How is life on a merchant ship?

The life aboard a merchant ship is really a unique and unforgettable experience, very difficult to compare to a land job. Few jobs offer the chance to see so many places in the world, exotic views and meet so many people from so different countries.

How is life on a ship?

Sailors had to accept cramped conditions, disease, poor food and pay, and bad weather. Men working at sea had much to endure; cut off from normal life on shore for months, even years, they had to accept cramped conditions, disease, poor food and pay. Above all, they faced the daily dangers of sea and weather.

Is Merchant Marine considered military?

It is civilian-manned ships Merchant Mariners are not part of the military. Now, some of them run a number of ships that support the U.S. Navy, like the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oilers and Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships, as well as the sealift vessels like the Bob Hope-class vehicle cargo chips.

How long do seafarers stay at sea?

The duration of seafarers’ contracts varies, but they typically work between four and six months on ships, followed by a period of leave. When at sea, they often work 10-12 hours shifts, seven days a week – performing tasks that require constant professional attention.

What is it like to work on a merchant ship?

When you’re working on a container ship, there’s no doubt that the stakes are high. Tasked with navigating the safe passage of the ship and its high-value cargo, seafarers face daily challenges with heavy weather and hectic schedules in port – not to mention intensive training periods – for months at a time.

Do merchant Marines wear uniforms?

Members of today’s United States Merchant Marine (USMM) do not wear uniforms, they do not cut their hair short, they are not active duty military, and only a few are in the U.S. Navy Reserve. They do not get veterans benefits, special privileges, government healthcare or retirement pay.

What is it like to be in the Merchant Marine?

Being in the Merchant Marine for almost thirty years has been very rewarding. Merchant Marines are civilians who work on various kinds of seagoing vessels. The time out at sea can vary from several days to over a month depending on the type of vessel, its speed and its route.

Are Mermaid Mariners part of the military?

Merchant Mariners are not part of the military. Now, some of them run a number of ships that support the U.S. Navy, like the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oilers and Lewis and Clark-class dry…

Are meritmerchant Mariners part of the military?

Merchant Mariners are not part of the military. Now, some of them run a number of ships that support the U.S. Navy, like the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oilers and Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships, as well as the sealift vessels like the Bob Hope-class vehicle cargo chips.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a merchant navy?

Being a Merchant Navy professional has it’s own set of advantages and disadvantages. Pay Packages : you get handsome salary with starting range of 1500–2000$. You are only paid for the months you are on-board and you are not paid in vacation period.