Standard generic "Do I want to get into tugboat careers post"...
Hi all- Thought I'd reach out and put this question to folks working in the field...
I'm approaching 50 y/o, just left a 24 year career in the Marine Corps. Have always enjoyed sea time (though I have significantly less of it than your average Marine) and recently returned to rec diving. Realizing that I would love to do work that is more fulfilling and get out of office living, and spend more time on the water.
Here's my biggest challenge: I would love to get into tugs but am "stranded" in California due to divorce and keeping kids close to Mom. What that means is that I am concerned about being able to jump to deckhand pay- I am continuing to network with some part time options among the veteran side of things, but still don't know if I will be able to build a balance where I can keep the bills paid and work towards the needed experience...
Are there ways to build time/experience that I can manage "on the side" and progress towards appropriate licenses?
What are usable resources to help me figure out what pathways are available?
Thanks for any advice, I know this is likely a common topic to surface here and I'd love to learn from you all.
JMB