I spent 45 years as a Merchant Mariner. Worked my way up from Ordinary Seaman to obtaining an Unlimited Master, All Oceans license. I’m retired now and when I start missing the ocean, my wife and I book a cruise to get off of the land for a week!
A little more fun and relaxing than working on a merchant ship I reckon. I met a retired merchant sea captain and his wife on a cruise once, a German . The ship showed the film Captain Phillips and he said it was an accurate portrayal of ship life. Happy travels!
Joe, you don't have to convince me, brother. It was a great career, and now I'm having a great retirement. I started as an AB. I ended with an unlimited. I even got to play King Neptune. Enjoy every second brother and take lots of pictures. I know cargo operations are a pain, but they're worth it. You're probably coming up on enough time that I think you should start studying for your Captain's license. Go for it, brother. By the way, Joe, reason number 6. US flagged vessels have really decent food. The only people that can out stage us in culinary are Italian flagged vessels. I love Ascension Island, and I assumed that when you went south, you went to Ross. There is nothing cooler than being paid to stand a watch, and you're watching whales and penguins. My first commercial ship with a tanker, and as I winded down in years, my last boat I drove was a pilot boat. I would show up in my off days so I could board The Vessel with the pilot. Your videos make me miss the boat. I want to go back!
been wondering. Am praying to start seafarer journey at 40. Is it worth it? I love n really want to be at sea. Please advise if i can join and rise ranks at this age. Thanks
Damn where were you when I was 21. If you're 21 and able take Joe's advice and take the chance. As a land locked person in Colorado what an opportunity to work get paid and see the world. At 62 time has passed me by. Thanks Joe. Cheers, keep the faith. Dean
Im turning 62 in Oct and I am getting my MMC to work NCL out of Hawaii. I will start with them because they will pay for everything and I may not have a lot of time off in HI but I can use it wisely 5 mths on 5 weeks off and they fly you back and forth. I have a good 5 yrs of work left in me then retire and with my RR retirement and MM pay I will retire cruising round the world. The plan is to get to know, find land in countries around the world invest in those build a little place or buy it, take a dead end cruise stay at that home for awhile then take another 30-60 day cruise to another one. I will then have places my kids and grand kids can vacation. even friends and other family. I have been BLESSED I will bless others.
Hi Joe, I just wanted to drop a message to say thank you! I only found you a couple months ago but, have been inspired to follow in your footsteps. I’m 26 and have been in an office job for the last five and a half years - it’s been slowly destroying me mentally and physically. Having also had a keen interest in the sea and sailing, finding you gave me the kick to quit my job and apply for the cadet course at bp where I was just recently accepted! I start in a couple weeks so it’s all a bit nerve wracking but seeing your passion and love for it, I’m sure with the right dedication and attitude, it will be plain sailing ☺️ again, thank you for changing my life for the better (big words I know but, you really have!) and I will absolutely buy you a (many) beers when I see you at port 😊
Congratulations. When I was in Corp America I did some of the training of new employees. When they asked for career advice I would say "Run, run now, run fast. If not you will wake up in a few years and you'll hate life, but you are trapped with car payments and a mortgage. Get out while you are young" Some of them thought I was kidding, I was serious. Desk job careers kill your soul, your body and your mind. I should have done something like that 35 to 40 years ago. I wish you the best at school and in your new career.
Nicely done Joe. A few thoughts from a retired Hawespiper who went from Ordinary Seaman to Unlimited Master over 16 years: - The Able Seaman - Unlimited rating means the ability to quickly land a job, for the rest of your life. With very little effort / cost, one can keep their AB 'ticket' valid even if they go ashore for 5 or 10 years, you ALWAYS have the ability to earn good money when you need it. - Think about an Able Seaman - Unlimited as equivalent to being a Plumber or an Electrician. Highly Skilled positions, with professional (for AB's, Federal) qualification. - Last, but not least, there are a VAST number of opportunities for qualified Mariners. Jobs where you can go home at night and sleep in your own bed (think Harbor Tugs and Ferries), those where you work two weeks on / two weeks off, and Deepsea where you may sail for 4 - 6 months, then have that much time (or more) off. FYI, The Washington State Ferry System is now PAYING for all the schooling and training time to start as an Ordinary Seaman and move up to Mate (that is, working in the Wheelhouse).
Thanks for the comment. I'm looking to change careers to maritime and thinking I'd prefer to work on deck. Is the WA State Ferry system already doing this, or is this something that's planned?
I’m 42, no kids or family, nothing holding me back but not great health either so I feel the door has closed. If I was about 20 or 30 I’d choose this career and not look back.
As someone currently in the US Navy with hopes to go merchent marines after the biggest reason I can see is that in all those clips of ship food the rice never looked burnt like ours is
as a former Navy man VS-24 / USS NIMITZ I can say I dont think our rice was ever burnt (in the 80s) do they still have flight deck picnics and steak/Lobster 1-2 x a cruise?
First shipped out in 1985 on New Zealand coast. Moved to Australia 1998 and been at sea my whole life. 56 years old now. 1 marriages 2 long term relationships finished. And I still can't think of a better life than being a merchant seafarer. It's in the blood.
Caught onto your videos about year ago. I'm retired now, but was a truck owner operator 35 years, so I got to be both skipper and seaman of my own ship. I've always love the sea. If I was younger, I think I would like sea life. Outside of delivering and loading in various seaports, it never occurred to me to choose sea life, but trucking has a lot of similarities.
@JoeFranta brother, you need to do a video on sea stories! Grab 4 or 5 guys and hit the nearest bar. One of the funniest I witnessed: We had a female AB and an old-school Italian bosun. They were definitely not each other's fan. Bosun sent her out on deck to needlegun midday, about 110° and 90% humidity (Red Sea). We also have an OS that's been trying to get with this girl the whole trip. He decides he's going to help her out. Bosun comes out on deck to check her work and finds this dumbass standing next to her, providing shade with this fucking HUGE pink umbrella. Bosun COMPLETELY loses his shit, screaming in Italian, waving his arms so hard I thought they'd fly off his shoulders. He grabs the umbrella and chucks it over the side with everything he's got and turns back to scream so more at the OS. Well, as im sure you know about throwing shit over the side, the wind caught the still-open umbrella and blew it back up on deck where it smacked the Bosun in the back of the head. Thought for a moment the old guy was going to have a heart attack! We laughed about that for years 🤣
Nailed it. Many of the reasons I left a factory job and attended maritime academy and climbed up the ranks. It can be tough but I can’t imagine doing anything else.
I always look forward to an new upload from you. I grew up on the water and while its been many years since, i still have a love of life on the sea. Thank you for all you do and sharing it with us. 😊
Joe, last night I watched the movie “Action in the North Atlantic” with the great Humphrey Bogart. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s all about Merchant Mariners during WWll. As I watched it I couldn’t wait for you to post something on here so I could tell you about the movie incase you didn’t know about it and boom! here you are lol
Thank you Joe for showing the insider information you do. As a tugboat guy, I can appreciate the different perspective. Fun fact, I was across the Dock from you at Anacortes, WA in one of your Videos loading cargo. Keep up the great work..
Hello there, I used to live in Anacortes. 34th Street & M Ave. Worked at Dakota Creek shipyard before I ended up sailing on cable ships for five years.
Hay Joe..! Some people don't realize how much car insurance.. gas.. and wear and tear on a vehicle .. mileage.. on a regular job is.. it's a lot of your check a week or month.. that's a good amount saved.. and food.. that jumps your pay up a lot...! Good videos.! Rock on Joe..!!
I cannot be sure, but I think Joe did make a video about Antarctica; either featured it or included it in one of his past videos. If you subscribe or click on Joe's profile, you should be able to see a list of videos. Happy watching
a couple years ago i spent months seriously researching this because of your channel, then I had a kid 😊 but this line of work is still absolutely fascinating, Joe. be safe out there!
I spent 30 years between merchant Navy and american merchant marine, fantastic job, fantastic lifestyle , but hey difficult to hold down relationshiops etc. tons of fun and tons of experiences. In my life have been to 76 countries . seams so long ago
right now as speak i am trying to get on the ore ship on the lakes. I have a heart problem and hearing loss so i have to wear hearing aids. wish me luck and fingers crossed. and God bless our mom's for helping us out.
If was 25 years younger maybe. I’ve seen places I would have never been able to see thanks to a 30 year career in pipeline construction but nothing overseas. Hats off to you
I love these videos. I'm too old and set in my ways to change careers, but I still enjoy these videos. Such a great job narrating and capturing the essence of life on the high seas.
Let's be honest. This is not a job for anyone. I graduated from Piney Point in June 1988. Out of the four classes, and 136 trainee's, only 5 of us were still working in the industry after 5 years. 10 years only 3 of us were still active. The money was great, so it's not about the money. However being a professional mariner requires dedication that takes you away from any semblance of a normal life. For myself - it was the greatest experience of my life - and if I could retain my rating I would return. Those days are over I'm afraid. We used to have the grandfather clause, and your Z card was good for life. That's why today there is a shortage of mariners. I applaud you on your endeavors. It so much reminds me of my younger days starting out.
I tried to apply to the merchant marine academy many years ago and never heard back. Still wish i could have tried it, so now living vicariously through your adventures.
I’m a university professor in education, so I do have a fantastic job. No complains. But man I would have loved to sail on a commercial vessel, especially in the wheelhouse. That kind of video is sweet torture to me, as I thought about joining when I was a child. Teenage laziness and hard partying scrapped the idea, but as a 54 yo shipping nerd, I can at least project myself giving orders to the second and third mates ! 😂
Love your videos. Was in British Merchant Navy in the 70's. Deck department. Best job in the world. As they used to say See the world and get paid to do it. Went to some great places and met some great people. Still in contact with deck boy i sailed with in 1971 when we were both 17. Still love the sea and ships. Look forward to more of your video's. Cheers from Australia.
Not sure if it is fate or what, been following your videos for several years now, from when you first stated. Today I decided to switch careers (before seeing the video), left my old job after 12 years, found this video and saying that mariners in demand hit hard. Video is two days old. Got all my MMC paperwork printed out, scheduling my physical tomorrow. Gonna get started. Gave me peace knowing the field is in demand. Awesome video bro. Maybe I'll see you out there.
Hi Joe, your enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious and really great to see. I look forward to every new installment and I hope and encourage you to sit for your 3rd Mate's exam so you can become a licenses officer. You DESERVE it!
Another awesome video, Joe! Maybe in my next life but if I were 30 years younger I would love to choose this life. For now, I’ll have to live vicariously through you!
Hey Joe, Jimi Hendrix says hi. Just good hearted humor. I really appreciated your mental health video, I don't think this gets spoken openly about enough. I just drove 90 miles this week to sign up for my TWIC. Working on my MMC. Being near the water, especially salt water, heals me, calms me down, makes me at peace. Nothing else like it. I love lakes and rivers, but nothing like the ocean. I've been following your videos the last 2 months or so. I've literally been talking with my wife the last year about going offshore, she thinks I'm nuts, that I should get a life insurance policy before I ship out. I told her she watches to many horror movies. It's one of the oldest professions on earth. 10 years of factory work and IT desk jobs, I'm doing this for my health, my sanity, and my family.
For me, the #2 reason is the best. I've had the traditional land based jobs; 2-3 weeks annual vacation. In the maritime industry I have had jobs were I was subject to a call out 7 days a week. I've also had jobs where the standard hitch was 60/30. My 30 off some of the time was spent as a daily captain at my old job. On the 60/30 job I would volunteer to cover for captains desiring time off for major family events. I loved my job, short in harbor runs and supporting the oil platforms.
I love your channel. Keep it up! I’m in the Navy. My grandfather, QMC, retired after 20+ years and then became a merchant marine. He loved it, and so do I. How can I describe it…? The sea CALLS us to her. Do you hear it? Answer the call. You will never regret it.
Your channel has been the single best catalyst for getting the gears turning in my mind about becoming a merchant sailor. I've always had an adventure's mindset, I just never really knew how to scratch that itch. Everytime I watch your videos it encourages me more and more to say F It, take the plunge and start my life over. A few weeks ago I was in Astoria, Oregon. They had a dozen cargo ships anchored at the mouth of the Colombia. I just stood there for a few minutes, staring at those ships, thinking to myself "What am I doing with my life...?" Your channel is amazing for guy's like me, Joe. I'm glad I stumbled across it. Keep it brother.
Joe, I just love your channel. You are a great presenter, and you have such a passion for your career. Like other commenters, I wish I'd seen this video 30-40 years ago! Here's hoping that a lot of younger folks find this video inspiring and get into what sounds like a great career.
Have been subscribed for more than a little bit. Always love the updates. Former USMC. Spent some time on ships while enlisted. Spent A LOT more time on ships after enlistment. Malta is a very nice place. We've probably crossed paths. Keep on keeping on, brother.
Good review, Joe..tnx. question. How do you deal with things at home, if you have a home. Mail? You need a place to put on your drivers license, right? Do you pay for an apartment while at sea? How do you deal with the land stuff. How do you deal with asshole shipmates and officers?
I live in an RV when I am not working and I have family help me with mail. In certain areas with large sailor populations (South Florida for yachties) there's a community of sailors doing shared apartment sublets etc.
Having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. And so says I.....I subbed to your channel.
Hey Joe, There are those of us the really enjoy your video's. Most of that comes from the travel part, some comes from the different things you do from what we do. Some comes from you being a good hand. My Dad was a Merchant Marine when he was in his 20's in the 40's Every time he spoke of life at sea, you could see the twinkle in his eye. I have a natural draw to the water being an Aquarian, but the sea never called me. I got lucky late, but found a job I loved in Telephony and never looked back. I'm glad you found something you like doing, because in the end you will realize, you never really worked at all. Be well.
Hi Joe I'm from Oklahoma I've been watching ur videos for a few months I hv enjoyed them more than u know... My mind is definitely on this journey with yall.
Joe, I mentor, or guide young top quality high school youth exchange students. Your information, (and top level quality video work) is something I will pass along to them so they can consider a different employment and adult work future. Bravo sir, and great content!!
If I was just a few years younger. I would be there with you brother. I've always traveled the United States almost every state. 3 years in Alaska back in the late 60s early 70s. And always had a passion to hit the sea. I can see where a young man by himself could go and save money and travel the world.... yes... it would be nice
I worked as an seafarer foe eight years then quit. But i am planning to join back because i don’t feel fit on land job, A lots of stressed on land . Can’t wait to be back at sea cheers
Hi, in 1988, I was going to become a marine cook B but unfortunately my father die and my mother was in a mess, so I missed the boat/ship , I had a couple of friends. They were seafarers and they seen the world. And I think one of them now. It is a captain and he loves it making heaps of money.
Hey Joe, I just wanted to say a little thank you because in part of you as well as in part of me getting my ass together and working hard on getting what I need to get. Pretty soon I’m gonna be trying to get a job on a Great Lakes freighter, if I would’ve never watched your videos I would’ve maybe not considered this as soon, but I pick up my TWIC tomorrow and then I’ll be getting my MMC application filled out this week as well as my passport and then I’m gonna be all set. So the shorten this whole big old paragraph up thank you, you were great on showing me what I should be doing in my life. Keep up the hard work with everything you’re doing. Also, I will be starting out as an ordinary semen because I do not have any time on the water working. And then after 180 days, I will try and go for and get the AB endorsement and the proper schooling that I need.
Been watching Your channel for over 6 months..If Your channel was around back when i was of age to do this kind of work, You would have convinced me to give it a try!
I wish I was about 25 years younger! Not taking anything away from my job, it's fine too, but this video is pretty convincing. I'm sharing it with my 18 year old son, just out of high school with no real direction in his life yet. Maybe...
Good comments I did 18 yrs in the British Merchant Navy back in the 70/80,s best time off my life was single back then ,no regular girl friend back then to worry about when you are gone just join a ship and go and enjoy would have recommended it to anyone until the big decline of our fleet and all what jobs that were left went to cheap labour
Hey Joe. If you want a song that tells the story of seafarer's life listen to "Goodship Kangaroo" by Irish folk group Planxty. You'll find different versions in various places but I believe their version is the definitive one. Also there's song called Fiddler's Green. Everyone and anyone recorded that one.
Good video. But I remember you talking about with different types of ships sometimes you don't actually get to get off the ship. Great you still love what you do.
This clinch’s it I’m a retired truck driver at 62 years old I think I can do it. Sign me up,darn it.😂😂 wouldn’t even insult you to say I could do it physically. It has to be a labor intensive job.
Moar about Antarctica! I was just on a cruise that went to North Cape, Norway (Hammerfest, 71 degrees+ north) and that landscape was pretty interesting.
Hey joe yea you miss the south America run was a blast or the far east run some of the best times especially subic bay or Manila yea I was on a tanker and went to there mc station was cold as hell had to put a card broad on window
With the Yemen rebels shooting rockets at freighters, seamen get an extra two weeks of cruising around Africa instead of going through the Suez Canal! Ka-ching!
Take special note that your meals and accomodation are covered by the ship. Your'e not paying for rent, grocery bills, car insurance, gasoline, or any of those expenses while you are on a contract. If you don't drink (alcoholic beverages) and don't use tobacco, you can bank almost all of your pay. You will have some expenses, taxi or uber fares when on shore leave, personal consumables like toothpaste, meals on shore leave, museum entrance fees if you like to visit museums in foreign cities - I sure would - but it's way less expensive than day to day living in the average American city nowadays. Joe mentions Antarctica and Ascension Island as places he's been on ship contracts. Ascension Island is a British military base, I don't think there is any way to go there as a casual tourist, and Joe's been there - for a whole month as I recall. If you want to see the world, but don't want to be in the Navy or Air Force, I can't think of a better way than to be a merchant mariner.
