be wise to closely document your sea time and push thru with professional commercial qualifications. While you're building additional seatime , stop by one of the yachty schools and purchase a yacht master commercial ticket. Insignificant seatime needed, but valuable on the yacht scene. Also since youre mid Atlantic put the United States Naval Academy Safety at Sea seminar ...http://www.mtam.org/schedule.html are your yearly education list. Pay particular attention to the people you meet in the Seminar. Annapolis is a hotbed for professional sailors. Many of my best contacts in the international sailing circuit have originated out of Annapolis Md.
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