Age no limitation?

[cappy]

###came across a grand little book of sea tales which i presumed lost but turned up in a garage clear out .....its called the GREY WIDOW MAKER...but one of the best books i have ever read should be in all schools in oz ...its name THE FATAL SHORE.....based on records of voyages to and landings of the transportees to oz have read it at least 4 times over 20 years....a soul stirring read .....the folk who made oz in the raw ...regards cappy

[Captain Kong]

Although my career has been in journalism and business

I GUESS THE ONLY WAY YOU COULD TRY TO GO TO SEA IS IN THE PURSERS DEPARTMENT ON CRUISE SHIPS.

Deck Officer No Way, years of experience required plus many qualifications.

Try companies like Holland America, Cunard, P&O, all have Offices in Southampton.
With your experience you may stand a good chance of a job in the Pursers Office. It is quite a good position
That is the only way.
Cheers
Brian

[j.sabourn]

AS regards certification , I have no idea of what the requirements are today and really of no interest to me. But the old system would think about the fastest you could ever expect to get a masters Foreign going certificate would have been 8 years . This must have been a rarity though. I have seen people of in their late 50s get though after spending most of their life at sea. A certificate at one time only required seatime and I am a strong believer in this. You only learn your trade at the coal face. However times change and I think the change of thinking came via the continental way of thinking, the Scandinavians have a similar system where they gain certification before going to sea, but think they are more seamanlike with the restrictions which apply to such. Will just blame the French.!! To get through the orals alone with the old system was an accomplishment on its own. I had a friend who got 6 months seatime for stuttering on one question. When people of the new system argue about the benefits of the new system, and I’m stuck for an answer, I just say I was in Baghdad when you were in Dads bag young fellah.
JWS...

[j.sabourn]

#10... Good on yer Keith on acquiring your yacht masters cert. just shows if you want something anything is obtainable. All it requires is effort. It’s another feather in your cap or another shackle in the locker. JS...

[Andrew Griffiths]

Thank you all for your replies.
Andy

[Captain Kong]

Try the PURSER ROUTE once you are in, you can take it from there and see what it is like,.
Brian

[j.sabourn]

#3 ref. My own post. Andrew if you’re still knocking around how did things go.? You are now 6 years older. I was going to put this in a post previously by someone “ would you do the same again” but can’t find. The consensus of that post I would say was alright when you are young ,bright eyed and bushy tailed, but with age comes common sense , experience, wife family and the religion of money replacing God. So for the intelligent people they looked elsewhere , I wasn’t that bright unfortuanetley. However still being romantically minded to a certain extent I would describe my views like John Masefield after readjusting the commas etc . Which being an ex journalist you will know all about. When he said or should have said why be so stupid as to “ leave home love and comfort for a glorified bleeding Hell “ if you did manage to succeed in your chosen path I hope conditions had bettered to suit your expectations . All the best if you read this. Cheers John Sabourn.

[Stacy Lone]

Andy, let's be honest, age can be an obstacle, but it doesn't mean it's impossible. I've seen people start their maritime career after 50. It's important to be persistent and not give up. Often it's worth trying with smaler companies that might be more open to experienced candidates from other fields.

It might also be worth looking into training programs outside the traditional cadetships. Sometimes smaller lines offer training for career changers. You can consider courses and certifications that could increase your chances too. Hang in there and good luck!