The real cost of starting a career at sea. The grit, the grind, the payoff — And how OMS can help get you there.

In a world dominated by political noise and AI influence, the voices of working mariners are getting drowned out by regulation and profit margins. It’s no surprise to anyone in the industry that we’re facing a talent shortage. Why would a young man or woman choose to pursue a career as a captain, chief engineer or able-bodied seaman? That answer depends on the individual.

Let’s start with pay. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for an able-bodied seaman in 2025 is $50,458, with a low end around $39,000 and a high end near $72,000. On the surface, that looks solid for an entry-level job. But let’s dive deeper.

Initial schooling for the role runs about $1,000 for a five-day class. Add another $240 for the certification application and TWIC card. (Don’t get me started on the TWIC racket.) Then you’ve got STCW requirements – Basic safety training and firefighting – which can easily add another $1,500 or more.

All told, you’re out around $3,000 before you even start. Not terrible, but less appealing when you consider an 18-year-old in California can attend community college for as little as $1,500 a year in-state.

This is also before you factor in drug testing, medical reviews and sea time requirements.

The real kicker? There’s no clear career road map. The Coast Guard does provide a checklist to those considering the career, but it’s about as clear as mud. The official site that houses it isn’t BecomeAMariner.com or StartYourCareerAtSea.com. No, it’s buried within https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ – A site that might as well be written in hieroglyphics.

So, you want to be a deckhand? Pour some coffee, grab a corkboard and start stringing red yarn like you’re playing detective in a crime show.

I could spell out the entire process — Which applications you need, which doctors you must see, which drug screenings qualify and how to send your money to the Coast Guard via Pay.gov. But honestly, it’s easier if you just call us. We’ve walked hundreds of mariners through it step by step. We’ll get you moving.

I know I haven’t painted the rosiest picture so far. But if you’re still reading, you might be the kind of person who has what it takes to thrive in this industry. Because it isn’t for everyone. Here’s what it takes:

• Grit

• Tenacity

• An unwavering sense of self

• Common sense

• Willingness to ask questions

• Stubbornness to not take no for an answer

• Love of adventure

• Love of the sea

• The drive to keep moving forward

• A mentor

  
  

You may already have nine of these qualities, but the last one is hardest to find. I struggled for years before finding my mentor. And by then, I was nearly a captain myself. Better late than never.

That’s why we built Ocean Masters Society — To be the bridge the gap between confusion and clarity. We’re a community of master mariners who believe in helping our brothers and sisters at sea find their footing in this ever-changing industry. Need to know who’s hiring? Call us. Not sure which license you need? Call us. Getting the runaround from the Coast Guard? Call us.

This industry is tough, but it rewards those who stick with it. We’re talking six months off a year. Salaries over $200,000. Running 7,000-horsepower boats. Supporting rocket launches. Seeing the world.

If that gets your blood moving, give us a call. We’ll help you get started on one of the most challenging and rewarding career paths out there.