Merchant Mariners

Contrary to what many people think, working in the merchant marine doesn't mean that you sign up for duty in the Navy or other military force. The merchant marine is a private industry, although vessels may be obligated to help the military in times of war.

Working on board a vessel is not as glamorous as it first may seem. Crews must be prepared to be away from home for extended periods and, although they travel throughout the world, the crew rarely has time to see much of the ports they visit. Merchant mariners on ocean vessels must be on their vessel during long periods and thus are away from home more often than other workers. However, they can earn long leaves between jobs. Unless they have been in the merchant marine for a number of years, many workers are hired for one journey at a time. Workers on rivers, canals, and the Great Lakes are more likely to find steady work.

Merchant mariners usually share their living areas with other crew members. In the past, living conditions were often sparse and cramped. Today, shipping companies are taking steps to improve the quality of life for merchant mariners by upgrading living quarters and adding air-conditioning, entertainment systems with satellite TV, and Internet connections.

While at sea, they are exposed to all kinds of weather, often cold and damp conditions. Most mid- and lower-ranking workers must stand watch for four hours at a time. Also, fire, collision, and sinking are all possible, so workers must be physically and psychologically prepared for such hazards.