U-Dub dropout that managed to return after over 10 years and earn two BA's by working as a Merchant Seaman. Sadly, though maybe not so sadly, I'm still working on the ships. After dropping out back in the early 80's, I started working for NOAA on their ships. After 5 years, I quit to join a maritime union. That allowed me to return to school, starting back at Seattle Central and then transferring to the U-Dub. I graduated with the Class of 2000 with degrees in Teaching English and Comparative History of Ideas. I've since switched to another maritime union, the Sailors' Union of the Pacific, and am very happy with that move. It's very comforting to be with an organization that isn't corrupt--especially in these times. I'm still hoping to score a job on one of those ships at Diego Garcia that my union is contracted to. That island has quite the bonefish population, and I've still to string my 8wt with the tropical flyline I got from Wildram007.
As far as recommendations about the job, I'd have to say that it isn't for everyone. The travelling by ship is pretty cool, though the airport scene sucks whenever I have to fly out to a job. The work can be quite dangerous, but people learn to look out for the other person's back. The work can also be rather strenuous, but one gets used to it. The pay is neither a lot nor a pittance. It always seems to be enough--thank God! Meanwhile, it does give me a lot of free time to fish when I'm at home, outside of the obligations of home and family. At the same time, there never seems to be enough time for everything (why is that?). If you are married, have children, or otherwise tied to a needy person, this is not the line of work for you. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be with a woman is independent when I am gone and very loving and understanding when I'm home.
In the end, if you were to ask me in person about my job and the pros and cons, I probably just say, "It's alright, but it ain't what it's all cracked up to be."