Q&A for How to Work on a Container Ship

It depends on your country. For most it is age 18, but you may be able to apply earlier with parental consent or by obtaining a special court order granting permission.

These days nothing is secret, everything is in a database. While they may not be able to see the exact crime a person was charged with, they will know of the arrest and conviction for a crime was recorded with a simple search.

Having a felony conviction can impact your eligibility for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), but it doesn't automatically disqualify you. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reviews each applicant's case individually, considering the nature of the felony, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation. You may need to provide documentation of the conviction and rehabilitation efforts and possibly undergo an additional review process. It's best to check the specific guidelines from the USCG or consult a maritime attorney to understand how your situation may affect your application.

It's unlikely, but unpaid or volunteer roles on ships might exist. However, you would likely still need to undergo background checks and security clearances, and may even need to cover some travel expenses. Considering this, you might find it more practical to pursue a paid position. Container ships, in particular, often involve many physically demanding jobs like container lashing.