What kind of living can I get

[jims parrot]

I am a 28 year old that has recently acquired an obssession with sailing and the lifestyle it contains. I am looking in to starting some courses learning how to sail and wanting to in the future hopefully getting a career out of it. If anyone has the time/kindness to give me any info. about career possibilites and expectations that I should have I would be so greatly appreciative. Thanks heaps guys and girls

[maxingout]

Get certified from a sailing school, and maybe you can get a job as a charter boat skipper in the islands.

[jims parrot]

Thanks Dave, thats the road I am looking into at the moment. I am curious what time scale am I looking at as far as the courses and once they are finished, how many hours will I need to be putting on the water before I not only qualify but also feel compitent as a skipper

[maxingout]

I don't know how many hours it would take to get the experience necessary to feel comfortable working as a captain in the charter industry. When I used to live in the Caribbean, there were not any specific requirements. They could tell whether you knew what you were doing. I don't think they are looking for hours nearly as much as demonstrated experience at handling a yacht so that you don't leave a trail of destruction that is expensive to fix. I am sure they want you to be able to fix stuff as well.

I have known a handicapped individual that served as a skipper on yachts as well.

Nowadays, I suspect that paper credentials are important as well. Paper seems to be important everywhere else in the world, and I would think that the creeping effect of credentialism is afflicting the charter industry as well. INSURANCE is probably the driving force for credentials.

[rgscpat]

In the US of A, 360 days of logged time on the water is needed for the entry-level six-pack license required for carrying passengers for hire.

Of course, there are many other sorts of maritime jobs -- being crew on a superyacht, working on tugs, getting into a training program for harbor pilots, working for a sea tow service, etc.

[jims parrot]

Thanks a lot guys. This is absolutely great help. If anyone else has anything to say please post as it is so helpful to me.