How exactly does sailing around the world work?

What is it like to work on a cargo ship?

• I'm just researching working on a cargo ship. I have no idea whether I'll ever do it or not, but I've always liked the ocean and boats, I don't like customers (ruling out cruise ships), and I'd rather not surrender my freedom (ruling out the military), so it seems like cargo ships are the best option. Here are some questions that I have about working on a cargo ship: 1. What are the hours like in port? 2. What are the hours like on the cargo ship while underway? 3. I've heard that crews can often be very small, like a dozen men. What happens if you just REALLY don't get along with one of them? I'm fairly easy to get along with, but who's to say one of my crewmates won't be the crewmate from hell, some ****** ALPHA MALE? How do you handle a situation like that? 4. What is the pay like? 5. Room and board on the ship is free, right? 6. Is it possible to pick which shipping route I'm on? For example, how could I ensure getting a route between the west coast and Japan? Do visas play into this? 7. About how much does it cost to get qualified to work on deck? I read somewhere about 6 - 9 months and a "basic seafarer's course." Is that true? How much does that usually cost? 8. What's the outlook for US CITIZENS? Do shipping companies tend to employ cheaper crews from third world countries rather than hire Americans? Are visas required for the country to which you're sailing, and does this affect which nationals can go on which routes? 9. How long is contract length, usually? I guess those are all my questions for now... Thank you.

• Answer:

  I'e been a professional ship's officer for over 40 years so I've seen a lot of changes. Here is what it's like now: 1.) On ships in port for short times, they keep sea watches: 4 hours on 8 off. On longer port visits, they work 8 on 16 off. Gives you some time to go ashore. 2.) See above. You may chose to work some overtime for ectra money if they have something for you to do: scrape rust and paint, usually. 3.) Just learn to live with it or get off and find another ship. With everyone tired from the watch rotation, you hardly see anybody else most of the time. They are either working or sleeping. 4.) Pay for entry levels is about $30,000 per year. 5.) Yes you can eat all you want. Free room and board. 6.) You pick the route by picking the ship. They are usually on dedicated routes. Get a passport. 7.) As an entry level, you start as an Ordinary Seaman. No experience necessary althoyugh you need a seaman's ID card (SEE www.uscg.mil) called a Mechant Mariner's Document, a port security card from Homeland Security called a Transportation Worker's Identity Credential (TWIC). 8.) The outlook is grim for US citizens now compared to when I started. there are many us flag ships plying the coast US rioutes. Foriegn going is more restricted. 9.) You may be expected to work for 2-4 months depending on route and trade of the ship. Good luck.