"Bob" wrote in message
...
As you may know I started over a year ago a 50+ yo guy who gathered
his old sea time, took a test, took some STCW cert classes and became
an Able Seaman

After working out of Fourchon, LA for 13+ months as an AB I quit.

With the time and tonnage gained in the bayou I now qualify for 1600
ton mate.

In a brief time I will attend a 6 month maritme school. total cost
$17,000
This condensed academy will also alow me to test without furter
training up to CM unlimited. Howerver, because i lack the unlimmited
tonnnage my Mates license will be restricted to 1600 GRT.

After loggin an additional 360 days serving as a Mate on vessels over
100 grt I will qualify to test for 1600 ton Master Oceans.

Why am I post this. In all senserity, I want every one to kno that if
you truly love the sea and want to become a better seaman but lack the
money to buy some fubar sailboat like skips you can still sail AND get
paid. Yes, there is the typical .gov red tape to manouver but it can
be done....... even at the age of 50+
trimmed


Some people can do it; some people can't. In the latter category is Cabin
Boy Joe of Red Cloud infamy. I wonder if perhaps Abby Sunderland is a
distant cousin of his or something. lol


Wilbur Hubbard