alt+f4,
I can actually chime in on this one.. I am a graduate of SUNY Maritime, and have a 3rd Asst Engineers lisc, thus a merchant marine.
What would you like to know. I have not sailed on my lisc, but can talk to the training and some limited sea time. As fyi, my wife is a Deck Lisc, works in the industry, and my Brother-in-law is a Captain, and sails.. so from our three experiences, I can probably offer up a whole bunch.
Work is not easy, as you are away for few months and off for a few.. Lot of overtime, and depending on the ship, the work can be difficult. As an officer in the MM, its different from the Navy, as the officers, are the certified workers. You will learn a lot, that is guaranteed. You will have tons of responsiblity. But you must have a love for the sea, nothing beats being in the middle of now where and all you sea is blue, 360 degrees.
Feel free to fire away with questions, as I will be more than happy to answer. This is something that I would never have thought I would have a chance to respond to, specially on this forum..
VR
Alex
PS also a Former Marine. So MM and M
for me.