Looking for the correct path

Hello everyone, In light of the tax changes that have slapped me in the face like a ten ton hammer, I’m in need of some advice. I’ve been working for Marquette Transportation Company (River Division) since august 2012 as a deckhand, I love my job, more so than I ever though I would, but Marquette is possibly the worst paying line boat company on the water. I already have a TWIC Card, and some experience on the water and i want to say on the water but I’m not opposed to going from muddy water to blue as long as the schedule rotation is right. I’ve got 6 mouths to feed and a desperate need for health and dental insurance (Life and AD&D is a major plus to) and a drastic increase in pay as im only making 130/day on 28 day trips. So as a river man with UMR and LMR experience what direction should i take and what company should i take it with? (I would like to eventually end up in the steersman position no matter what color water I’m on.)

Thanks much,
Papa bear