Joined: 05/09/2010
Posts: 6
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Hi,
Sailing is something I have been doing as a hobby since I was 12. Originally on dinghys but over the last 8 years I have been racing, doing day trips, and longer passages on keelboats 30-40ft. I lost my job as an architect when my company went into liquidation in November last. Since then I have been trying to figure out what to do. Architecture everywhere is a struggle at the moment... Sailing and achieving my qualifications was something I thought I would do later in life.. a luxury.. until I met someone who works on superyachts and then a new idea began to form... I discovered I could sail the oceans and get paid!!!
Since then (about a month ago) I have been researching how to go about it and now hear I am. I got my powerboat level cert of international competancy. I will have my STCW and ENG 1 by the end of the month. I have a number of questions. I don't think that I will be fully available to leave until Nov/Dec and as that is so close to Chrsitmas I think that Jan is the time that I will be leaving to fully commit to finding a position.
- I am hoping for work as a deckhand. I am 35 and wonder will this be an issue? I am an active person involved in sports so fitness is not an issue. I am also quite good at DIY inc much professional experience in Painting. I am also a good cook/ hostess, having experience in waitressing, silver spoon, bar work, chamber maid. I can pretty much put my hand to most jobs.
- Before Jan planning a 2 week trip to walk the marinas and get a feel for things. Antibes or Palma? or anywhere else
- Where to plan to go in January? Planned on going to Fort Lauderdale in Jan but just realise that I won't be able to work there even on non-USA boats. Is this true?
- Thninking of doing the Yachtmaster Coastal and theory is is worthwhile in terms of job oportunities? A previous captain indicated that once I was willing to work to get the basic requirements ie ENG and STCW that I should just get to the marinas.
- Any other advice would be greatly apreciated.
To finish, I love being on the water and to date hate when the trips end...The idea of a period of time on the water thrills me.
Thanks again,
PBOC
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Joined: 25/06/2009
Posts: 271
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PBOC, If you haven't found it, the answers to all your questions are here (the thread topic you are currently posted in - some very interesting reading too  ) http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/DockTalk.aspx?g=topics&f=520 and here: http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/DockTalk.aspx?g=topics&f=27044 Good Luck, Rod
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Joined: 05/09/2010
Posts: 6
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Thanks for that, I have found a few things and I need to get myself to one of the Marinas as soon as I can... Looking forward to it. 
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