Working on boats

Hey there again! I have been asked many many times how does someone get started working on boats as a Merchant Mariner. Here are some steps to take to begin a career as a Merchant Mariner.

1. Apply and receive a Transportation Workers Identification Credental or TWIC. You can find info here https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic
2. After you have a TWIC you need to find a company. This can be done with a simple web search for barge companies. Most companies now have online applications so it is very easy to apply. Make sure you pay attention to how long they maintain applications before they purge them. This way you can reapply if you have not heard from them.
3. The entry level is Deckhand. This is the grunt level. You will do ALL the work. You will cook, clean, paint, chip paint, wash the boat, build tow, and anything else that needs to be done. You can expect to be at this position anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Depending on the company will depend what position you move too after deckhand. For now I will leave it here. Keep in mind to start this career you need to be in pretty good shape. The physical requirements are steep. Add in that you will be working in all kinds of weather and you may decide this is not for you. But if you start it and stay it can be an exciting career that pays well and affords you opportunities for advancement.