Part 2
Continued from Part 1 - (Look in Choosing a Specialization / Stream)
Another aspect to think about is the weather. Ships do run into bad weather (read storms). Even the biggest ship is but a toy when up against the fury of the sea. Sea sickness is not something to be scoffed at. Before you take up a career at sea you had better make sure that you dont get sea sick. Take a trip on a boat to get the feel of things.
Right...now you are aware of various aspects of the merchant navy , money, foreign travel, life on board, work and rest hours, medical facilities, weather etc. What? You still want to join the merchant navy? Bravo!! We need guys just like you!! Guys who join with their eyes open, guys who dont have wrong ideas about a career at sea. So how do you go about joining the merchant navy? Information is available on the net. For example, the following site gives you an idea of the requirements: https://webindia123.com/career/options/merchant/intro.htm
In addition, you can keep an eye out for advertisements in major newspapers.
A word of caution, dont be in a hurry to hand over money to some ’’agent’’ who assures you of a job at sea. Check his credentials, check the credentials of the company or training institution you intend to join. Preferably, find someone who is already at sea and who can guide you. This is one profession where a mentor is always a good idea.
I have been sailing for the past 23 years including 8 years as Captain. To me the merchant navy is wonderful. It has given me everything I dreamed of and wanted in life. Life on board ships isnt easy but its not as bad as it is made out to be sometimes. As there seem to be a lot of extreme views on this career, I have tried to give you the real picture. This is a serious profession where you have to work hard and your hard work pays (quite literally)!