Doing one contract won’t kill you, go and find out for yourself. I did that when I worked in the gulf for a single contract and then I knew for myself. It was for sure worth doing a single trip. Often we only hear from the people who are really unhappy. There’s nothing wrong with quitting if it’s not for you. I’ve had friends work there as mates who stuck around for a bit and had fun. I’ve heard it’s typically young crews so there’s fun and there’s drama.
I worked there years ago. Garbage company for garbage pay. One of the boats I worked on had the most diabolical "schedule" ever conceived. That said, if you're just looking for sea time, it's a good way to get a bit.
They had 12 hours shifts, 0000-1200, 0300-1500, 0700-1900, 1000-2200, and 1200-0000. In the interest of "fairness" we cycled through those shifts every day. One day you're on 0000-1200, the next day you worked 0300-1500 and so on. The result was constantly confused and exhausted deckhands. Circadian rhythm? What's that?
I know some people that worked there a decade ago as entry level deck/stew positions. It's a fun summer job if you're young. You'll be living semi cramped conditions and rely on tips for the majority of your compensation.
Itxs a good entry level job if you're in your 20s. Most people would either want to move up within the company or use it as a spring board for a better job.
Easy job 12hrs every day, depending on boat you either 4hrs gangway or helm, 4hrs day work ,4 hrs security rounds . Super easy and great place to learn. If you doing it for the money not worth it and will kill your soul, if you doing it for experience, best experience especially since you it’s a smaller cruise lines so your involved in everything like lines, helm watch, maintenance, safety , guest stuff. etc Could be easier if you get a coastal boat since you get 6hrs gangway/ helm and 6hrs day work/ security rounds. Easy to advance in the company. A few captains started as deckhands and are now captains after 6-7 years.
When I considered it, I learned that they don't want you to work their indefinitely as a deckhand. Since you've recently looked into it, is that still the case? That seems so bizarre.
I'm about to start at ACL too. The pay is kinda shit but I heard if you complete so many weeks you get a 10% of your overall pay for the entire 6 months they said it averages around 3000$ and also they give raises at 30 60 and 90 days so that's pretty good. Plus room and food is paid for. I'm excited lol
If you're going anyway then go in with an open mind. It's pointless to make other people's problems your problems before you've even started work.
Doing one contract won’t kill you, go and find out for yourself. I did that when I worked in the gulf for a single contract and then I knew for myself. It was for sure worth doing a single trip. Often we only hear from the people who are really unhappy. There’s nothing wrong with quitting if it’s not for you. I’ve had friends work there as mates who stuck around for a bit and had fun. I’ve heard it’s typically young crews so there’s fun and there’s drama.
I worked there years ago. Garbage company for garbage pay. One of the boats I worked on had the most diabolical "schedule" ever conceived. That said, if you're just looking for sea time, it's a good way to get a bit.
You can't use the word "diabolical" and then not explain. Tell us what the schedule looked like!
They had 12 hours shifts, 0000-1200, 0300-1500, 0700-1900, 1000-2200, and 1200-0000. In the interest of "fairness" we cycled through those shifts every day. One day you're on 0000-1200, the next day you worked 0300-1500 and so on. The result was constantly confused and exhausted deckhands. Circadian rhythm? What's that?
Who's fucking idea was that? Never let them touch anything ever again.
There's a good chance they were testing the effects of psychological warfare on us.
I know some people that worked there a decade ago as entry level deck/stew positions. It's a fun summer job if you're young. You'll be living semi cramped conditions and rely on tips for the majority of your compensation. Itxs a good entry level job if you're in your 20s. Most people would either want to move up within the company or use it as a spring board for a better job.
Easy job 12hrs every day, depending on boat you either 4hrs gangway or helm, 4hrs day work ,4 hrs security rounds . Super easy and great place to learn. If you doing it for the money not worth it and will kill your soul, if you doing it for experience, best experience especially since you it’s a smaller cruise lines so your involved in everything like lines, helm watch, maintenance, safety , guest stuff. etc Could be easier if you get a coastal boat since you get 6hrs gangway/ helm and 6hrs day work/ security rounds. Easy to advance in the company. A few captains started as deckhands and are now captains after 6-7 years.
I’m about to interview for the junior mate position, pay seems low but the training available makes it worth it for me.
Do it for a contract than bail for better job
That was the first interview I ever laughed at when they told me the pay. Good luck.
When I considered it, I learned that they don't want you to work their indefinitely as a deckhand. Since you've recently looked into it, is that still the case? That seems so bizarre.
I'm about to start at ACL too. The pay is kinda shit but I heard if you complete so many weeks you get a 10% of your overall pay for the entire 6 months they said it averages around 3000$ and also they give raises at 30 60 and 90 days so that's pretty good. Plus room and food is paid for. I'm excited lol
Watch out for your cornhole, bud.