Calling those who know a lot about ships and maritime law

"ptak appreciates old racecars" (racecarptak) 01/21/2018 at 02:44 • Filed to: None

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As a young fella with not much else going on I have been hankering for adventure more than almost anything else.

Acura in danger of becoming a boat

For the past few years, I’ve had this fantasy in the back of my mind of getting work on some ship crossing the Atlantic, preferably over the course of under a month or two, and going back to Europe (where I live part of the time). I know it’s not Moby Dick out there anymore, but is this type of thing still done? Can one just get work on a boat, are there opportunities for those who want to see some world in this manner? Am I insane and should stay home and knit in front of the fire?

Thanks for your input. Oppo is either entirely the worst or the best place to ask about this type of thing, haha

ME AF

whatisthatsound > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 02:56

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The way I know how is through the Maritime academies, getting your license then going to work for the lines. Call around Suny, Cal, Mass Maritime and ask some questions. The life pays well, you will work very hard for it too.

ptak appreciates old racecars > whatisthatsound 01/21/2018 at 02:58

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Ah ha, so it’s purely a career thing, no hopping across for the experience?

whatisthatsound > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 03:09

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Perhaps commercial fishing, but I believe shipping is a different commitment. However don’t let the words of the internet dissuade you, I could be wrong.

ptak appreciates old racecars > whatisthatsound 01/21/2018 at 03:13

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Makes sense. Thanks for the input though.

barnie > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 05:47

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I’m assuming you just want the adventure, not a career (yet :). It’s hard to get on a commercial boat without training and credentials. There are lot of folks sailing across the oceans in smaller boats (30 - 60'). Couples, small groups, and organized rallies. If you’re near a coastal town, go hang out at the local boatyard. Find the local sailing club and learn how to sail, boat safety, and learn the lingo before you go. This will also teach you what kit to get (diaper creme is your friend...) Plenty of single shot opportunities: sailopo.com, rorc.org, sorcsailing.org, all the way up to clipperroundtheworld.com. Plenty others; google is your friend. The big part of this is talk your dream and be persistent. Bon voyage!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 07:04

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I know people can sometimes still book passage on the spare space on board freighters, but not sure if they let you work for it. :)

Come visit Halifax, Nova Scotia, haha, you’d only be an hour from me! Bring some FIATs with you! :P

Although, word to the wise, if you’ve not been on a boat or ship in the open ocean, prepare for your stomach to probably not have a very nice time. :P

E92M3 > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 09:31

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There are companies that require you to be licensed, and others that will hire anyone (think carnival workers). There’s thousands of workers from third world countries on the water, just trying to make a meager living. It really depends on where the ship is registered, how it’s insured, and laws at the ports it’s visting. In some cases, it’s up to the captian. You could walk up to the port, and ask around in some countries. But you can’t do that here, every port is secure and you need credentials to get past the gates.

I’d imagine most ships going from the USA to Europe are following strict requirements, and have a hiring process. You could probably get on a ship from South America going to Africa though without any experience.

rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 10:17

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https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=194819206

Not working, but definitely more doable.

rockingthe2 > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 10:53

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You could enlist in the Navy, but that’s a little longer than a month or two. Might end up being an adventure though.

So far as helpful advice, I think you’d have to be a “greenhorn” on a small fishing trawler. Most commercial shipping lines require licenced able seaman or the like. Not saying it isn’t worth a shot, but most of these pay very well and are a career choice, not a way to travel cheap .

JeepJeremy > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 11:08

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Kirk Douglas is so awesome in 10,000 Leagues Under The Sea. He’s my hero too

LOREM IPSUM > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 11:59

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gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/21/2018 at 14:55

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https://www.freightercruises.com/seaworthy_news_1405.php

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/12-Day-Transatlantic-from-New-York-BREAKAWAY12NYCPDLCOBIPOLEHSOU?itineraryCode=BREAKAWAY12NYCPDLCOBIPOLEHSOU

I dont think most american/european cargo ships will just hire you for a week to cross the atlantic wihtout some experience/training. But maybe as a passenger.

Though there are some really cheap cruises that cross.

ptak appreciates old racecars > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 01/21/2018 at 23:27

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Interesting links. That looks a little too comfortable though.

ptak appreciates old racecars > rockingthe2 01/21/2018 at 23:30

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Yeah, the Navy’s not for me, haha

Fishing would be a possibility but I don’t know how many of those cross the Atlantic...

ptak appreciates old racecars > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 01/21/2018 at 23:32

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Import that 126p man.

Yeah, I can’t see myself getting seasick but that’s not to say it can’t happen...

ptak appreciates old racecars > E92M3 01/21/2018 at 23:34

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I figured things were more tightly regulated in the first world countries. Finding passage on a ship going from South America to Africa would probably be even more interesting though. Thanks for the information.

ptak appreciates old racecars > barnie 01/21/2018 at 23:35

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Thanks for the advice! I’m not even remotely near prepared enough for a venture like that, but who knows, maybe someday.

rockingthe2 > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/22/2018 at 14:58

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None, or enough that its not a good option. Maybe private yacht crew, not sure the requirements but i know there is a ton of damage control and firefighting, so at least a few schools.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > ptak appreciates old racecars 01/22/2018 at 17:53

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I want to import it, but my life situation has to change first! :(