How often are merchant seamen away from home?

Do merchant seamen make good money?

• what is the average salary of an merchant seaman

• Answer:

  They can in fact, make very good money. Starting out they can do anywhere from about $24,000 to $30,000 and up to $50,000 a year or more. After some experience they can make $30,000 in six months or so... It is depending on where and how they are deployed. Usually their duty depends on where and what type of vessel they are on, but "on average" most seem to work at sea for six to nine months or so, and then take a month or two, or three off. Those working on coastal, inland lakes and rivers, generally have much shorter trips and are home more frequently. For example, on some River and coastal vessels, starting base pay might be about $1,800. In addition to base pay, you will receive a Sea Premium Pay (15%) while the ship is away from home port, and 8 hours overtime (at time-and-a-half) for each Saturday, Sunday, and holiday while the ship is away from home... So, if you are out alot, this adds up quick. At sea, in some cases vessels are out a year or more. In this case, (needless to say) they can really rake in some bucks. As you can guess, the real advantages here are to the guy that has NO EXPENSES on land. Drives a paid for clunker car with no payments, minimum insurance, and has no house, apartment etc. and crashes at his parents', friends' or girlfriend's place when not at sea... This guy can save some real money really fast... if he really wants to. Being away from family and friends, and the routine doesn't vary much, so it can get pretty monotonous and boring... but (if your lucky) the travel and seeing new places always helps... Happy & Safe Boating, John