Welding class at the Merchant Marine school.

IMG_0020.JPG, originally uploaded by Man of Adventure.

These are photos of a welding course I took last October at the Paul Hall School in Piney Point, MD. People often ask if I get to do very much welding on ships. The short answer is, no. The long answer is that I took this course as a life enhancer. Welding is now another life skill that I've added to my exising skills set. Years ago I made a promise to myself that each year I would learn at least one new skill, professional license, certificate, etc. This year I'm going to add instruments training to my airplane flying. I'll keep you posted.

Vick

Comments

[Nick]

hi enjoy your blog verymuch by the way im looking to start a career as a merchant marine i was wondering what kind of info you had about piney point md ive been to there website but i want to know about the lifestyle the people there and also are there others school where i dont have to be stuck on campus for 9 months its sounds like a prison term also if u could give me an idea of base pay for a sailor just starting out thanks.

[Vicktor]

Nick,

The nine months of the Seafarers Apprentice program is not all spent at Piney Point. A good portion of it is spent out to sea. Don't think of it as a prison term. Think of it as paying your dues for the greatest adventure of your life.

The starting pay is approx $5K. If you work your way up to Officer you'll make double. As an Officer I make more than that.

The lifestyle. Travel. Women. Travel. Women.

The advantage of the Apprentice program is that it's a guarantee. All the other routes to becoming a sailor are expensive and paved with pitfalls. Now get out your application, sign on the line that is dotted, and just do it.

Vicktor

[Nick]

i sent in the app but i still have alot of questions what kinda of work is it, do i get to leave ship when we dock at a new port, hows the food? are there female nurses on board?? do i get my own cabin. and the pay is really 5k a month thats frickn great! is that over time included? and do you know if the school is coed because they told me i cant leave campus thats sounds kinda cruel for 11 months of priest like solitude. but 5000 sounds like its worth it oh and could you give me a realistic yearly salary?

[ELIAN]

WAHT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST ROUTE I SHOULD GO AFTER SCHOOL. SHOULD I WORK FOR THE MSC OR SHOULD I GO TO A PRIVATE COMPANY? SOMEONE TOLD ME THE GULF OF MEXICO WAS A GOOD START.IF I GET OTHER QUALIFICATIONS LIKE THE RESCUE BOAT AND SRS CERTIFICATES, WILL THAT INCREASE MY PAY? IF I WANTED TO BE A THIRD OFFICER DO I FIRST HAVE TO COMPLETE 3 YEARS AND GET MY UNLIMITED STATUS OR CAN I GET PAPERWORK STARTED AFTER MY 8 MONTHS OF SCHOOL FOR ABLE BODIED SEAMAN.

[Vicktor]

Nick,

Are there any female nurses on board? Dude, quit thinking with your little head. Yes, you can make five grand a month and that's on the low side. Now quit stroking your own dick and just commit.

Capt Vic

[Vicktor]

Elian,

The best route for you to go after school depends on you. The MSC pays good and you'll see the world. The Gulf pays more, but all you'll see is the Gulf.

As an AB the only other qualification that will earn you more money is Unlimited AB and Tankerman.

Yes, you should start working on your 3rd Mate now. Get all of the classes out of the way over the next 3-5 years it will take you to get enough sea time to qualify. The advantage of sailing SIU is the school is free and the schedule full enough for you to get there a few times a year. That's how I did it and now I'm working in the Gulf on my license.

Capt Vic