It’s getting really tough to break in these days. If you do not attend a maritime academy and choose to hawsepipe, you will have to spend a lot of money upfront to make that happen. I am talking everything from STCW classes to fees and so forth.
The new tax bill passed by the Senate changes the ball game as far as deductions go. Accountants and tax preparers have no idea yet how this legislation will affect deductions for work, but it looks grim. I was able to itemize and deduct STCW the first year I went back to sea, but I had other deductions, like mortgage and state and local taxes and charitable donations. Going forward, nobody really knows what can be deducted so be prepared to spend a lot of money.
Consider an academy or the job corps program if at all possible but still prepare yourself for a lot of financial layout with no guarantee of a job on the other side.