Deckhands average about $55,000 to $65,000 a season, which usually equates to six or seven months of work. Officers start around $90,000. Captains make $160,000 to $200,000, according to Glenn Kolke, marine personnel manager for Interlake.
Table of Contents
What is it like to work on a lake freighter?
Working as a mariner on a vessel is a challenging but rewarding job for adventurous people who like to travel, spend time outdoors on the open waters of the Great Lakes, and have ample free time when home on shore. Maritime jobs offer good wages and benefits and an exciting and fulfilling work environment.
What is a maritime career?
The Maritime industry is associated with activities on all vessels used at sea and associated land-based services. Routes include oceans, coasts, seas, lakes, rivers and channels. The Maritime field offers a wide choice of career opportunities, many of which are international by nature.
What jobs are on a ship?
- General Crew. As general crew, you’re responsible for the hands-on work that gets done on deck.
- Marine Engineer.
- Deck Officer.
- Marine Cook.
- Steward.
- Land-Based Maritime Careers.
- Crossover Careers.
Do deckhands make good money?
Deckhand Salary Deckhands make $56,163 per year on average, or $27.0 per hour, in the United States. Deckhands on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $21,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $145,000.
How many 1000 foot freighters are on the Great Lakes?
While there are thousands of small freighters in the Great Lakes there are only 13 1,000 footers!
Where Does the crew sleep on a cargo ship?
It is extremely important that crew members are provided with proper accommodation facilities to enhance their overall safety, productivity, well-being and morale. The accommodation area is usually in the stern part of the ship. It is close to the steering and navigation areas and also has access to the engine room.
How many crew are on a Great Lakes freighter?
Most freights have crews of 15 to 21. Sailors often work for three months at a time, then a month off.
Do Great Lakes freighters take passengers?
Win a voyage on a Great Lakes freighter They are not certified to carry passengers for hire, but can take guests, family members and company’s customers. For the general public they offer a chance to win a voyage.
What qualifications do I need to work at sea?
- Certificate of Proficiency Able Seafarer (Engine Room)
- Certificate of Proficiency Watch Rating (Engine Room)
- Certificate of Proficiency Electro Technical Rating (Engine Room)
- ENG1 or equivalent Medical.
How do I get a job on a ship?
- You can apply directly to a cruise line on their website or to their official hiring partners throughout the world.
- You can apply through a concessionaire – a company contracted to operate spa, retail, photography or entertainment on the ship.
- You can apply online via a dedicated job board such as All Cruise Jobs.
How do I get a job on a shipping vessel?
First, you need to have maritime certification to gain employment on a cargo ship. Certification includes age requirements, demonstrated sea skills, and competency in various areas of ship protocol and maintenance. Typically, you begin as an able seaman to learn the trade and study for exams.
What is the lowest position on a ship?
Ordinary seaman The lowest ranking personnel in the deck department. An ordinary seaman (OS) generally helps out with work that able seamen do.
What do deckhands do?
The deckhand’s responsibilities include loading and unloading cargo or luggage, relaying important information to the crew, maintaining ship equipment, assisting with watchkeeping duties, and ensuring the general upkeep of the vessel.
Who is below a captain on a ship?
First Mate had rank just below the Captain. He would take control of the ship if the Captain could not perform his duties any longer. However, pirate ships usually did not have First Mates; Quartermasters performed their duties.
How many hours does a deckhand work?
May work eight- or 12-hour shifts and go home every day, especially if they work on rivers. May work steadily for a week or month and then have an extended time off.
Do Below Deck crews get paid as well as tips?
In addition to their salary for working the charter and doing the show, everyone gets a piece of the tips left behind by guests.
What do you need to be a deckhand?
Deckhands do not have to have boating qualifications but having them is an asset. General seafaring skills are expected. Deckhands should ideally have some knowledge and experience of navigation, boat handling, engines and radio equipment.
How thick is the hull of a Great Lakes freighter?
As the first iron-hull ship it was the prototype for the modern Great Lakes bulk freighter. The hull was of riveted iron plate 3/4 and 9/16 inches thick with thicker plates on the bottom of the hull.
Which Great Lake has the most shipwrecks?
The Great Lakes hold the secrets of about 8,000 shipwrecks. Lake Erie covers 2,000 of them, among the highest concentration of wrecks in the world.
What is the oldest Great Lakes freighter still in service?
The Alpena is currently the oldest ship sailing the lakes.
What do they eat on cargo ships?
Do cargo ships have WiFi?
Does the ship have WiFi? Many ships do now have access to internet and email. Where available this is likely to be charged for, subject to ships business taking priority. Where no internet is available there will be a facility for you to send/receive emails or telephone via satellite.
Do container ships have swimming pools?
However, the captain will often allow passengers to visit these places provided they are discreet and do not get in the way of the crew working. Commercial ships generally have an indoor seawater pool, and a fully-fitted gym with weight machines and a table tennis table.
Which ship captains make the most money?
Industry and Salaries Inland water captains receive the highest mean wage of $88,530, while deep-sea captains earn a mean income of $84,150.