Try this:http://www.usmma.edu/
My son would like to see about getting a job on the Oil ships that go out for months at a time. I don't have any ideal how I would look something like this up. Is there anyone that can help. I think this would help him alot. He needs to get away from mom and dad but he will not go into the service. He wants to check into this and that is a good sign, thanks sassy
Try this:http://www.usmma.edu/
IT turns out that those large tankers and cargo ships are so automated that they can traverse the sea with just a handful of crew members. They are highly vulnerable to modern day piracy which can end badly. I personally would try to convince my son or daughter to see solitude in some other way. I don't blame him for not wanting to go into the service under the present situation, but he may see some 'action' yet. Have a look at the link below. I know someone wh experienced this danger first hand and it was horrific.
Your son might also look into working for a cruise ship line. They employ thousands in all sorts of capacities on board. I have a single client who works for one of the majors who has done very well. There is opportunity for advancement as well as seeing the world and getting experience you couldnt anyhere else for free. One thing though, dont think for a moment the food served the guests is the same served to the crew! lol
There are a number of ways.
1. Merchant Marine. You may have to go to school for that. Only two I know of in the US are located in LA CA and NY. They pay well the only problem is competition with the foriegn MMs that work for half the pay.
2. You could also try the ocean carriers. Lot's of opportunities with foriegn ships. I.e. Yang Ming, Evergreen, Dole and the like.
3. I agree with Sswede you could work the cruise ships. Working for tips is not too bad either.
The tankers tend to go out with a skeleton crew who are usually very experienced, so unless he has a trade - fitting and turning, electrician, welder - he probably won't get a berth.
In Australia we have jackeroos and jilleroos. These are teenagers (usually) who work on the stations (ranches) for minimal pay but learn how to ride, muster and deal with the day to day management of livestock on a big station. It's hard outdoors work, but if you want to 'toughen up', clear your head and become more self sufficient it's a great way to spend a year (or less). Perhaps they have something similar in the US? Anybody know?