Ok I decided to revist this post after about 2 months of extensive research. I believe that the oil fields seem like the most attractive work opportunities monetarily , with running a ship assist boat seeming like the most fulfilling and exciting work. However I am very concerned with the drop in the price of oil and fear hitting a bust period right when I want to start out. Also I have read that starting out on a OSV is not the best way to learn how to become a good mariner I think a direct quote I read on here is that you will learn how to clean a toilet really well but not much else if you start on a OSV. So I think the biggest decision I have to make is to start on tugs, work for 5 years or so and get some experience with boat handling and then go down to the gulf or make the plunge right away and start as an AB on an OSV and try to move up to the wheel house. A third option is to get on a crew boat as a training captain with my 100 ton, get some Gulf of Mexico experience and then move over to the bigger ships and get my 500/3000 .I am not looking for the quickest route, just the one that will give me the most career opportunities. Any input is greatly appreciated.