How often are merchant seamen away from home?

I Am a 30yr old male & i am looking into becoming a Merchant Seamen.i was wondering,am i to late?

• I am in Hayward,CA & I am wondering,WHERE Would I need to go to apply for A Merchant Seamen? Please,someone let me know.Thank you & God Bless.

• Answer:

  There are a couple different ways to become a merchant marine. You can sign up for the SIU Piney Pt. experience. Which I wouldn't recommend for someone that has been in working class and already knows how to work. If you do go thru the program you come out as a B book in their union and you can use their school. Which is cool. That is for the unlicensed side. You could saddle up and go to a Merchant Marine school. Some schools do have an age cut off. Cal Maritime is in your area. That is four years of school and when you are done you are a Licensed Merchant marine. You could also just go down to the Coast Guard and get your documents and find a job in the industry. You start at the bottom and work your way up. The first step would talk to the coast guard. Good luck.