My cousin worked on a tanker and one one trip there was a toxic guy who kept playing music very loud when others were trying to sleep. One day my cousin walked past his room while the music was blasting out, the door was open and he could see that no one was there. Quickly he opened the casement and launched his ghetto blaster into the Pacific ocean. He shut the casement and carried on. Toxic guy was convinced someone had stollen it and hidden it some place on the she ship. He searched the ship several times looking for it.
@ you’ve nailed it there jack..…stuck on a boat with a bad apple…how bad would that feel….? In a factory or an office you do get a break from these characters who appear …
In my 30’s I worked with a guy who had been in the Royal Navy. He worked in the engine room and one morning he went down to the engine room and found that there was no officer present. It turned out the previous shift officer had got fed up waiting for his relief to take his place and had gone to his kip. So my mate and everyone else just carried on as normal. In a while the on coming officer officer appeared and he immediately told my mate to make him a cup of tea. So my mate went and made him a cup of coffee! An argument erupted and eventually my mate told the officer he was not there to make cups of tea for people who could not turn to when they should. The officer then said you don’t call me sir enough and that disrespectful. My mate replied that his dad had told him that respect had to be earned and that the officer had not earned any with him. The officer put my mate on a charge. The result of this was that eventually the Captain came down to the engine room to have a quiet word with my mate, he suggested that if he was to be gifted a bottle of rum his memory would become somewhat clouded of the whole incident. And could never be mentioned again. If my mate had been put on a charge two officers were going to suddenly find themselves up to their bottom lip in a lot of brown stuff. The previous officer should have waited to be relieved and the other should not have been late, he did enjoy the rum.
I remember when I went to my first ship in the Navy and a first class told me to not let someone else’s bad attitude affect me. It serves me well to this day
I joined my first ship in 1969. I was earning $25 a week. Finally attained the position of Master. Many great memories of the people I sailed with, met and the places I have seen. I wouldn't have changed any of it. First trip 2 years, second trip 18 months. Things were different back then. I am now a semi retired Marine Surveyors and have seen the good and the bad changes. I look back on my time with fondness and I feel privileged to have experienced it ALL.
Hey Joe, I want the whole picture, not only the highlights. It is your honesty that I relate to, I will never do your job, but I am fascinated by it and I am grateful to get a glimpse into it-the ports, the ships, the tasks, the conditions, the challenges, the process, your reflections. Obviously you love it and get something from it you wouldn’t get driving a truck or doing Uber eats, but I also wish for you the connections with family and personal relationships that, at the end of your life , you will look back on and find essential. Much love!
Thanks as always Uncertainzee. I really do love this job but as time goes on in the career I am definitely realizing the importance of home and family.
I’m in my 60’s now and spent most of my life in emergency services. Fire department, retired from police work and started out in the Marine Corps. A lot of firearms qualifications, sirens and noise. That’s not including my hobbies. I wore earplugs but they weren’t enough to stop my hearing loss. It’s very difficult now to hear basic conversations. Do whatever you can to protect your hearing. Hearing aids don’t help all types of loss.
I worked in a millwork shop at a lumber yard through HS and college. Usually wore ear protection, but not always. By the end of college I was having a hard time hearing conversations in noisy places with a lot of other people talking, when the other people clearly could hear each other. Hearing tests decades later still say my hearing is fine. There's something though, about that crowd situation where I definitely struggle though. Any younger people who might read this-- ALWAYS protect your hearing.
@@mgratk I have the same issue..60 years old but always wore hearing protection but can’t hear conversations in noisy restaurants or similar situations.
Went from the engine room in the 70's to power plants in the 80's until a few years ago. I have to be reading your lips to know what your saying. Hearing protection slowed the loss down but didn't stop it.
I always think about the vicious circle of maritime employment, spending half a trip wanting to be at home and half your leave wanting to be at sea again. I never mastered it but learned to live with it……oh the indecision 👍
I spent 4 years in the Navy on an aircraft carrier. During our deployments, we had 5,000 men on board. Seventeen men slept in a small space three bunks high. Except for the medical/dental issues that might come up while we were deployed, my many years in the Merchant Marines/SIU were a piece of cake.
When I was in the USN, I deployed TAD aboard all kinds of ships. My favorite type? Destroyers. The ship I hated? Carriers. Always got lost and after a while it seemed you had to stand in line to stand in line! I would take a tin can over a carrier anytime!
@@griswald7156 In the U.S. Navy a Destroyer is known as a "Tin can" by its crew, because the ships are small enough to feel like being inside of a tin can when in high seas. Destroyer sailors also have the saying of being "F@%#kers, Fighters, Tin Can Riders". I think that originally instead of Tin Can rider in that saying it was "Wild horse rider", but if you've ever been onboard a Destroyer in 25-35 foot seas you may have wanted to choose the horse instead.
Good to see you again. It's been a minute. I may have mentioned, my dad after 4 years in the Navy, left and was living in China with his brother, and they owned a rickshaw factory, The Japanese showed up and they left. Somewhere along the line his brother was killed, ( I never knew him) and he joined the Merchant Marines. He served on a sub tender in the S.China see and loved it. Although he taught us all how to swim, he made us all promise we would not join the Navy. I never knew why, but he was my dad, and I promised. We wish you well, and Happy Holidays .
Started in the S.I.U in 1988. I loved being out at sea. S.IU gave me the avenue to upgrade , I joined the M.E.B.A in 1998, also had the opportunity to take classes and sat for my licenses. I have met life long friends because of our careers, Good post Joe!
I am retired MEBA. I concur with your #1 reason in particular. When I mentor young people thinking about a seagoing career, I point out the same things. I don’t tell them not to go, I just encourage them to have an exit strategy. Well done Joe.
I started in the engine department with MSC as a Wiper. Went to school and got my 3rd steam/diesel unlimited license. Sailed once on my license and quit. I spent way too much time at sea and missed my family. Took my license and got a job as a powerhouse engineer which was almost as bad as shipping. I loved shipping but family was much more important to me.
Joe - I'm retired as an engineer but enjoy your videos and honesty about your career. You're a good man and I like that you work hard and share your adventures with viewers. Kind regards and thank you.
@@bigtime911 - Sorry but to clarify I am a Mechanical Engineer and worked in industry - not on a ship. I like Joe's videos and have great respect for the profession and all the great people working in the shipping industry. Kind regards
I’m also a retired engineer - 40 years with the same company. I have very much respect for you merchant mariners - it’s obviously a tough profession. First time viewer & now subscribed.
i did 4 years coast guard and got lucky with a land unit. I heard so many stories about things on boats, deaths, injuries, and other shenanigans. Spouses cheating, yeah. It's rough out there, but i respect people who these jobs because they're important. Hopefully the industry gets better for you guys
I'm a musician on cruise ships and I fully attest to this list, especially the logistics one. It can be a pain in the ass to wade through the bureucracy swamp. The mess with the physicals happened to me too. Two days before I was supposed to fly out to Spain to join the ship, I was told that I have to redo some blood tests, resubmit some documents etc. Ended up joining 2 weeks later in Italy. Fortunately we only need to do it every two years but they're company specific so if you want to switch companies, gotta get new medicals. Smooth sailing Joe!
@@whoohaaXL I play the drums in the theater orchestra. We play the production shows and guest entertainer shows in the theater and jazz sets etc. in the lounges. Entertainment agencies book musicians to the ships. I work through Suman Entertainment. Landau Music is also a big one. There are also smaller ones like Proship Entertainment, Lime Entertainment and Quality Overseas Entertainment. If you want to be a show orchestra musician, they will test your sight reading and proficiency in different musical styles. As a solo performer you need to have a large repertoire ready to go. I suggest putting together some demo material and hitting up one of those. Cheers! :)
I crewed in Alaska on board a trawler as "able-body seaman" (USCG Z-card). Fishing halibut for 1 year. By the time you calculate weekends, night shift, etc. it's minimum pay. I quit.
My dad and his two brothers were sparks in the merchant marine from the late 30's until the early 50's. His ship was bombed off of Italy during the war. I can't imagine what his life was like over those years and he never talked about it (although he and his brothers talked in Morse when they didn't want anyone to understand what they were talking about) with much smaller, rolling ships and tight quarters. It is a tough life and with so much of our world economy dependent on shipping, we can't do without it.
I was in the British Merchant Navy as a boy in the 70's. Went to sea at 16 as a galley boy and then a Stewart. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.Had some great ships and some bad ones and same with crews. But would do it all aga if i could.We went from having the biggest Merchant fleet in the world to having None. Wish you well joe, keep enjoying the life ⚓️⚓️⚓️
Who did you sail with I was with Blue star line,great times,sadly British seaman are rare breeds now, no one will ever experience the Merchant Navy like we did,bars on board woman on board . That merchant navy long gone.👍👍
Hi Joe, glad to see you again! I'm a woman living in a small mountain village in the Italian Alps close to Switzerland and working remotely for a UK based travel company. Our worlds couldn't be more far apart! Yet I do love your videos! I wish you well and all the greatness you deserve! With sympathy, from Italy😀
The website She of the Sea by Jenny Matthews of New Zealand who is a Captain of Commercial Yachts may be of interest, it is possible when senior qualification are obtained to get a exemption to study law, Post Graduate and a Law Degree, when moving ashore to secure a good position in the City.
Joe is the Dave Portnoy of maritime. One contract everybody knows the rules. Joe you got seatime. The only way to make money is get in the engine room or move up. Your union promotes new mariner to captain training. What are sailing right now. Get to mate asap. Cash in.
Hey Joe, I just read about 5 of the comments and everybody feels like a friend of yours. Good times , bad times. I was not a mariner but had a business selling beef jerky to markets in the San Diego area. Living in paradise has its drawl backs. Traffic, sometimes the people you see during the day..... But I retired and now everyday is Saturday. I'm 72 . Keep smiling and good things will come.
Excellent points and every one so true! I’ve just had 6 months off and am heading back to sea in 5 days for a new contract. As a medic I’m always happy to listen to people vent etc and everything that’s said in my little hospital is confidential however, sadly, people will still take the mick. I do 0600-1800 but STILL have crew knocking on my cabin door demanding painkillers for headaches/back pain etc that they’ve had all flippin day. I’m putting my foot down this trip, any out of hours inappropriate calls and they’ll be given a stern warning 😡 Hoping for a great crew and trip though, you just never know what you’ll get! Great video, thanks Joe 😊
@ thanks mate, yeah I’m always there for the crew but you gotta put those boundaries in place or else they’ll be knocking and ringing 24/7 with minor complaints. We need our downtime too and they wouldn’t get to see a healthcare professional at midnight for a sore toe at home would they?! 🤷♀️
My wifes 85 year old grandmother said 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.....for someone else. Saw it time in and time out in the USCG. And we were only underway for 40-60 days.
Retired Canadian Navy here with many years at sea long before modern electronics, social media etc. Totally agree with your comments.Well presented. Thanks, brings back memories, different job but still away at sea with long absences.
When it came to me getting married my cousin was on a tanker, his wife phoned up the office at the local port where he sailed from and told them there was a family wedding and she wanted my cousin back for it. The company flew him back from to the UK from Rome. But that was BP and 1988, since then they have flagged out.
Hard to make a solid call on this video. Part of me wants to empathize (11 years USN), and part of me wants to say "suck it up!". Yeah, I worked my ass off and there were downsides, but for an 18 year old with zero work experience and zero skills, it was a hell of an adventure and a hell of an opportunity. That being said, I left after 11 years due to a lot of the downsideds you mention, and having marketable skillsets that I acquired while in the Nav. I guess I just wasn't expecting any better than what I experienced while in. That being said, just about every other job seemed like a cakewalk and a lavish payday. Maybe the key isn't the hand you're dealt, it's how you play it.
Glad to see you back again with another post!!! I've recommended this to a relative considering the Merchant Mariner life just so they can understand both the up's AND the down's of this life and career, so thanks for this timely post!!
I remember doing a stint in the Navy and talking about financing a car with an E-5. He had an interesting experience. He was about to do a 6 month deployment so he secured a loan on a new minivan at the time. He signed off on chucking his whole check as a payment each month. It was paid off by the time he got back to port. He lived off of the galley, ship's laundry and facilities civvies have to pay for. So saving money at sea is definitely a plus.
I was a merchant seaman for about 8 years during the general period of the first Gulf War in 1991. I really enjoyed being in the Mediterranean pre-positioning squadron on a commercial vessel but then the Gulf War put an end to that idyllic existence with every weekend off in port, and a different port every week in either Spain, France or Italy and sometimes Gibraltar. But then I quit drinking and was making long voyages which were strictly commercial as Frank Zappa would’ve put it. And that sucked owing to zero shore liberty. So I quit and went to barber college then did that for 20 years. Deep sea beats the hell out of the Great Lakes though any way you look at it. I know you’ve tried a little of everything and you’re one of my favorite TH-camrs.
I 100% missed my calling. Gods I envy you more than you'll ever know, sir. As a kid, I spent some time on a merchant ship . . . I should have pursued it from there. . . This, of course, was back in the days of LORAN-C LOL
For the 20 somethings watching, check out the trades. Especially electrician and elevator unions. You can be an armed security guard at a power plant and be a member of the IBEW, which pays $47/hr.
Good seeing you again! Yeah, there is always that Negative to counter the Positive! Can’t have one without the other, but nice seeing you coming out on the TOP side of things! Enjoy your life at sea or wherever you may be!
Joe, Martin here. this is so importent issus you bring up. I,m workin now in the coastline of norway but only two weeks away. But you´ll have to remember that we are standing on shouldlers of our mates, in the past, in the futures, and we, are makin the the world round and we know it. The rest dont know it. its a tuff life, its a ruff life, its a missing life but whitout us, god knows how it would be. I will always have a deep respect for sailors. MC
I'm in the UA program for SIU. Class starts in Jan 2025. My first physical that I took for them was ridiculous. I was at the dr 6.5 hours. The dr didn't send my blood work out so I had to drive (1.5 hours one way) back the next day to have 4 more vials of blood drawn. The logistics are a nightmare. If you don't live on the coast, these doctors are not used to these coast guard things and it takes them forever. I went in for a drug test and benzene test today with an appointment and I was there 2.5 hours. I filled out the paperwork twice and they had to call SHBP to verify what needs to be done.
I went to Piney Point as part of NCL training; the urgent care doctor that did my paperwork beforehand messed everything up, I now have to get a whole new physical in a few months just to be considered qualified to stand a normal watch smh
When you talk to CHS (or whatever they're calling themselves today), ask which clinic does most of their physicals and go there. If you choose a doctor near you and they screw up (as you discovered), it can jam you up. NEVER wait till the last moment. You don't want to miss a job because medical screwed up.
Started as a deckhand with a GED, after 5 renewals, now a Federal Pilot. A good friend of my father started as a deckhand after WWII, was a captain on the largest container ships, of his time, for decades. Six of my friends are all Federal Pilots, only one went to an academy, five started as deckhands. You get what you put in. As far as pay, I made $250 a day as a deckhand in 2000, haha. I was 333, the ONLY union I was ever apart of. At least my $1300 for a “book”, and $38 a month went towards Guido and Dino’s yacht.
As someone whining about my DOT physical coming due, I appreciate you keeping things in perspective lol. Stay safe out there and always enjoy the content :)
Very nicely done. Being retired I won't be going to sea unless it is a cruise ship... I spent time on LSD's, LPH's, an LKA and an LST while serving as a U.S. Marine but that wasn't working, mostly played Spades until we had to work, then we were very busy. My son serves at Yokasuka Naval Base in Tokyo and has served on a ship only once: USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) which was the LCC in WestPac when I was serving as a Radio Operator in the H&S Battalion, Comm. Company, Radio Platoon for the Third Force Service Support Group on Okinawa; back in 1976-77. I have subscribed and Liked (of course) and will continue to keep up. Good luck and I hope the cold is better by now.😎
Oil and gas industry is the same as with being in the Army. Spent 25 years 10 in the Army and 15 oil and gas running a frac crew. Never really had a relationship during these times. It’s a hard life and a lot of time away from home.
I just wanted to compliment you for getting better health to sponsor this video for putting the importance of mental health out there for folks all jobs can have toxic environments but being out at Sea it's really got to be tough because you're basically trapped and if it's toxic it's got to suck however like you said you have shown some really positive stuff about it as well I think one of the most or my favorite video is when you went up into the Norwegian fjords you're honest reaction to that is something I will remember for the rest of my life will remember for the rest of my life it makes me smile I love watching that video when I I find that I am not feeling as positive or as happy as I want to be due to something negative going on in my life all of your videos have been incredible thank you for putting all of the time and effort that you have into these videos and for sharing them with the world
Most ships pay 44 hours OT per week, then we earn "vacation pay" at a rate of around 1/2 days pay for each day worked, and qualify for unemployment benefits when off the ship.
Long time, no see! I agree with your #1- I spent 5 deployments on U.S. Navy ships (including Desert Storm on a guided missile cruiser (CG-20) and the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61) - too many months missed with your wife and family! A great video for those seeking a career!
My good friend flew w/the Silver Foxes (A-6) squadron off the Ranger in Desert Storm. We named our new dog Admiral Ranger of the Silver Foxes! The genesis of my avatar name.
Really great to see you again Joe! Hope you can get promoted into a better situation or industry. Love your vids my guy- interested to see how this turns out.
I'm marine cadet from Russia and i agree with you reasons, it reasons constantly in my mind, but it don't stop me. Thanks for you video, it help me learn English language, and show me, that it problems touch all sailors.
Relationships? What are those? I went to sea from 1974 to 2015 . Never had a relationship ship that lasted more than 2 years. But I had a lot of them. “If you can’t tie knots tie a lot”.If you ‘re not successful with women, know a lot of them.
I get it. It is not all parties and celebrations. It is work away from your home for weeks and months at a time. However, I can see where it can be a great way of life for many people. I can see where people first have to get the right training and credentials. Thanks to Joe for showing us all videos of your life at sea.
55 in March, after 30+years trucking, i am still excited about this. Have a gameplan with who/where I want to go...looking forward to just being a peon. May promote as sea time allows, but who know. Appreciate ya Joe
@southstreetbarbecue7875 thanks, really do appreciate that! Pretty much, seems like a distant memory already and its only been since August. I know this new, semi-retirement endeavor will have its own issues here and there, but considering what I am coming from, should assimilate well. Thanks again, rare to hear appreciation. Take care!
@deanrotering879 happy for you, stay focused till the end, then forget it all happened and don't be tempted to go back. I never thought I would make it that long and poof, done. Still need to work, but don't have to make a 100k and deal with it now. I truly hope the best for you, stay safe driver!
Joe. i really enjoy your channel. you seem like an honest sincere gentleman. This video was obviously well thought out and a great tool for those wishing to take up the life of a merchant sea farer. Your Canadian friend John/ cheers brother / be safe man.
The money maker in the life at sea thing is offshore drilling. You asre on a set rotation. Im 4 weeks on 4 off on a drille ship. T kae home roughly 100,000 UK pounda a year. Im a chief mechanic on a drillship
Joe hi from Alberta, Canada. Nice to see you again. As always great episode just tell it like it really is, that's definitely you and thanks for it. Had to laugh out loud at the flaming Merchant Mariner book too funny, certainly got your point of view across. Safe sailing until next time.
Hey Joe, sounds like you’ve been having a rough time lately, it happens to us all at some point. I know you love what you do and you do it for the money. I really enjoyed your series when you worked the Hawaiian cruise ship. I don’t know if doing that again makes sense financially but you seemed to have really enjoyed it.
My father was a seabee. I'm 40 and too old to do this now, but my son who is 5 loves watching these videos, and I often find myself saying "Son, you should do this!" So thanks for that. I really enjoy your vids
I think some people just have the character of a wanderer. We are all different but throughout human history there have always been a few who have that urge for adventure and curiosity.
Pointing out negatives is as important as highlighting the positives. There’s no such thing as a perfect job. I came as close as anyone can when I was the Chief of the Community Relations branch in the Public Affairs Office at Edwards AFB for the last 20-years of my working life, but there were elements of my work I didn’t like. Like testifying at two trials, for example! There was never a time in those two decades that I wasn’t the job! I got calls at night, on weekends and holidays. Yet, for all that, it was still the best job for me.
My cousin worked on a tanker and one one trip there was a toxic guy who kept playing music very loud when others were trying to sleep. One day my cousin walked past his room while the music was blasting out, the door was open and he could see that no one was there. Quickly he opened the casement and launched his ghetto blaster into the Pacific ocean. He shut the casement and carried on. Toxic guy was convinced someone had stollen it and hidden it some place on the she ship. He searched the ship several times looking for it.
The big lake it's said never gives up the Grateful Dead, when the sleepy crewmen turn gloomy.
I look the ships coming into Felixstowe,and think how interesting…
@ you’ve nailed it there jack..…stuck on a boat with a bad apple…how bad would that feel….? In a factory or an office you do get a break from these characters who appear …
In my 30’s I worked with a guy who had been in the Royal Navy. He worked in the engine room and one morning he went down to the engine room and found that there was no officer present. It turned out the previous shift officer had got fed up waiting for his relief to take his place and had gone to his kip. So my mate and everyone else just carried on as normal. In a while the on coming officer officer appeared and he immediately told my mate to make him a cup of tea. So my mate went and made him a cup of coffee! An argument erupted and eventually my mate told the officer he was not there to make cups of tea for people who could not turn to when they should. The officer then said you don’t call me sir enough and that disrespectful. My mate replied that his dad had told him that respect had to be earned and that the officer had not earned any with him. The officer put my mate on a charge.
The result of this was that eventually the Captain came down to the engine room to have a quiet word with my mate, he suggested that if he was to be gifted a bottle of rum his memory would become somewhat clouded of the whole incident. And could never be mentioned again.
If my mate had been put on a charge two officers were going to suddenly find themselves up to their bottom lip in a lot of brown stuff.
The previous officer should have waited to be relieved and the other should not have been late, he did enjoy the rum.
@ what an awful situation to be working in…was your mate called sir enough by that officer ?
I read a quote of a Great Lakes crewman; "We're all HERE because we're NOT all THERE".
I remember when I went to my first ship in the Navy and a first class told me to not let someone else’s bad attitude affect me. It serves me well to this day
Exactly. never let somebody else's bad mood take you out of your natural character.
So very happy to have you posting again after such a long absence. Enjoyed the content & presentation. Thank you for sharing!
I joined my first ship in 1969. I was earning $25 a week. Finally attained the position of Master. Many great memories of the people I sailed with, met and the places I have seen. I wouldn't have changed any of it. First trip 2 years, second trip 18 months. Things were different back then. I am now a semi retired Marine Surveyors and have seen the good and the bad changes. I look back on my time with fondness and I feel privileged to have experienced it ALL.
Hey Joe, I want the whole picture, not only the highlights. It is your honesty that I relate to, I will never do your job, but I am fascinated by it and I am grateful to get a glimpse into it-the ports, the ships, the tasks, the conditions, the challenges, the process, your reflections. Obviously you love it and get something from it you wouldn’t get driving a truck or doing Uber eats, but I also wish for you the connections with family and personal relationships that, at the end of your life , you will look back on and find essential. Much love!
Thanks as always Uncertainzee. I really do love this job but as time goes on in the career I am definitely realizing the importance of home and family.
I’m in my 60’s now and spent most of my life in emergency services. Fire department, retired from police work and started out in the Marine Corps. A lot of firearms qualifications, sirens and noise. That’s not including my hobbies. I wore earplugs but they weren’t enough to stop my hearing loss. It’s very difficult now to hear basic conversations. Do whatever you can to protect your hearing. Hearing aids don’t help all types of loss.
I worked in a millwork shop at a lumber yard through HS and college. Usually wore ear protection, but not always. By the end of college I was having a hard time hearing conversations in noisy places with a lot of other people talking, when the other people clearly could hear each other. Hearing tests decades later still say my hearing is fine. There's something though, about that crowd situation where I definitely struggle though. Any younger people who might read this-- ALWAYS protect your hearing.
Well said........regards from Australia.
True. If you’re working in a noisy area definitely wear ear plugs The hubs wears very good hearing aids and it’s still not great
@@mgratk I have the same issue..60 years old but always wore hearing protection but can’t hear conversations in noisy restaurants or similar situations.
Went from the engine room in the 70's to power plants in the 80's until a few years ago. I have to be reading your lips to know what your saying. Hearing protection slowed the loss down but didn't stop it.
I always think about the vicious circle of maritime employment, spending half a trip wanting to be at home and half your leave wanting to be at sea again. I never mastered it but learned to live with it……oh the indecision 👍
Its a damn thing isnt it!
I spent 4 years in the Navy on an aircraft carrier. During our deployments, we had 5,000 men on board. Seventeen men slept in a small space three bunks high. Except for the medical/dental issues that might come up while we were deployed, my many years in the Merchant Marines/SIU were a piece of cake.
When I was in the USN, I deployed TAD aboard all kinds of ships. My favorite type? Destroyers. The ship I hated? Carriers. Always got lost and after a while it seemed you had to stand in line to stand in line! I would take a tin can over a carrier anytime!
@@remaguire would you recommend a tin of beans or tomatoes ?
@@griswald7156 In the U.S. Navy a Destroyer is known as a "Tin can" by its crew, because the ships are small enough to feel like being inside of a tin can when in high seas. Destroyer sailors also have the saying of being "F@%#kers, Fighters, Tin Can Riders". I think that originally instead of Tin Can rider in that saying it was "Wild horse rider", but if you've ever been onboard a Destroyer in 25-35 foot seas you may have wanted to choose the horse instead.
In typhoon and hurricanes we would watch the tin cans being thrown around like toys good luck with that I'll take a carrier any day
Good to see you again. It's been a minute. I may have mentioned, my dad after 4 years in the Navy, left and was living in China with his brother, and they owned a rickshaw factory, The Japanese showed up and they left. Somewhere along the line his brother was killed, ( I never knew him) and he joined the Merchant Marines. He served on a sub tender in the S.China see and loved it. Although he taught us all how to swim, he made us all promise we would not join the Navy. I never knew why, but he was my dad, and I promised. We wish you well, and Happy Holidays .
I started in the S.i.U , the stars lined up ended up with a Chief Engineer's unlimited license, best career decision i ever made!
I started with the s.i.u myself back in 1997
Did you live siu and go to MEBA?
Started in the S.I.U in 1988. I loved being out at sea. S.IU gave me the avenue to upgrade , I joined the M.E.B.A in 1998, also had the opportunity to take classes and sat for my licenses. I have met life long friends because of our careers,
Good post Joe!
@ my friend went to the MEBA academy in Maryland and got his engineers license. Said MEBA was excellent
I am retired MEBA. I concur with your #1 reason in particular. When I mentor young people thinking about a seagoing career, I point out the same things. I don’t tell them not to go, I just encourage them to have an exit strategy. Well done Joe.
I started in the engine department with MSC as a Wiper. Went to school and got my 3rd steam/diesel unlimited license. Sailed once on my license and quit. I spent way too much time at sea and missed my family. Took my license and got a job as a powerhouse engineer which was almost as bad as shipping. I loved shipping but family was much more important to me.
What was your pay looking like starting out and as you climbed? What years?
I love an honest assessment of a job. Wish I'd have done that before entering the emergency medical field.
Thats why I made the video. I love the career but I want to be honest with those who are thinking of pursuing it.
Good to see you back Joe!
Joe - I'm retired as an engineer but enjoy your videos and honesty about your career. You're a good man and I like that you work hard and share your adventures with viewers. Kind regards and thank you.
Exactly it is hard work. But an absolutely amazing career and I want to show potential future sailors all of the ups and downs.
Where u retired from union if so who?
@@bigtime911 - Sorry but to clarify I am a Mechanical Engineer and worked in industry - not on a ship. I like Joe's videos and have great respect for the profession and all the great people working in the shipping industry. Kind regards
I’m also a retired engineer - 40 years with the same company. I have very much respect for you merchant mariners - it’s obviously a tough profession. First time viewer & now subscribed.
i did 4 years coast guard and got lucky with a land unit. I heard so many stories about things on boats, deaths, injuries, and other shenanigans. Spouses cheating, yeah. It's rough out there, but i respect people who these jobs because they're important. Hopefully the industry gets better for you guys
I'm a musician on cruise ships and I fully attest to this list, especially the logistics one.
It can be a pain in the ass to wade through the bureucracy swamp.
The mess with the physicals happened to me too. Two days before I was supposed to fly out to Spain to join the ship, I was told that I have to redo some blood tests, resubmit some documents etc.
Ended up joining 2 weeks later in Italy.
Fortunately we only need to do it every two years but they're company specific so if you want to switch companies, gotta get new medicals.
Smooth sailing Joe!
Whatcha play, brotha? Guitarist who's always wanted to work on short cruises. How does one get into that gig?
@@whoohaaXL I play the drums in the theater orchestra.
We play the production shows and guest entertainer shows in the theater and jazz sets etc. in the lounges.
Entertainment agencies book musicians to the ships. I work through Suman Entertainment. Landau Music is also a big one.
There are also smaller ones like Proship Entertainment, Lime Entertainment and Quality Overseas Entertainment.
If you want to be a show orchestra musician, they will test your sight reading and proficiency in different musical styles. As a solo performer you need to have a large repertoire ready to go.
I suggest putting together some demo material and hitting up one of those.
Cheers! :)
I crewed in Alaska on board a trawler as "able-body seaman" (USCG Z-card). Fishing halibut for 1 year. By the time you calculate weekends, night shift, etc. it's minimum pay. I quit.
having your own room onboard is a Godsend imagine have to share with 3 heavy snoring people loud as chainsaws 👂💀
Yesterday my grandmother died
Stuck on a ship for another 33 days.
Sucks.
I'm really sorry to hear that😢
My dad and his two brothers were sparks in the merchant marine from the late 30's until the early 50's. His ship was bombed off of Italy during the war. I can't imagine what his life was like over those years and he never talked about it (although he and his brothers talked in Morse when they didn't want anyone to understand what they were talking about) with much smaller, rolling ships and tight quarters. It is a tough life and with so much of our world economy dependent on shipping, we can't do without it.
I was in the British Merchant Navy as a boy in the 70's.
Went to sea at 16 as a galley boy and then a Stewart.
Wouldn't have missed it for the world.Had some great ships and some bad ones and same with crews.
But would do it all aga if i could.We went from having the biggest Merchant fleet in the world to having None.
Wish you well joe, keep enjoying the life ⚓️⚓️⚓️
Who did you sail with I was with Blue star line,great times,sadly British seaman are rare breeds now, no one will ever experience the Merchant Navy like we did,bars on board woman on board .
That merchant navy long gone.👍👍
@michaelmoran1964 I just worked out the Pool Michael(Prescot St)Always different companies and ships 🙂⚓️⚓️
Hi Joe, glad to see you again! I'm a woman living in a small mountain village in the Italian Alps close to Switzerland and working remotely for a UK based travel company. Our worlds couldn't be more far apart! Yet I do love your videos! I wish you well and all the greatness you deserve! With sympathy, from Italy😀
Italian alps sound beautiful. Been to southern alps in Germany how far from you.
The website She of the Sea by Jenny Matthews of New Zealand who is a Captain of Commercial Yachts may be of interest, it is possible when senior qualification are obtained to get a exemption to study law, Post Graduate and a Law Degree, when moving ashore to secure a good position in the City.
Joe is the Dave Portnoy of maritime. One contract everybody knows the rules. Joe you got seatime. The only way to make money is get in the engine room or move up. Your union promotes new mariner to captain training. What are sailing right now. Get to mate asap. Cash in.
You reminded me why I left the US Navy Joe... thanks!
I'm retired Navy and 25 years merchant seaman. This industry is NOTHING like the Navy.
@@bakerbill4274better or worse ? Lol
Best thing I ever did was join the Navy (RAN)!! The second best was get out!!!
@@YourAverageExJunkie FAR better!
Thank you very much! Most sites like yours would never go here! Trite but true, honesty is the best policy.
Thanks! Glad to see another post. Always learn something.👍
Hey Joe, I just read about 5 of the comments and everybody feels like a friend of yours. Good times , bad times. I was not a mariner but had a business selling beef jerky to markets in the San Diego area. Living in paradise has its drawl backs. Traffic, sometimes the people you see during the day..... But I retired and now everyday is Saturday. I'm 72 . Keep smiling and good things will come.
Thanks for your honesty, Joe!
Excellent points and every one so true! I’ve just had 6 months off and am heading back to sea in 5 days for a new contract. As a medic I’m always happy to listen to people vent etc and everything that’s said in my little hospital is confidential however, sadly, people will still take the mick. I do 0600-1800 but STILL have crew knocking on my cabin door demanding painkillers for headaches/back pain etc that they’ve had all flippin day. I’m putting my foot down this trip, any out of hours inappropriate calls and they’ll be given a stern warning 😡 Hoping for a great crew and trip though, you just never know what you’ll get! Great video, thanks Joe 😊
One medic to another, stay safe. We love to help people and care, but we do get tired of the bulls**t lol
@ thanks mate, yeah I’m always there for the crew but you gotta put those boundaries in place or else they’ll be knocking and ringing 24/7 with minor complaints. We need our downtime too and they wouldn’t get to see a healthcare professional at midnight for a sore toe at home would they?! 🤷♀️
My wifes 85 year old grandmother said 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.....for someone else. Saw it time in and time out in the USCG. And we were only underway for 40-60 days.
Hey Joe. I had to chuckle when you said you had to redo your list. Stuff happens.😂
Its just one thing after another! Ha. Thanks as always Dean!
Great to see you making videos again. We have always enjoyed watching them.
Retired Canadian Navy here with many years at sea long before modern electronics, social media etc. Totally agree with your comments.Well presented. Thanks, brings back memories, different job but still away at sea with long absences.
When it came to me getting married my cousin was on a tanker, his wife phoned up the office at the local port where he sailed from and told them there was a family wedding and she wanted my cousin back for it. The company flew him back from to the UK from Rome.
But that was BP and 1988, since then they have flagged out.
Thanks for new video! This one's for beer! 😁
Cheers and thanks IG101!
Always a top-notch video Joe. You hit the exact reasons that I gave up sailing.
Thanks Joe, always enjoy listening to you talk
Hard to make a solid call on this video. Part of me wants to empathize (11 years USN), and part of me wants to say "suck it up!". Yeah, I worked my ass off and there were downsides, but for an 18 year old with zero work experience and zero skills, it was a hell of an adventure and a hell of an opportunity. That being said, I left after 11 years due to a lot of the downsideds you mention, and having marketable skillsets that I acquired while in the Nav. I guess I just wasn't expecting any better than what I experienced while in. That being said, just about every other job seemed like a cakewalk and a lavish payday. Maybe the key isn't the hand you're dealt, it's how you play it.
Makes a over the road truck driving job sound like a cake walk.
Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
i really appreciate your honesty Joe, thx man
Glad to see you back again with another post!!! I've recommended this to a relative considering the Merchant Mariner life just so they can understand both the up's AND the down's of this life and career, so thanks for this timely post!!
I remember doing a stint in the Navy and talking about financing a car with an E-5. He had an interesting experience. He was about to do a 6 month deployment so he secured a loan on a new minivan at the time. He signed off on chucking his whole check as a payment each month. It was paid off by the time he got back to port. He lived off of the galley, ship's laundry and facilities civvies have to pay for. So saving money at sea is definitely a plus.
I was a merchant seaman for about 8 years during the general period of the first Gulf War in 1991. I really enjoyed being in the Mediterranean pre-positioning squadron on a commercial vessel but then the Gulf War put an end to that idyllic existence with every weekend off in port, and a different port every week in either Spain, France or Italy and sometimes Gibraltar. But then I quit drinking and was making long voyages which were strictly commercial as Frank Zappa would’ve put it. And that sucked owing to zero shore liberty. So I quit and went to barber college then did that for 20 years. Deep sea beats the hell out of the Great Lakes though any way you look at it. I know you’ve tried a little of everything and you’re one of my favorite TH-camrs.
HEy Joe. Good to see ya again, thanks for the upload, and tunes. Take care, fair winds.
Hey Joe, nice to see you back. Thanks
I 100% missed my calling.
Gods I envy you more than you'll ever know, sir.
As a kid, I spent some time on a merchant ship . . . I should have pursued it from there. . . This, of course, was back in the days of LORAN-C LOL
Yes sir mate. Take care out there and thanks for serving in your capacity you are much appreciated Joe. Happy holidays
Appreciate that, Happy Holidays to you too!
Thank you for this video, Joe. The good, the bad and the ugly - I'm glad to see it.
For the 20 somethings watching, check out the trades. Especially electrician and elevator unions. You can be an armed security guard at a power plant and be a member of the IBEW, which pays $47/hr.
$85 in San Francisco.
Good to see you back ,take care man.🏴
When you were talking about the logistics all I could hear was the Benny Hill theme in my head
HAHAHA so true!
Good seeing you again! Yeah, there is always that Negative to counter the Positive! Can’t have one without the other, but nice seeing you coming out on the TOP side of things! Enjoy your life at sea or wherever you may be!
Joe, Martin here. this is so importent issus you bring up. I,m workin now in the coastline of norway but only two weeks away. But you´ll have to remember that we are standing on shouldlers of our mates, in the past, in the futures, and we, are makin the the world round and we know it. The rest dont know it. its a tuff life, its a ruff life, its a missing life but whitout us, god knows how it would be. I will always have a deep respect for sailors. MC
I'm in the UA program for SIU. Class starts in Jan 2025. My first physical that I took for them was ridiculous. I was at the dr 6.5 hours. The dr didn't send my blood work out so I had to drive (1.5 hours one way) back the next day to have 4 more vials of blood drawn. The logistics are a nightmare. If you don't live on the coast, these doctors are not used to these coast guard things and it takes them forever. I went in for a drug test and benzene test today with an appointment and I was there 2.5 hours. I filled out the paperwork twice and they had to call SHBP to verify what needs to be done.
I went to Piney Point as part of NCL training; the urgent care doctor that did my paperwork beforehand messed everything up, I now have to get a whole new physical in a few months just to be considered qualified to stand a normal watch smh
When you talk to CHS (or whatever they're calling themselves today), ask which clinic does most of their physicals and go there. If you choose a doctor near you and they screw up (as you discovered), it can jam you up. NEVER wait till the last moment. You don't want to miss a job because medical screwed up.
Started as a deckhand with a GED, after 5 renewals, now a Federal Pilot.
A good friend of my father started as a deckhand after WWII, was a captain on the largest container ships, of his time, for decades.
Six of my friends are all Federal Pilots, only one went to an academy, five started as deckhands.
You get what you put in.
As far as pay, I made $250 a day as a deckhand in 2000, haha.
I was 333, the ONLY union I was ever apart of. At least my $1300 for a “book”, and $38 a month went towards Guido and Dino’s yacht.
As someone whining about my DOT physical coming due, I appreciate you keeping things in perspective lol. Stay safe out there and always enjoy the content :)
Hey dude , i love your work and talking about your job , it really inspire me keep doing it dude 💯
always enjoy your content…..as always, thanks….I spent 6 years in the USN Sub Service..’71-‘77 glad to only be on cruise ships now….
What boat(s)? I spent a good time on Orion during that period.
Halibut SSN587. Seawolf SSN 575
Stay positive Joe, we love your vids!
End of the day it comes down to the people. Good people around you it’s a blast.
Another great video, Joe. I look forward to every new release.
Very nicely done. Being retired I won't be going to sea unless it is a cruise ship... I spent time on LSD's, LPH's, an LKA and an LST while serving as a U.S. Marine but that wasn't working, mostly played Spades until we had to work, then we were very busy. My son serves at Yokasuka Naval Base in Tokyo and has served on a ship only once: USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) which was the LCC in WestPac when I was serving as a Radio Operator in the H&S Battalion, Comm. Company, Radio Platoon for the Third Force Service Support Group on Okinawa; back in 1976-77. I have subscribed and Liked (of course) and will continue to keep up. Good luck and I hope the cold is better by now.😎
Thanks for addressing the medical issue. I commented about it some time ago, it’s nice to see it discussed.
Thank you!! Nicely done. Appreciate the run down on logistics.
Love your videos Joe! I’m office based and love seeing your content. Safe travels.
Thanks!
Thank you yet again Paul!
Oil and gas industry is the same as with being in the Army. Spent 25 years 10 in the Army and 15 oil and gas running a frac crew. Never really had a relationship during these times. It’s a hard life and a lot of time away from home.
You are honest and cool. Proud to watch you
Respect what you do. I do not have the correct mindset, would be certified crazy. Stay safe.
I worked on Line Boats for 10 years in the 80s after being discharged from the Navy. Best thing I could have ever experienced, great video.
So glad to see you back!
I just wanted to compliment you for getting better health to sponsor this video for putting the importance of mental health out there for folks all jobs can have toxic environments but being out at Sea it's really got to be tough because you're basically trapped and if it's toxic it's got to suck however like you said you have shown some really positive stuff about it as well I think one of the most or my favorite video is when you went up into the Norwegian fjords you're honest reaction to that is something I will remember for the rest of my life will remember for the rest of my life it makes me smile I love watching that video when I I find that I am not feeling as positive or as happy as I want to be due to something negative going on in my life all of your videos have been incredible thank you for putting all of the time and effort that you have into these videos and for sharing them with the world
Had no idea the pay was that bad. Surprised anyone with options sticks around
No rent, no utility bills, no grocery bills plus weekend/OT rates I don't think this career is directly comparable to most others.
Most ships pay 44 hours OT per week, then we earn "vacation pay" at a rate of around 1/2 days pay for each day worked, and qualify for unemployment benefits when off the ship.
Long time, no see! I agree with your #1- I spent 5 deployments on U.S. Navy ships (including Desert Storm on a guided missile cruiser (CG-20) and the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61) - too many months missed with your wife and family!
A great video for those seeking a career!
My good friend flew w/the Silver Foxes (A-6) squadron off the Ranger in Desert Storm. We named our new dog Admiral Ranger of the Silver Foxes! The genesis of my avatar name.
Haven't even watched yet, but thank you for making me feel better about my colorblindness.
- someone who can't do this
Really great to see you again Joe! Hope you can get promoted into a better situation or industry. Love your vids my guy- interested to see how this turns out.
I'm marine cadet from Russia and i agree with you reasons, it reasons constantly in my mind, but it don't stop me. Thanks for you video, it help me learn English language, and show me, that it problems touch all sailors.
Been missing you Joe !!! Glad to see you !! Love your content !
Relationships? What are those?
I went to sea from 1974 to 2015 . Never had a relationship ship that lasted more than 2 years. But I had a lot of them.
“If you can’t tie knots tie a lot”.If you ‘re not successful with women, know a lot of them.
Isnt worth having a relationship this day and age anyways!!
@@Dynacologist More and more people are sharing your sentiment.
Excellent, as always!
I get it. It is not all parties and celebrations. It is work away from your
home for weeks and months at a time.
However, I can see where it can be a great way of life for many people.
I can see where people first have to get the right training and credentials.
Thanks to Joe for showing us all videos of your life at sea.
Thanks for sharing, certainly give those considering something to think about!
55 in March, after 30+years trucking, i am still excited about this. Have a gameplan with who/where I want to go...looking forward to just being a peon. May promote as sea time allows, but who know. Appreciate ya Joe
Couldn't get far enough away in a truck huh? :) Good luck, and safe travels. Thank you for all you did keeping freight moving for all those years!
@southstreetbarbecue7875 thanks, really do appreciate that! Pretty much, seems like a distant memory already and its only been since August. I know this new, semi-retirement endeavor will have its own issues here and there, but considering what I am coming from, should assimilate well. Thanks again, rare to hear appreciation. Take care!
Good luck on your new adventure. I retire in 6 or 7 month but I have had enough.😂
@deanrotering879 happy for you, stay focused till the end, then forget it all happened and don't be tempted to go back. I never thought I would make it that long and poof, done. Still need to work, but don't have to make a 100k and deal with it now. I truly hope the best for you, stay safe driver!
Thanks for keeping it real. Good to see you again, hope you feel better soon. 🤝🇺🇸
Joe. i really enjoy your channel. you seem like an honest sincere gentleman. This video was obviously well thought out and a great tool for those wishing to take up the life of a merchant sea farer. Your Canadian friend John/ cheers brother / be safe man.
Thank you, Joe. God Bless!!!
Excellent presentation and every minute was informative to say the very least.
The money maker in the life at sea thing is offshore drilling. You asre on a set rotation. Im 4 weeks on 4 off on a drille ship. T kae home roughly 100,000 UK pounda a year. Im a chief mechanic on a drillship
Always a good night when you drop a new video Joe!
The chance of death at sea is enough to shut a lot of people down. The thought of going down slow in the cold dark ocean.
I dunno man, lots of people die on land.
Joe hi from Alberta, Canada. Nice to see you again. As always great episode just tell it like it really is, that's definitely you and thanks for it. Had to laugh out loud at the flaming Merchant Mariner book too funny, certainly got your point of view across. Safe sailing until next time.
Love your content, Joe. Stay safe out there. ✊🏻
Hey Joe, sounds like you’ve been having a rough time lately, it happens to us all at some point. I know you love what you do and you do it for the money. I really enjoyed your series when you worked the Hawaiian cruise ship. I don’t know if doing that again makes sense financially but you seemed to have really enjoyed it.
I hear ya brother... see what I did there! Ha
My father was a seabee. I'm 40 and too old to do this now, but my son who is 5 loves watching these videos, and I often find myself saying "Son, you should do this!" So thanks for that. I really enjoy your vids
Worst part about ships, oil rigs, holiday resorts is USUALLY the greasy spoon staff kitchen... they don't waste money on good cooks...
Love your videos, Joe. You're the real deal. Best wishes! K
I think some people just have the character of a wanderer. We are all different but throughout human history there have always been a few who have that urge for adventure and curiosity.
It sucks that the dock workers are union and i think get paid well, but you work under harder conditions than them and get paid much less
Pointing out negatives is as important as highlighting the positives. There’s no such thing as a perfect job. I came as close as anyone can when I was the Chief of the Community Relations branch in the Public Affairs Office at Edwards AFB for the last 20-years of my working life, but there were elements of my work I didn’t like. Like testifying at two trials, for example! There was never a time in those two decades that I wasn’t the job! I got calls at night, on weekends and holidays. Yet, for all that, it was still the best job for me.
You present a balanced view of life at sea between the two videos. Thanks.