So You Want to Work on a Boat

This book is a practical guide for employment on commercial vessels. It provides an overview of the industry and outlines the best places to search for jobs. A wide range of shipboard jobs are described, including those aboard small inland vessels, coastal vessels, cruise ships, and large ocean-going cargo ships. This covers deckhands, tankermen, mates, pilots, captains, staff captains, stewards, cooks, chief engineers, QMEDs, DDEs, chief officers, environmental officers, shipboard IT officers, and other positions.The book provides guidance on how to apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, and develop effective resumes and cover letters. Sample professional mariner resumes and cover letters are included, along with lists of companies and organizations that operate cruise ships, tugboats, ferries, research vessels, dinner cruise vessels, tour boats, dredges, and ocean-going cargo vessels.Regulatory requirements are outlined, such as Merchant Mariner Credentials, Transportation Worker Identification Credentials, STCW Certification (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), together with information about Coast Guard license exams. Educational resources are discussed, such as maritime academies, specialized colleges, and training centers. A section on practical maritime law outlines important legal concepts that are applicable to people who work on the water.This isn't an easy industry to work in. Therefore, the book outlines options in terms of shoreside positions within the maritime community that don't require going to sea. These include opportunities in shipyards, marine insurance, maritime security, cargo operations, and other areas. In an effort to be even-handed, the book discusses both positive and negative aspects of this line of work. While the industry is known for attractive salaries, it can also involve unconventional work schedules, very high levels of accountability, and dangerous working conditions.