Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Usually cadets sail on the ships during the summer, so you will get a taste of the sailing life. All new sailors seem to romanticize the job, its normal.
400-500 dollars a day for a 3rd mate sounds high. If I were you I'd check with the AMO(American Maritime Officers)union to get a more accurate pay scale.
It is very difficult to get into the GLMA, like 1 in 10 who apply get accepted. I wish you good luck.

Guest wrote:I sailed relief 3rd mate last summer--US side--all companies are in the $450-$500/day range.

Is that for an 8 hour day?

I sailed relief 3rd mate last summer--US side--all companies are in the $450-$500/day range.

Guest wrote:As the other poster stated, income to repay loans shouldn't be a issue. One thing I would suggest though, is try to get a job as a deckhand this summer so you can get a idea what ship life is like before you spend four years at school.

I should have prefaced my post by stating I have experience working a 6-week on/3-week off schedule at a remote SE Alaskan mine. While I don't know what it's like to work on a ship, I do know what it's like to live in an extremely restricted area with 70 grumpy guys itching to go home. I am fully aware that work is the priority and everything else comes secondary in these environments. I love the freedom rotational schedules offer, but am not over-romanticizing the notion of a career at sea.

As the other poster stated, income to repay loans shouldn't be a issue. One thing I would suggest though, is try to get a job as a deckhand this summer so you can get a idea what ship life is like before you spend four years at school.

You'll make plenty as an officer. Pay/vacation/benefits and how they work depend on the union/company but you will find the pay to support yourself and a family easily. Sailing a full season working 60/30 the past couple years it was around 130k in pay and vacation. A little time as 2nd mate, mostly 1st.

Greetings Boat Nerd,

I will be applying to GLMA's deck program for the Fall 2016 semester. I've done TONS of research and am excited by the prospect of a career on the water. The only information I haven't been able to find is a figure for annual compensation for Great Lakes mariners. Would any of you be able to provide insight into the average pay for a newly graduated third mate? I'll have to acquire ~80k in student loan debt to attend; I just want to be sure I'll be able to comfortably manage and repay that liability (I have an accounting degree, so it's in my nature to worry such issues). Also, how is total compensation structured (e.g. vacation pay, pension, medical benefits, etc.)? I really appreciate any information/insight into this segment of the maritime industry. Thanks for the help.

P.s. I fully realize compensation can have large variances between companies. Again, my main concern is if I'll be able to comfortably repay/manage ~80k in student loans.