The big Kahuna...would you recommend a seagoing career to a young person today?

[tamugly]

@"anchorman"

Absolutely. Just had three cadets leave to go back to school. They’re exited to start their career soon. Plus, I’ve had a few guys from the deck upgrade recently as well. Going from the deck to the bridge isn’t a raise, it’s a change of lifestyle. There may be more schooling with STCW, but within 4 years of time, you can easily make six figures. That’s hard to beat most anywhere else. Now, I would not advise or dictate anything to anybody as far as a career choice - I would just give them the information and let them make a decision. If offshore was their choice, I would not say they’re making a bad choice because of X,Y and Z. I would more or less educate them on what to expect and what to stay away from. If it was bad, I would be doing something else myself.

Well put, I just got out of the academy with the b.s. in maritime transportation (bull s&*! In marine transportation) from our original class of 146 we had 11 test for mates. It’s not for everyone. But long run, the money made right out of school is HUGE in relation to any other degree.